So many of our wedding colleagues are not only talented and organized, but inventive! Most of us had to maneuver our business in 2020 and 2021. I’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Wexler of Emlan Events, who is a first-class planner and adapter!
We met several years ago at an event and kept in touch, both via email and social media. We both saw that the other was working on Martha’s Vineyard, and we reconnected with this new angle. Since Elizabeth repositioned her business, we have been in close touch and speak frequently, sharing resources and encouragement.
I love to brag about the clever people in our industry, and want to share Elizabeth’s talents and positive attitude with you all!
How did you discover your talent?
I think life is all about trial and error and eventually you figure out where you’re meant to be. I started as a waiter for a catering company when I was 18 and basically worked my way up. I quickly realized that I was good with people, a perfectionist, and thrive when doing 100 things at once. Plus, both of my parents are business owners and I always sort of knew I wanted to be like them and own my own company. My journey in the industry, my inherent skills, and upbringing led me here, without even realizing it.
I eventually worked my way up the industry and almost without thinking too much, started my own business. I didn’t even think there were options, it just felt like the natural next step. I remember saying to myself, I can do a great job keeping things organized. After YEARS in the industry working with other companies and planners, I finally went off on my own and owned my talent.
How did your business blossom?
Covid! I know it sounds crazy to say my business blossomed because of Covid, but it’s true. I offer a new kind of planning service – unlike anyone else in the industry. I take no large upfront retainers. My clients pay me on a month-to-month basis, with the option to start and stop whenever. This plan it is perfect for Covid, because clients can work with me for a month and then pause if they need to reschedule, without losing any money.
Plus, the start/stop allows for sheer honesty, which is so important these days. Sometimes I’ll look at my clients and say, let’s take a month off, we’re good for now. And it is that kind of honesty that keeps people coming back and referring new clients.
Do you work alone, or do lead a team?
I pretty much work alone, but have freelancers that assist for wedding days. Many of my micro-weddings I can handle alone (plus during Covid, a smaller team is better – we’ve got to keep our numbers down).
What is your process with wedding clients before the wedding?
Every client is very different. I always start with working out a budget and the venue search. Sometimes I’ll take a few different venues that we’ve discussed and make 2-3 mock budgets. This really helps us in next steps for hiring vendors and understanding how much we have to spend.
Some clients hire me after they have a venue in which case I assist with vendor selection, nitty-gritty details like tent sizing and catering needs, and others hire me one to three months out from their wedding for assistance on floorplans, seating charts, timelines, printables, hotel baskets, etc.
I have never had two clients come to me with the same needs. My goal is to understand their needs and be their partner. It is their day and that is all that matters.
For their wedding, I want them to enjoy the day, stress free. I will do everything in my power for that to happen while maintaining the operational and planning details.
How did you adapt during the pandemic?
My business is a pandemic-built business. My entire business model is based on our needs during Covid. Commitment-free planning – no contractual or financial commitment beyond our clients’ current needs. I think the traditional ways of hiring vendors has changed forever. We all need to provide our clients with flexibility. If we’ve learned anything during the pandemic, it is that life is unpredictable. If we can all be flexible, we can all work together to make magic happen for our clients.
How do you continue to grow as an artist?
I find everyday as a business owner and wedding planner to be rewarding and challenging. I continue to grow daily. By talking to my vendor friends (like you {SB – thanks!}) I learn so much. I challenge myself to market more, put my face out there more, own my expertise and be confident. I also challenge myself to connect with vendors, constantly. Our industry is so social and we’re used to the parties (which I miss dearly) – I need my vendor friends to chat, vet, brainstorm and connect with.
It is hard to be your own partner and sometimes I find myself second guessing or questioning myself. That moment is when I know it’s time to take a break, do some yoga, and be confident in my offerings.
I think it’s all about human connection. I love planning weddings and connecting with people through live experiences. I feel like all of my clients have been my clients for a reason and I want to help see it through that their weddings are memorable, unique and special to them. Sometimes I can get a bit yogi-y to my clients, but it’s just because I want them to breathe, savor each moment, and enjoy the day (it is my job to stress about the details)! Ultimately, I always encourage my clients to remember the end goal – they’re getting married and bringing two families together. And when times get tough or stressful, I remind them to remember their engagement, how happy they were on that day, and quickly, things become a bit less stressful.
Micro Weddings?
I love micro-weddings! Ah, they are so beautiful. There’s been something so grounding and special about the trending move into micro-experiences. First of all, our clients get to spend their budgets in such exciting ways – whether it’s the six-course chef’s tasting dinner, elaborate floral display or a bridal suite with hair and makeup for half their guest list in the hotel room of their dreams (champagne and tea sandwiches, and all) {SB: we LOVE this idea}. It is fun to think of these out of the box, different ideas with our clients, which may not have been possible with larger guest counts.
Book Emlan Events!
Mention SB Beauty’s blog, and we’d be happy to offer you a free consultation – basically 45 minutes of complimentary wedding planning advice! You can check us out on Instagram (@emlan_events) or online at www.emlanevents.com. Email Elizabeth at elizabeth@emlanevents.com to schedule a consultation.