Wedding Planning FAQs

Futtitinni offers three primary levels of founder-led support: Coordination for couples who have planned independently, Planning Partner for collaborative guidance throughout the process, and Full Planning + Design for comprehensive oversight from strategy through execution. Focused consultations and select intimate-wedding and design services are also available.

Start with how much responsibility you want to retain. Coordination is best when your vendors and major decisions are already in place. Planning Partner is designed for couples who want to stay involved but need consistent strategy, accountability, and professional guidance. Full Planning + Design is best when you want one trusted expert managing the complete planning and creative process. We will confirm the best fit after learning about your event, priorities, and current progress.

Coordination focuses on organizing and executing plans you have already made. Full Planning + Design begins much earlier and includes high-level strategy, budget guidance, vendor sourcing, contract review, design direction, logistics, communication, and wedding-day production. Planning Partner falls between those two options and provides ongoing guidance while you remain actively involved in decisions and planning tasks.

Private consultations are $350 and include a 90-minute virtual planning session, advance review of your submitted questions and relevant materials, and a written recap with recommended next steps. One round of clarification questions submitted within seven days is also included. Additional support may be booked separately.

Wedding coordination begins at $4,000. Planning Partner and Full Planning + Design require a larger investment based on the level of involvement, guest count, location, event complexity, and staffing needs. Current starting investments are listed on the Wedding Planning page, and every couple receives a proposal specific to their celebration.

Most of our clients reserve their date approximately 12 months in advance, particularly for peak-season Saturdays. We accept a limited number of events each year, so earlier inquiries provide the best opportunity to secure your preferred date. Availability varies, and we occasionally accommodate weddings on a shorter timeline.

Your date is officially reserved once your agreement has been signed and the non-refundable retainer specified in your proposal has been paid. Retainer and payment schedules vary by service, with the remaining investment divided into scheduled payments leading up to the event.

For events more than 60 miles from Grand Rapids, mileage, accommodations, overnight coverage, and per diem may apply depending on your location and service scope. Any anticipated travel costs will be outlined in your proposal before you book.

Danielle leads the planning, strategy, and creative direction for every Futtitinni Events client. Depending on the scope and logistics of your celebration, trained event professionals may assist with wedding-day setup, coordination, and execution under Danielle’s direction. Your proposal will clearly outline the level of coverage included in your service.

You will receive a structured onboarding experience, access to the appropriate planning resources, and clear next steps based on your package. Coordination clients receive an early foundation session and then move into the active coordination phase closer to the wedding. Partial and full-planning clients begin an ongoing planning rhythm tailored to their timeline.

In many cases, yes. We’re happy to collaborate with professionals you have already selected, provided they are properly insured, responsive, and able to meet the logistical and service requirements of your event. We will identify any concerns that could affect the guest experience or successful execution of the plans. If a vendor cannot meet the necessary professional standards, we may recommend an alternative or clarify which responsibilities fall outside our control.

Yes, but the depth of design support depends on your package. All planning clients receive practical guidance when a visual decision affects layout, logistics, or the guest experience. Full creative direction—including a cohesive design concept, sourcing, material selections, and vendor alignment—is included with Full Planning + Design or available through a separate design scope.

Email is our primary method of communication so decisions, details, and approvals remain organized and accessible throughout the planning process. Scheduled meetings are used for more involved conversations and decision-making. Text messaging is reserved for urgent or time-sensitive communication during the event weekend and is not used for ongoing planning.

Wedding-day staffing is determined by your package, guest count, venue layout, setup requirements, and overall complexity. Danielle remains the lead planner and directs the planning and execution strategy, while trained Futtitinni Events team members may provide portions of the on-site coverage. Tented events, private properties, multiple locations, or extensive setup may require additional team members. Your proposal and final staffing plan will clearly outline the coverage included.

Yes. We create a comprehensive master timeline, confirm the final logistics with your vendors, and distribute the appropriate details to the professional team. The goal is one clear operational plan so vendors, the wedding party, and key family members understand where they need to be and when.

Coordination packages include setup and end-of-night organization for a reasonable amount of client-provided décor and personal items. Large installations, extensive DIY production, floral work, rental installation, room flips, or full venue strike may require additional staffing or a separate professional vendor. We review the complete setup scope in advance so responsibility is clear.

We assess the situation, communicate with the appropriate vendors, and make the most responsible decision available within the agreed plan, budget, and authority. Our role is to anticipate likely pressure points, prepare contingency plans when needed, and keep problems from becoming the center of your experience.

No. Recommendations are made based on your priorities, budget, location, and the needs of your event. You are never required to hire from a predetermined list, although we may advise against a vendor when there are concerns about reliability, experience, or fit.

We intentionally accept a limited number of weddings each year so every client receives focused, thoughtful support. Before booking, we consider availability, scope, expectations, and whether our working styles are a strong fit.

Each proposal outlines the exact services and coverage included. Unless specifically added, planning services generally do not include physical installation requiring specialized labor, floral production, catering duties, transportation of unusually large quantities of personal décor, or responsibilities assigned to another contracted vendor.

Yes, when availability allows. Additional planning support, event staffing, rehearsal coordination, extended coverage, and select concierge services may be added as your plans develop. Added services are confirmed through a written agreement and additional payment.

Yes. Futtitinni Events works throughout Michigan and may travel beyond the state for select celebrations. Events located more than 60 miles from Grand Rapids may require mileage, accommodations, or other travel expenses, which will be outlined before booking.