1. Start planning your wedding early. South Asian brides do not even realize they need a planner–however, South Asian Weddings have several events and a planner is almost crucial.
2. Consider hiring a wedding planner. It really does make a huge difference to have a planner. First-time brides generally don’t know what they’re supposed to do and a planner comes in very handy.
3. Use South Asian vendors. Ensure that as a South Asian bride, you have vendors that are experienced and knowledgeable about South Asian weddings & events
4. It is important to have a  rehearsal prior to the wedding ceremony. Although this is atypical for South Asian couples, a wedding rehearsal guarantees that the bride and groom will be more relaxed on their wedding day as they will have more confidence and won’t feel like anything will go wrong on their wedding day

Courtesy of Planning Elegance

Planning Elegance
(888) 244-7235
13337 South St.
Suite 299
Cerritos, CA 90703
info@planningelegance.com

Where are you based out of?

Amy: I am based out of my home in Orange County, however I travel all over Southern California from San Diego to Palm Springs to Los Angeles to The Valley.

How did you get started in the South Asian wedding industry?

Amy: I got started in event planning four years ago when someone had asked me to plan their sweet sixteen.  I had always helped with parties and events through my community for fun and thus people started approaching me for suggestions, ideas, etc. I began planning weddings three and a half years ago which led to the formation of my own even planning business, Planning Elegance.  I also began planning events as a hobby and enjoy my experiences as a wedding planner as I continue to do what I love.

Courtesy of Planning Elegance

What are some mistakes you see most South Asian brides make?

Amy: Brides in generally do not plan far in advance, and I believe it takes at least a good year to allow for adequate planning.  Brides also do not choose vendors that match their style, instead they opt for lower prices with not so good quality. I would suggest to take time in planning your wedding from the beginning so that you can be more relaxed in the end.

What are some of your inspirations when putting together a wedding?

Amy: I am inspired when putting weddings together mainly because of my clients. The couples’ happy reactions at how much I have contributed to their experience are feelings that inspire me to continue to do my job. It is also a great feeling of knowing that the bride and groom and their families needed someone else to be there and couldn’t have coordinated a successful event without my help. Additionally, I continue to work as an event planner because I am continuously doing something different every day and no two weddings are the same.

Do you only cater to only a certain budget?

Amy: I cater to any type of budget—whether it be a couple that wants to save or a couple that wants to splurge. I have built many relationships with vendors over the years that allow me to offer a wide variety of styles and a good range of packages for any client.

What area of wedding planning do you think is your strongest?

Amy: I believe my strongest point is my schedule—I am coordinated and always have a minute by minute agenda. I know that usually weddings aren’t going to go perfectly —but it gives the client peace of mind and allows my team and me to be ready for anything. Also, maintaining good relationships with vendors allows everything to flow like clockwork.What is your weakest area?Amy: I admit that décor is my weakest area of planning; however, I have people on my team that handle décor from centerpieces to draping fabrics—to everything.

Courtesy of Planning Elegance

What has been some of the most memorable weddings that you’ve worked on?

Amy: The most memorable weddings for me have been those where I developed personal relationships with the clients.  For example, I worked on a second marriage for both the bride and groom and they both had children that I became close to.  The entire family was very appreciative of me and my  work.  I also love the outdoor South Asian weddings I have worked on because the pictures turn out gorgeous and all the guets enjoy the natural beauty of being outdoors.

Do you only do South Asian weddings?

Amy: My clientele is composed mostly of South Asian weddings including Indian Hindu weddings, Pakistani/Indian Muslim weddings; however, I also do American weddings—Catholic, Orthodox Jewish, etc.

Courtesy of Planning Elegance