Planning a wedding can feel like a whirlwind of emotions, decisions, and, yes, a fair share of stress. As someone who has already been through it, I’m here to share my personal journey of planning my wedding in just one year, right here in PNW. From choosing the perfect venue to navigating the unpredictable Seattle weather, I’ve encountered a mix of excitement and challenges along the way. I hope my story can help you in your own wedding planning journey.

The very first step in our wedding planning journey was to figure out the foundational details, which felt like a monumental task all on its own. We had to decide on a budget—something that would give us flexibility without stretching ourselves too thin—and then get a rough estimate of how many guests we wanted to invite. We knew we were aiming for around 200 people, so we had to think carefully about how to accommodate that many guests comfortably. Along with the guest list, we had to consider how long we’d need the venue for, whether we’d need extra time for setup or cleanup, and a whole list of other logistical details. Once we had a clear picture of the basic structure, it was time to dive into the real work: finding a venue. This became our top priority, as we knew that everything else—vendors, catering, decor—would depend on having the perfect place to host our celebration. The Seattle weather also played a huge role in this decision. We had to weigh whether we wanted an indoor or outdoor venue, especially since Seattle is known for its unpredictable climate. We needed a space that would comfortably fit all of our 200 guests, be accessible to everyone, and also provide enough flexibility in case of rain. Choosing the venue felt like one of the most critical steps, and we knew we’d have to be thoughtful and strategic about it.

VENUE : SANDER’S ESTATE

After a lot of research, countless venue tours, and some serious decision-making, we finally settled on Sander’s Estate in Auburn. We were looking for a place that offered a mix of beauty, practicality, and a bit of a rustic charm, and this venue checked all of those boxes. It’s a stunning outdoor location, surrounded by lush greenery, which we knew would provide the perfect backdrop for our ceremony. What really sold us, though, was the combination of the beautiful open-air setting with the added assurance of a tented reception space. Given the unpredictability of Seattle weather, we didn’t want to risk the chance of rain on our big day, and the tent gave us peace of mind, offering shelter without compromising the outdoor feel we were going for. Plus, the venue’s accessibility for our elderly relatives and guests with special needs was a huge plus. Choosing Sander’s Estate ended up feeling like the perfect fit for our wedding day vision, blending nature with a touch of elegance while keeping the practicalities in mind.

FOOD: BLUE RIBBON CATERING

One of the things we discovered early on in the planning process was that Sander’s Mansion had a partnership with Blue Ribbon Catering, which offered a full-service dinner option for events held at the venue. This was a huge relief for us, as catering was one of the most important elements we wanted to get right. After tasting several options and reviewing the menu in detail, we decided to go with some crowd-pleasing, hearty dishes that would keep our guests satisfied. Our main selections included Grilled Rib Cap Steak, as well as Italian-style chicken breast, a deliciously tender choice for those who preferred poultry. On the side, we opted for creamy mashed potatoes and a rich, flavorful risotto—both comfort foods that we knew would be a hit with our guests. The total cost for this full-service dinner package ended up being around $11,000, which was a significant portion of our wedding budget. The reviews we had heard about Blue Ribbon Catering were mostly positive, and on the day of the wedding, the food certainly lived up to the hype. Our guests mentioned how delicious everything was, which made us feel like we made the right choice. However, one small downside was that we weren’t able to take any leftovers home, which was a bit disappointing given how much food we had prepared.

CAKE: WHOLE FOODS and BLUE RIBBON CATERING

Blue Ribbon Catering was also offering wedding cakes as part of their services, which we were excited to explore. During our tasting session, we tried their lemon cake, and it was absolutely delightful—moist, zesty, and bursting with flavor. It was so good that we were tempted to have it as the centerpiece of our dessert offerings. However, after reviewing our budget, we realized it was a bit pricier than other cake vendors we had considered. Ultimately, we decided on a compromise: we ordered a small, beautifully crafted round lemon cake from Blue Ribbon for our cake-cutting ceremony, ensuring that we could still enjoy their exceptional quality. For the rest of our guests, we opted for six half-sheet cakes from Whole Foods, which offered great value and a variety of delicious flavors. The selections included their popular Chantilly cake, rich and indulgent Oreo cake, and a fresh, fruity Strawberry Shortcake. We felt confident that these choices would satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. After all, you can never go wrong with cake from Whole Foods—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!”

DECOR : HOSTING LATELY

The next big task on our list was figuring out the decorations. Initially, we had considered going with Blue Ribbon Catering for both catering and décor, as they offered a package that seemed convenient and comprehensive. However, when we started comparing prices, we found that their decoration services were on the pricier side compared to other vendors. After some research and recommendations, we decided to go with a local hosting company called Hosting Lately. From the moment we reached out, we were impressed with the level of professionalism and personal touch provided by the owner. She was incredibly helpful, guiding us through her inventory of high-quality items, and even offering creative ideas to match our theme. On the day of the event, everything looked so beautiful. The decorations added a special charm and elegance to the space, making it feel warm and inviting for all our guests. Unfortunately, during the cleanup process, a few of her items were accidentally broken by the crew. We were worried about how she might react, but when we informed her, she handled the situation with grace and kindness. She was very understanding and worked with us on reimbursement without making us feel uncomfortable or guilty, which we deeply appreciated.

Overall, the entire experience with Hosting Lately was exceptional, from her friendliness to the quality of her service. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner to help bring our vision to life. If you’re planning any event, big or small, we wholeheartedly recommend her services. You’ll be in great hands!”

HAIR AND MAKEUP: SELF and BELLA RED SALON

When it came to hair and makeup for my wedding day, I initially decided to take a more hands-on approach and do everything myself. I felt confident about my makeup skills since my practice sessions had gone surprisingly well. I spent hours testing out different looks, perfecting the blend of colors, and ensuring everything stayed in place. I was happy with how it all turned out and knew I could recreate the look on the big day without any issues.

Hair, however, was a different story. While I had a vision for a beautiful, elegant updo, achieving it proved to be far more challenging than I anticipated. Despite spending countless hours practicing various techniques and watching tutorials, I couldn’t get it to look polished enough for such an important occasion. Frustrated but determined, I decided to explore other options and started searching for wedding hair specialists. Unfortunately, I discovered that most professionals only offered hair services bundled with makeup packages, which I didn’t need and couldn’t justify in my budget.Just when I was starting to feel discouraged, I stumbled upon Bella Red Salon and decided to reach out. Thankfully, they were able to accommodate me with a last-minute booking for a hair-only appointment. On the day of the wedding, the stylist at Bella Red Salon worked her magic and created a stunning updo that was exactly what I had envisioned—elegant, timeless, and secure enough to last throughout the celebration.

Looking back, I’m so glad I made the decision to trust a professional for my hair, as it took a huge weight off my shoulders and allowed me to fully enjoy the day without worrying about touch-ups or mishaps. Bella Red Salon truly saved the day, and I couldn’t recommend their services enough for anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality salon experience.”

DRESS : AVERY AUSTIN

I have searched for dresses at in-person boutiques, but I couldn’t find a style that truly resonated with me. The experience was also a bit overwhelming and even embarrassing at times, as I felt self-conscious with people watching me try on the dresses. The pressure of being observed while making such an important decision made it difficult to focus on what I really wanted. After some research, I discovered several online shops that offer a convenient “try-at-home” options, allowing customers to choose 3-5 dresses and try them on for a week at a cost of only $5-10 per dress. This approach sounded perfect for me, as it offered privacy and flexibility to make the decision in my own time. I took full advantage of this service and ordered a variety of dresses, turning the experience into a fun and intimate event at home with my family and future in-laws. It was such a special moment to share with them, and after trying on several options, I found my perfect dress through Avery Austin.

SUIT : MEN’S WAREHOUSE

For the suits for my husband and the groomsmen, we decided to take a straightforward and practical approach by renting from Men’s Wearhouse. After weighing our options, we realized it would be both easier and more cost-effective to rent all the necessary pieces rather than purchase them outright. Renting allowed us to ensure that everyone had a coordinated and polished look without the hassle of shopping for individual items or worrying about alterations. The rental package included everything we needed—suits, shirts, shoes, vests, and ties or bowties—making the process seamless and stress-free. It was a convenient solution that kept us within our budget while ensuring everyone looked sharp and stylish for the big day.

FLOWERS : KARRIE MICHELLE FLORAL DESIGN

Flowers ended up being the most stressful part of the wedding planning process for me. I couldn’t believe how expensive they were! Initially, I looked into a package that Blue Ribbon offered, but it didn’t seem worth the steep price. On top of that, they didn’t provide a clear picture of what flowers we’d be getting or the exact style they would create. It felt risky to commit such a significant amount of money to something so uncertain, especially for a day as important as our wedding. The thought of potentially being disappointed added a lot of anxiety to the process. Thankfully, my sister stepped in and found Karrie Michelle Floral Design, which was an absolute lifesaver. Karrie’s pricing was much more reasonable, and she gave me examples of her previous work, which I loved. Her transparency and ability to match my vision made all the difference.

I decided not to go too elaborate on the floral arrangements since flowers don’t last long and felt it wasn’t worth splurging on something so temporary. Still, Karrie managed to create beautiful designs that added just the right amount of elegance and charm to our day without going over the top. One great tip I heard is that if you donate your flowers to charity after the wedding, it could be tax-deductible. It’s such a lovely way to give those arrangements a second life while also benefiting a good cause.

PHOTOGRAPHER : SAM & SOLA

The photographer we decided to go with was a renowned husband-and-wife duo, Sam and Sola. Their reputation for capturing stunning, timeless moments is well-deserved, and we already knew the quality of their work firsthand, as they had taken our engagement photos. From the beginning, their attention to detail and ability to make us feel at ease stood out. While their pricing was on the higher side, we felt it was an investment worth making—after all, photos are one of the few lasting keepsakes from a wedding, and we wanted to ensure ours would be nothing short of amazing.

Sam and Sola went above and beyond to provide consultations during the planning process, where we discussed our vision and planned out every detail. They took the time to understand what we wanted, from specific poses to candid moments we hoped to capture. When the big day arrived, they brought all those ideas to life with such ease and professionalism. Their guidance throughout the day was invaluable, as they helped us pose naturally, showed us how to smile without it feeling awkward, and even gave tips on where to place our hands for the best angles. Their calm and supportive demeanor made us feel completely comfortable in front of the camera, which is no small feat when emotions are running high.

The final photos exceeded our expectations—they were absolutely breathtaking. Each image told a story and perfectly captured the joy, love, and magic of the day. It was clear that Sam and Sola have a true passion for their craft. If you ever need photographers for a special occasion or even just a mini photoshoot, I can’t recommend them enough. Their artistry and professionalism make them worth every penny. However, because they’re so high in demand, make sure to book them well in advance to secure your spot!

DJ : DJ ROCRYTE

The DJ we chose for our wedding was DJ ROCRYTE, a highly regarded talent in the Seattle area. His reputation precedes him, as he’s not only a favorite for weddings and events but was also the official DJ for the Seattle Mariners.

We didn’t provide him with much detail or a specific playlist for the reception, as we wanted to keep things relaxed and let him work his magic. Amazingly, he somehow managed to intuitively play all the songs we loved and blended them seamlessly into a set that kept the energy high and the dance floor packed all night. His talent for reading the room and playing exactly the right song at the right time was remarkable, and he created an atmosphere that had everyone in great spirits. During the reception, we kept hearing compliments from guests about how phenomenal the music was. DJ ROCRYTE knew how to cater to the diverse crowd, making sure everyone—from young kids to older relatives—felt included and entertained. He also made sure to incorporate crowd favorites and took song requests effortlessly, keeping the energy flowing throughout the evening.

If you’re ever looking for a DJ who can elevate your event and bring people together through music, I can’t recommend DJ ROCRYTE enough. He’s a true professional with an incredible gift for creating unforgettable moments, and his experience shines through in every aspect of his performance. Just be sure to book him early—his popularity means he gets booked fast!

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THE BAD : REGRETS

Although the wedding day itself went smoothly and was filled with beautiful memories, the planning process wasn’t without its fair share of hiccups and challenges. As much as we tried to prepare for every detail, there were still unexpected issues that cropped up along the way. 

1. We made the unfortunate mistake of not thoroughly reading the fine print in the contract from Blue Ribbon Catering and Sander’s Estate. At first glance, the pricing seemed reasonable, but we overlooked some crucial details that ended up adding significantly to the final bill. One of the biggest surprises was their 22% service fee, which we hadn’t fully accounted for during our budgeting. To make matters worse, the 10% state tax was applied after the service fee was added, essentially compounding the cost.This unexpected expense caught us off guard and was a hard lesson in the importance of carefully reviewing contracts and asking detailed questions before signing.
2. The tent offered by the venue does not have sides, which means that if you’re expecting cooler weather, you’ll need to pay an additional charge for the sides to be added, and the same goes for tent heaters, which are also an extra cost. This lack of consideration for different weather conditions, without any clear upfront information, was frustrating. Unfortunately, the venue and wedding coordinator were not transparent about the pricing. They kept adjusting the prices, sometimes providing new costs each time we inquired, which felt very misleading. The pricing was inconsistent and unclear, leading to a lot of confusion and frustration. There was no clear breakdown or honesty about what was included in the package, leaving us feeling like we were being taken advantage of at every turn.
3. The wedding coordinator made a major error when it came to the seating arrangements for the reception. Despite the clear instructions we provided, our immediate families were seated in the very back of the venue, far from the front where they should have been. This was incredibly frustrating, as these were the people closest to us, and they deserved to be seated in a more prominent and comfortable spot. The seating mix-up created an awkward situation during the reception, as we had to ask several of our seated guests to stand up and switch seats. Not only was this embarrassing for everyone involved, but it also disrupted the flow of the evening and made the atmosphere feel uncomfortable and disorganized. It was a disappointing oversight that added unnecessary stress to an already emotional and important day, and it was clear that the coordinator hadn’t double-checked the seating chart or communicated effectively with the team.
4. We made a big mistake by hiring the day-of coordinator, and it ended up being a source of major stress throughout the entire planning process. Along with the issues we’ve already mentioned, such as miscommunication and mishandling of the seating arrangements, she also demonstrated a lack of professionalism and urgency. As our wedding day drew closer, we found ourselves struggling with her delayed responses to our emails and phone calls. Weeks would pass without any communication from her, even when we had important questions or needed clarification on final details. This lack of timely communication was particularly frustrating, given that our wedding date was rapidly approaching. With so many last-minute decisions to make and logistics to finalize, we expected a more hands-on, reliable coordinator who would be proactive and on top of things. Instead, we were left feeling neglected and anxious, wondering if everything would come together in time. The lack of responsiveness only added to our stress, and in hindsight, we realize that having a more engaged, reliable coordinator would have made a world of difference in ensuring our day went smoothly.

All in all, despite the challenges we faced, our wedding came together beautifully, and we were fortunate enough to work with several amazing vendors who contributed greatly to making the day memorable. We had a fantastic photographer who captured every special moment, a talented caterer who wowed everyone with the food, and a DJ who kept the energy high all night. It was truly a team effort, and we couldn’t have asked for better professionals to help bring our vision to life. Planning the wedding was definitely quite the journey—one that was filled with a rollercoaster of emotions: moments of happiness, anxiousness, uncertainty, and pure joy. From the excitement of choosing the perfect venue to the last-minute adjustments, every moment added to the overall experience.

In the end, though we encountered some hiccups along the way, I’m happy to say that my husband and I had a wonderful time, and so did our guests. The love and support we felt on our special day made all the struggles worth it. Looking back, one of the biggest lessons I learned through this entire process was the importance of a reliable and efficient day-of coordinator, and how impactful they can be in either making or breaking the flow of the event. A good coordinator can ease your stress and ensure everything runs smoothly, while a poor one can lead to chaos and unnecessary frustration. This is something I will certainly keep in mind if I ever plan an event again. All in all, my wedding planning experience in the Seattle area has been a mix of highs and lows, but ultimately, it was an unforgettable journey that I’m grateful for. Thank you so much for reading and letting me share my experience!