How To Choose a Wedding Planner in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a truly magical place to say “I do.” Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by the sparkling blue of the lake, towering evergreens, and crisp mountain air. The sunsets are breathtaking, and the natural beauty creates a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your special day. A Tahoe wedding is more than just a celebration — it’s an unforgettable experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime. But to make it as magical and stress-free as possible, hiring a Lake Tahoe wedding planner is key.

The right planner will handle the details, coordinate with vendors, and make sure everything runs smoothly so you can focus on enjoying your day. But the real question is how to choose a wedding planner who’s the perfect fit for your vision. Let’s talk about it. 

Who Needs a Lake Tahoe Wedding Planner?

Planning a wedding in Lake Tahoe, especially a destination wedding, comes with a few particular challenges. That’s where a local wedding planner becomes invaluable.

For Destination Weddings

If you’re planning a destination wedding, hiring a local Tahoe wedding planner from the start is essential. They’ll act as your liaison to venues, vendors, and logistics, making sure everything comes together seamlessly, even if you’re planning from afar.

For Local Weddings

Even if you live in the area, a wedding planner can make the process much easier. At Epic Thyme, we:

• Help you choose the perfect ceremony and reception locations.

• Coordinate guest accommodations and transportation.

• Handle unexpected challenges, like weather changes, with ease.

Planning a wedding is a huge undertaking, and no couple should have to carry the weight, stress, and responsibility alone. That’s where Epic Thyme steps in!

How To Choose a Wedding Planner in Lake Tahoe

Not all wedding planners offer the same level of support throughout the planning process. Some planners are day-of coordinators who work with you only in the final three months before your wedding. Others are also designers and can help you conceptualize and execute every aspect of your dream wedding. Some planners have 10 years of experience, while others only have a few. So, how do you choose the right wedding planner in Lake Tahoe for you? Consider these six things. 

1. Your Wedding Budget

Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful and highly sought-after wedding destinations in the United States. However, its small mountain-town charm and limited resources can make it one of the more expensive places to get married in California.

Budget Breakdown:

• Plan to spend about 15% of your wedding budget on your planner.

• A good planner can save you money by negotiating with vendors and helping you prioritize your spending.

Planning a wedding is no small task. Between juggling vendor appointments, managing the budget, and keeping everyone on track, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, the right planner can take care of all of this for you, freeing up your time and energy to enjoy the lead-up to your big day.

At Epic Thyme, we have extensive experience working with local vendors, know the best money-saving strategies, and can help you make the most of your budget.

2. Your Wedding Size and Ceremony

Some Lake Tahoe wedding planners specialize in certain types of weddings. For example, not all planners offer micro weddings or elopement packages. If you’re planning a more intimate affair, it’s important to research planners with experience in smaller ceremonies.

For Larger Weddings:

• Throwing a 300-guest bash is no easy feat.

• Look for a planner who has successfully managed large-scale events.

Before hiring a planner, ask them to share examples of weddings they’ve planned that are similar in size, location, or style to yours. This will give you confidence in their ability to bring your dream wedding to life.

3. Your Wedding Style

Your wedding style is a reflection of your personality, and you need a planner who can bring your vision to life. If you hire a planner with design expertise, like Epic Thyme, you’re in good hands. We can bring any wedding vision to life, from boho-chic to modern elegance.

How To Evaluate a Planner’s Style:

• Look at their past wedding galleries and Instagram page.

• Do their designs align with your vision?

If you love what you see, you’ll feel more confident that your wedding will turn out just as beautiful as you imagined.

4. The Planner’s Years of Experience

Every experienced wedding planner was once a newbie, so hiring someone with less experience isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, with years of experience comes a wealth of knowledge and connections that can make a big difference.

Why Experience Matters:

• Experienced planners know the best vendors and can help you avoid unreliable ones.

• They often have connections that can get you discounts or special services.

• They know how to handle unexpected challenges, like weather changes or timeline delays.

At Epic Thyme, we have over 10 years of experience planning stunning Lake Tahoe weddings. With us, you can relax and enjoy your big day, knowing every detail is being taken care of.

5. The Planner’s Wedding Planning Services

Not every wedding planner offers the same type of services, so it’s important to understand what you need before choosing a wedding planner.

Full-Service Planners:

A full-service wedding planner, like Epic Thyme, handles everything. 

This includes:

• Budget 

• Venue

• Vendors

• Catering 

• Bar

• Cake

• Photography

• Videography

• DJ/Band

• Transportation

• Rentals/Design

• Florals

• Favors

• Officiant

• Beauty

• Stationary

• Wedding Website

• Couples’ Fashion

• Travel and Accommodations 

• Production Staff

• Communication and Meetings

• Set-up/Tear-down

The list goes on, and you can read about each of these tasks in detail HERE! However, not every couple wants a full-service planner, and that’s okay. It’s all about finding the right person to help you with whatever amount of planning support you need.

6. The Planner’s Reviews and Testimonials

Reading reviews and testimonials is one of the best ways to learn how to find a good wedding planner. Past couples’ experiences can give you valuable insight into how a planner operates.

What To Look For:

• Consistent positive feedback from clients.

• Examples of how the planner handled challenges or went above and beyond.

No one is perfect, so don’t be discouraged by a few negative reviews. Instead, look for patterns that indicate whether the planner is a good fit for you.

You can read Epic Thyme’s reviews on WeddingWire and The Knot to hear what our couples have to say about their epic weddings!

Is Epic Thyme the Right Lake Tahoe Wedding Planner for You?

Let’s create your dream wedding! We are so ready to craft a celebration that’s uniquely yours — filled with breathtaking Lake Tahoe views, thoughtful details, and unforgettable moments. From selecting the perfect venue to designing a day that reflects your style and story, we’ll handle every detail with care and creativity. Contact us today, and let’s chat to see if Epic Thyme is the right Lake Tahoe wedding planner for you!