SARAH TAGGART OF A POLISHED PLAN

I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK ONE OF MY FAVORITE WEDDING PLANNERS SOME QUESTIONS THAT MANY OF US WONDER WHEN CONSIDERING EVENT/WEDDING PLANNING. SARAH TAGGART OF A POLISHED PLAN IS ONE OF THE BEST PLANNERS IN NEW ENGLAND & CONNECTICUT. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A UNIQUELY ELEGANT, FLAWLESSLY EXECUTED AND HIGHLY PERSONAL WEDDING- SARAH IS YOUR GAL. CHECK OUT OUR INTERVIEW BELOW!

JKBG: What are some key points that you discuss with clients prior to deciding if you will work together?

ST: The nitty gritty is quite important and really the first thing we discuss: ideal date, ideal location/venue, guest count, budget.

Then we discuss the vision! I always ask for your perfect world scenario- no budget constraints or venue constraints, what does your event look like and (just as important!) feel like for you and your guests!

Lastly, I like to hear from a client what they know about working with a planner and if they already have an idea of the support they know they need. This helps me to build the framework to create a planning partnership that works for them!

JKBG: What are some things in you field/job that just get you super excited?

ST: The “reveal” when the client sees the whole event come together in person! So much joy and gratitude- it is a wonderful natural high!

Interesting, unusual, and unique events….I love a client who hands me a challenge!

The relationships with clients. I so enjoy getting to know each client, it helps me do my job better.

JKBG: What is the moments you enjoy most about your job?

ST: Classic Type A fashion, I love the feeling of productivity when I get things done efficiently and timely for a client and I can literally see (and feel) their pressure, stress, and anxiety melt away! I love feeling helpful and I love, love, love checking things off a to do list!

JKBG: How did you get started in event planning? Is it where you imagined you’d find your career?

ST: I started in event planning as a meeting planner for a conference production company in Boston. I realized how good I was at logistics and planning and on-site management and execution but I missed the creative spark and energy that I thought would come from social event planning. So I left the world of meeting planning to become the event manager at a private country club in Darien, Wee Burn CC. I was there for three years and learned the ins and outs of event planning in a very fast paced environment doing hundreds of events each year!

JKBG: Can you tell us a story about one of your favorite events and why does it resonate with you?

ST: Ohhh, this is hard! So many good ones!

I have to go way back to my second season in business- back to 2012! The wedding of Whitney & Mark! We transformed a cafeteria at a prep school where her father worked and where she grew up visiting her father at work and going to summer camp there. As far as cafeteria’s are concerned, it was certainly nicer than many I had seen but it was a challenge to make such a big space feel warm and inviting. I really jived with Whitney’s design vision and it was so much fun working with her to transform the space. She took on a lot of creative DIYs that were really fun to execute for her. It turned out so beautifully, guests were shocked when they saw the space, and the bride and groom were thrilled with the results. It was such a fun process!

JKBG: What are some of the biggest mistakes you see couples make when planning their weddings?

ST: Asking too many opinions of family and friends. Too many cooks in the kitchen!!! The noise is deafening and clients loose focus of their vision easily. Not committing to a firm rain plan, even if it means putting a deposit down on a rain plan tent or additional staff or whatever! And then scrambling at the last minute because of it! (a planner’s nightmare!!!!) Taking on too many DIYs. Pick a few that are important to you and hire out (or let go of!) the rest.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO SARAH AT A POLISHED PLAN FOR HER TIME ON THIS INTERVIEW. PLEASE CHECK OUT A POLISHED PLAN FOR YOUR EXQUISITE WEDDING PLANNING HERE!