Many couples go into planning their wedding thinking it will be no sweat. We’re organized, they think. We’ve got this covered.

But planning a big event takes masterful, ninja levels of coordinating prowess that we just don’t all have! Luckily, there are wedding planning experts to take the reins and lead the way, like the geniuses at Plan it Perfect Events. 

Founded in 2004 by Cate Paris, Plan It Perfect’s five-person team has got. it. covered. Cate has over fifteen years of experience in the events business, including catering, event planning, and venue management. 

After Cate shifted her focus to the catering side of the business, she brought on Rachel Hoffberger to direct Plan It Perfect. A previous career in construction management turned Rachel into a pro at managing projects with lots of moving parts. (Seriously, you’ve never seen a spreadsheet until you’ve seen a construction spreadsheet.) 

Rachel and her team have done it all, from Katie & Andrew’s rainbow backyard wedding — complete with bounce house — to Cheryl and Mu’s stunning wedding at the Peabody Library. 

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After a free initial consultation with potential clients, the Plan It Perfect wedding coordinators help couples to figure out exactly what they need for their event. They can do wedding day coordination, which includes reviewing vendor contracts, developing the day’s itinerary, and working through ceremony logistics. Plus, they’ll be on site from set up to tear down, keeping everything on track. 

They can also do full planning. They’ll meet with the couple and their vendors as many times as necessary to work through the details. And they can coordinate and design the look and flow of  whole wedding day. 

Plan It Perfect also has their “Plan It Green” service, which helps clients to create an ecologically responsible event. They can lead clients to eco-friendly vendors that will create a low-impact wedding without sacrificing style or class. Ideal for the couple that’s focused on sustainability!

The Plan It Perfect ladies have been the recipients of dozens of industry awards, including five distinct honors from the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE). They’ve had a Plan It Perfect wedding featured in Premier Bride, and they’re a 2020 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice vendor.  

Whether you need a coordinator or not, you should check out their handy blog with tips and tricks for wedding planning. Get advice for tipping vendors, prepare for an enjoyable tasting experience with your caterer, and learn about including (or excluding) kids at weddings. 

And read on to learn a little more about Rachel with Plan It Perfect — her background, her favorite wedding venue, and what she thinks all couples should keep in mind.

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

How did you get started in the wedding industry?

I spent several years working as a construction manager. I loved the Project Management aspect of my job, but I was missing a creative outlet.  I had planned some formal events in college, and I saw how translatable my management skills would be in the event industry.  So I took the plunge and got as much experience as I could with weddings so I could start my own business.

What’s your favorite venue and why?

My favorite venue is the American Visionary Art Museum.  I love how versatile AVAM is, with indoor and outdoor spaces, and it's a blank palette that can be transformed in any way.

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What’s your favorite thing about weddings?

I love when a couple shows who they are through their event.  The personalization of a wedding is what excites me.  I love to hear the guests say, "This wedding is so 'them.'"

What’s the wildest thing a couple has ever asked for?

A father of the bride wanted everything at his daughter's wedding to be a show.  He asked if the signature cocktail could be on fire! So he wanted dozens of drinks to be passed around while inflamed.  We couldn't grant him that request, unfortunately.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen a member of the wedding party do?

The best man had a talent for chugging beer, so he worked it into his toast.  A 20-ounce stein was devoured in about 10 seconds!

What’s the best “little kid moment” you’ve seen at a wedding?

A beach-front wedding resulted in the ring bearer (about 3 years old) taking off his clothes from the waist down and going into the water during cocktail hour.  He was going to be included in the introductions of the wedding party before dinner, so I said something I never thought I'd have to say at a wedding before: "Can we get some pants on Ben, please?"

What’s one thing you wish people knew about working at weddings?

It is glamorized a lot on TV and in the movies, but it's not for the faint of heart.  The whole planning process, as well as the day itself, can be challenging to pull off, and it takes a special skill set to do it well.

What’s your favorite wedding movie and why?

I love The Wedding Singer, mostly because of the amazing soundtrack.  That movie had no reason to be set in the '80's, but I'm convinced it was written that way purely for the music.

What’s your best marriage advice?

Be prepared to pivot with every stage of life.  Your lives together when you get married will not be the same a few years later, or once you have kids, or when jobs change.  Many relationships function differently in the winter than they do in the summer.  Go with the flow, and expect lots of adjustments.