Coffee with Monika
Q+A: WEDDING PLANNING
Monika owns Making Memories Events and Designs, and her services help to provide clients with the wedding experience of their dreams. She is sweet and lighthearted, but she takes her job very seriously and her attention to detail is second to none.
I had the opportunity to sit down with her for coffee at Bespoke in Downtown Wilmington (the cutest coffee spot in town- if you haven’t visited yet, its a must!) and asked her a few questions that can help guide couples as they start the wedding planning process.
WW: Monika, what is your number one advice to couples that are recently engaged?
Monika: Enjoy yourselves! Don’t rush anything too quickly, and take some time to just enjoy this moment in your love story. As you start to consider picking dates, keep in mind that it helps to set your preliminary budget first and pick at least three different date options, as some of your choice vendors may be booked for future dates.
WW: For brides that are looking for ways to stay within their budget, what are a few tips that you have that can help them reduce the bottom line?
Monika: Choosing off-season dates and weekday weddings can help you save. Choosing a venue that allows BYOB options can also reduce costs - an ABC permit is obtained for $50 (it’s a pretty easy process). Opting for more greenery and less florals can also help draw down on costs.
WW: What advice do you have for couples that are starting to make their guest list?
Monika: I always recommend that my couples make their guest list, and then go through and mark each guest as A, B, or C. A is your immediate family and best friends- the ones that would be there even if all you planned was a simple elopement. The B list also has your good friends and family that you perhaps don’t interact with quite as often, but that you would love to have be a part of your big day. The C list might have old neighbors or roommates, etc. that might not be absolutely crucial to your wedding day experience. One of the main factors that increases your wedding expense is the number of guests, so having this list will help you quickly estimate the difference if you start to reach your budget maximum. For reference, most couples can anticipate spending anywhere between $55-95 per guest.
WW: We live in an area that has frequent weather events. How does this affect your approach to planning an event that a couple may intend on having outdoors?
Monika: We always have a Plan B. You can hope for the best but must always plan for the worst, and we take this into account when choosing venues or securing tent rentals. During certain times of the year, the chance of rain can be pretty high and having a backup plan is crucial to ensure that your day is stress free and enjoyable for you and your guests.
WW: What are a few of your favorite venues in the area?
Monika at Malachi Meadows
Monika: That’s a hard question because there are so many beautiful spots in town… But my all time favorite is Malachi Meadows- it’s beautiful and classy, with indoor and outdoor accommodations. It has that gorgeous double stairway, the fountain- everything about it is just so enchanting.
Another venue that reminds me of this same kind of stunning beauty and excellent client service is Slate and Cypress. I had the opportunity to tour their venue with the owners, and it’s nothing short of spectacular. It has tall ceilings with wooden beams and beautiful natural light - it is a must see for couples.
WW: Thank you so much Monika for taking some time out of your day to give our couples some advice and guidance! If you could sum up your mission in one sentence, what would it be?
Monika: My goal with every event that I plan is to bring my client’s vision to life and to design an experience that will create lasting memories of happiness and joy for years to come.
