From Binders to Apps: The Changing Face of Wedding Planning Over the Past Two Decades
Wedding planners are an essential part of the wedding industry, helping couples to plan and organize their big day. But what has changed for wedding planners over the past two decades? Jennifer Lopez has been all over my fyp after she announced the 20 year follow up to “This Is Me”. So, I started thinking, how different are wedding planners today than they were 20 years ago? Here, we take a look at some of the biggest differences between a wedding planner today and one from two decades ago.
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Technology
One of the most significant changes for wedding planners over the past 20 years has been the rise of technology. Today, wedding planners are expected to be proficient in a range of technology tools and platforms, from wedding planning software to social media. This allows them to manage every aspect of the planning process, from creating budgets and timelines to communicating with vendors and guests.
Twenty years ago, a wedding planner would likely have relied on paper documents and manual processes to plan a wedding. They may have used a notebook (or several!) or a binder to keep track of details, and they may have spent a lot of time on the phone or in person communicating with vendors and guests.
2. Destination Weddings
Another key difference is the rise of destination weddings. Today, many couples are choosing to have their wedding in a destination location, whether that's a tropical island, a mountain resort, or a European city. And while this has always been around for elopement-style size guest lists, the celebrations hosted in these locations are actually growing larger. This presents new challenges for wedding planners, as they must be able to plan and coordinate a wedding in a location that may be far from their own.
Twenty years ago, destination weddings were less common, and wedding planners were typically focused on planning weddings in their local area. They may have had some experience with planning weddings in other locations, but it was not as common as it is today. It is no secret that our world is getting smaller, so the demand to plan important wedding details from anywhere, is growing.
3. Sustainability
A third significant change is the increasing focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness in the wedding industry. Today, 21st century couples are looking for more ways to reduce their environmental impact and to incorporate sustainable practices into their wedding day, than they did in the early 2000s. This means that wedding planners must be knowledgeable about sustainable options and be able to help couples make eco-friendly choices. This includes reducing the distance from the farm to the table, how wedding elements are packed and shipped, and what materials are used to create the decor and stationery for the big day.
Twenty years ago, sustainability was not as big of a focus in the wedding industry. Couples may have been interested in eco-friendly options, but there were fewer options available, and the concept of sustainability was not as widely understood. Some wedding planners may not have had as much experience or knowledge in this area.
Overall, the role of a wedding planner has changed significantly over the past 20 years. In more ways than a single blog post could highlight. Today's wedding planners are expected to be proficient in technology, to be able to plan destination weddings, and to have knowledge about sustainable options. These changes have made the job of a wedding planner more challenging and more exciting than ever before. If you’re looking for a professional wedding planner in Houston to help put your big day together, reach out to me to schedule a consultation, I’d love to discuss your wedding vision!
