By Kristin Sullivan, Guest Contributor
Planning a wedding is one of life’s most cherished journeys, but behind the scenes it can quickly become overwhelming. From timelines and vendor coordination to design logistics and guest experience, the intricacies of a luxury wedding demand more than Pinterest boards and good intentions. At The Alice, and from the lens of a seasoned wedding planner turned venue manager, I have seen it all. And I can confidently and without any doubt say this, “A full-service wedding planner is not just a luxury, it is a necessity.”
From the Venue’s Point of View
As a luxury waterfront wedding venue, our role is to provide a breathtaking canvas—lush landscapes, seamless flow, five-star amenities, and an unforgettable setting. But when it comes to execution, logistics, and guest management, a venue is not equipped to act as a full time on on-site coordinator, stylist, timeline manager, or emergency fixer. That’s where a full-service planner steps in.
A professional wedding planner ensures that:
- The vision is brought to life with precision | they translate abstract ideas into tangible results without putting pressure on the venue staff to step outside their scope.
- Timelines run smoothly | from vendor load-in to breakfast send-offs, a planner orchestrates every moving part with grace and professionalism.
- Expectations are aligned | planners bridge communication between the couple and the venue, ensuring that no detail is lost or misinterpreted.
- Vendors are vetted and managed | venues work with planners to know who delivers on quality, who communicates well, and who’s best suited for a luxury celebration.
- Crisis management is handled quietly and efficiently | if something goes off-script, the planner is the one quietly solving it, without disrupting the flow of your event or your guest experience.
For venues like The Alice, partnering with a professional planner means we can stay focused on what we do best; hospitality, ambiance and making sure the property is showcased to perfection.
From a Former Wedding Planner’s Perspective
After planning destination weddings for over 25 years, I know firsthand what it takes to deliver a flawless celebration. A full-service planner doesn’t just make things pretty, they protect your investment, manage your stress, and ensure every vendor, detail, and moment is intentional and elevated.
Here’s what many couples do not realize:
Venue staff are not wedding planners. They won’t create your timeline, cue your music, pin on boutonnieres, wrangle the wedding party, or steam your veil.
Your friends and family should not be responsible for logistics. Your mom, sister, or best friend shouldn’t be on the phone with the band, setting chargers on tables, or wondering where the florist is.
Last-minute surprises happen…often. From weather shifts to power outages to misplaced rings; when something goes wrong, a full-service planner ensures you never even know it happened.
Design and execution are two different things. Anyone can create a Pinterest board and choose a color palette. A planner ensures the chairs are placed perfectly, the lighting is romantic, the ceremony transitions seamlessly, and that you feel supported every step of the way.
Having been on both sides, as a planner and now a venue manager, I have witnessed what a difference it makes when a seasoned, insured and dedicated professional is leading the charge. Weddings are complex, beautiful productions. And like any great production, they need a director.
Final Thoughts
At The Alice, we require every couple to hire a licensed, insured, full-service wedding planner. This is not about control, it is all about collaboration. When everyone stays in their lane, magic happens. We get to do what we do best. Planners get to work their magic. And couples? They get to fully enjoy one of the most meaningful times of their lives with confidence, joy and peace of mind.
In the world of luxury weddings, experience matters. And trust me, you’ll never regret hiring the right planner partner.
Kristin Sullivan | General Manager of The Alice, a Destin, luxury waterfront venue, and an expert in destination weddings and retreats.
