Elizabeth Bliss Events: The Q&A followup you’ve been waiting for!
Hey, Bride —
Remember how I told you about Elizabeth Bliss Events and why I thought they were the kind of planner every Iowa bride should know about? Well, I got to chat with Lauren herself (yes, the woman behind the magic!), and let me tell you… she’s every bit as calm, organized, and thoughtful as you’d hope the person running your wedding day would be.
I asked her all the questions brides really want answered — like how she handles wedding-day chaos, what her planning process looks like, and how she helps couples stay on budget without losing their dream vibe. Here’s what she had to say:
1. What’s your process from day one until the wedding day? How do you onboard couples?
From day one, I focus on getting to know you as a couple—your story, your priorities, and what matters most on your wedding day. We start with an in-depth consultation where we go over your vision, style, and any must-haves. From there, I build a customized planning timeline, help refine vendor selections, and keep everything organized in one streamlined system. Whether you’re booking full planning or day-of coordination, I make sure every detail is clear and every step is stress-free. By the time the wedding day arrives, we’ve already walked through the flow together so you can relax and just enjoy.
2. How many weddings do you usually book in a year, and how many will you be handling the same weekend as mine?
On average, my team and I book around 20-25 weddings a year, depending on the season. Because we’re a multi-planner team, I’m intentional about balancing our schedule so each couple gets the attention they deserve. On any given weekend, we’ll only take on one wedding—meaning you’ll always have a dedicated planner focused on your wedding for the entire weekend!
3. Do you work with a core set of preferred vendors (florists, photographers, rentals) or allow full vendor choice?
I have a wonderful network of trusted vendors that I love recommending because I know their quality and professionalism. That said, I never limit my couples’ choices—you’re free to bring in the florist you’ve always dreamed of, your cousin’s band, or a unique rental company. My role is to make sure every vendor—preferred or not—fits seamlessly into the overall plan.
4. How do you handle communication — how often will you check in, and through what method (email, calls, in-person)?
Communication is a huge part of what sets us apart. From the moment you book, I set up monthly check-ins with my couples so you always feel supported and on track—whether your wedding is a year away or just a few months out. Many planners only schedule meetings at 90 days, 30 days, and 2 weeks before the wedding, and while we do those as well, the difference is that you’ll be hearing from me consistently throughout the entire planning journey. During our check-ins (via email, video call, phone, or in-person depending on your preference), we’ll go over updates, upcoming to-dos, and make sure everything is moving smoothly. I also use planning software to keep timelines, contracts, and checklists organized and accessible anytime you need them.
5. What kinds of design styles or aesthetics do you feel strongest in / prefer to work with?
I truly love working with all kinds of styles—from timeless and elegant to bold and modern—but what excites me most are the weddings that feel deeply personal. I’ve coordinated everything from Halloween-inspired celebrations to Harry Potter–themed weddings, and even have a Renaissance festival wedding coming up. While I enjoy every aesthetic, it’s those unique twists and personal touches that make a wedding unforgettable. At the end of the day, my favorite style is the one that reflects you—bringing your vision to life in a way that feels authentic, intentional, and elevated.
6. On the day-of, what does your team look like? What will you be doing while I’m off enjoying my photos or cocktail hour?
On wedding day, you’ll see me (and often an assistant) managing everything behind the scenes. While you’re enjoying photos or cocktail hour, I’ll be checking in with vendors, making sure the reception space is set perfectly, troubleshooting anything unexpected, and keeping the timeline on track. My goal is that you never even notice the moving parts—only that everything flows beautifully.
7. How do you handle unexpected problems (vendor cancellations, weather, timeline changes)?
This is where experience really shines. Over the years, I’ve handled just about everything—tornado warnings, literal fires, blizzards, vendor no-shows, and even a venue’s AC going out on one of the hottest days of the year. Because of that, I always build backup plans into the timeline and prepare for “what ifs” well before the day arrives.
When the unexpected does happen, my goal is simple: you’ll never know until there’s already a Plan B in place. Whether it’s shifting the ceremony indoors, reassigning vendor tasks on the fly, or rearranging the timeline to buy us breathing room, I step in quickly and calmly so the day continues to feel seamless.
A huge part of this is staying calm and collected under pressure. Managing the stress of something going wrong is a skill that only comes with experience, and it’s one I’ve worked hard to develop. My couples get to stay fully present in the moment, while I quietly handle whatever’s happening behind the scenes.
8. What does your payment schedule look like — deposits, milestone payments, final balance?
I require a deposit upfront to secure your date, and from there we set up a monthly payment plan leading up to the wedding. That said, I know every couple’s financial situation looks different, so I’m flexible with how payments are made. Some couples prefer to pay everything upfront, others send in larger chunks at certain times, and many stick with the monthly plan. Paying for a wedding can feel overwhelming, so I try to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible—flexibility is key so it’s one less thing you have to worry about during planning.
9. Can you walk me through a wedding you loved (and why)?
One wedding that will always stay with me was a three-day celebration in May a few years ago that turned into the most magical winter wonderland. The couple chose a terracotta color palette that was going to be beautiful against the greenery in the Colorado mountain setting, but what was unexpected was the 3 day blizzard that hit us the day before the wedding!
The property was spread across three main spaces: a cozy lodge where guests were served dinner, a dining hall that hosted cocktail hour and dancing, and even a gym we completely transformed into a kids’ area. Surrounding it all were little cabins scattered throughout the camp, where guests and vendors stayed together for the weekend. From the moment guests arrived on Friday, light snow flurries began falling and didn’t let up—it created such a cozy, intimate atmosphere. After all, how often do you get to spend your entire wedding weekend surrounded by friends and family just steps away?
The morning of the wedding, the snow was still falling, blanketing the mountains in a breathtaking scene. Deer wandered through the camp, adding to the enchanted feeling (thankfully no bears made an appearance!). The venue owners, Brent and Tanja, went above and beyond—shoveling over two feet of snow off the roads and walkways so everything stayed accessible. I’ll never forget waking up on the wedding morning to find Brent had shoveled a path from my cabin to my car and even cleared the snow off my windshield. That thoughtful gesture spoke volumes about the care they put into the guest and vendor experience.
Despite the blizzard, the entire weekend felt warm, intimate, and magical—like something straight out of a Hallmark movie. It was a true reminder that sometimes the unexpected creates the most memorable moments.
10. What is something you wish couples always asked, but seldom do?
I wish more couples asked, “What can we do to make planning less stressful for ourselves?” Because my answer would always be: trust your planner, lean on your vendors, and don’t sweat the small stuff. At the end of the day, your guests will remember the love and joy, not whether the napkins were folded in a triangle or rectangle.
11. How do you ensure your couples stay within budget while still getting a big impact?
I help couples identify their top priorities early on, so we know where to splurge and where to save. I also recommend vendors who align with your vision and budget, and I love finding creative ways to repurpose décor or add impact without extra cost. It’s about being intentional—spending where it matters most to you.
My Takeaway for You
After hearing her answers, I feel like this is exactly the type of person you want in your corner on such an important day. A wedding planner isn’t just someone who keeps the timeline moving — they’re the calm voice, the problem-solver, the one who makes sure you don’t even know something went wrong until long after it’s been fixed.
If you’re still deciding whether to hire a planner or coordinator for your Iowa wedding, I’d say this: Elizabeth Bliss Events offers that sweet spot between professional expertise and personal connection. And honestly? That’s priceless.
Let’s show her some love!
Go check them out if you haven’t already. I think you’ll feel the same way I do — like, “Okay, yes, she gets me.”
Website: https://www.elizabethblissevents.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_bliss_events/
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XOXO,
Stacia
