"Your wedding isn't 'just a day.' It's the only day in your life when you'll be surrounded by all of your favorite people from every moment of your life.
It's a day to remember, and it should be a day you actually enjoy planning."
Alexa, Founder of The I DO University
Welcome to
The I DO University
As a wedding venue owner and operator, I have a firsthand look at all the things that go right during a wedding, what can go terribly wrong, what I wish couples knew when booking vendors, what I wish planners didn't miss during the process, and so much more.
What I've noticed about the wedding planning process is that there's often a missing link between the beginning stages of wedding planning when a couple is on their own and the latter stage when their wedding planner actually comes on board to help them. By the time most planners truly start working and communicating with a couple, much of the planning has already been done, and it's within that planning "gap" that I believe most mistakes are made.
It's not your fault. As a first-time engaged bride, you don't know what you don't know, and when no one is there to walk you through the process, Pinterest searches, Google rabbit holes, and ChatGPT "conversations" only go so far ... I get it.
You need answers, you need a step-by-step guide, and you need someone who's there for you *before* your wedding planner steps in.
With that in mind, The I DO University focuses on booking your wedding vendors (who are the most important and the key components to an amazing wedding day) with three main considerations at the forefront:
What's Most Important to YOU?
We often lose sight of what a wedding is really about. It's not about marking off a to-do list; it's about you and your SOS vowing to spend your life together. Pinterest may show you the trends, but are the trends what truly make you happy? Plan a wedding that feels like you, not one that feels like everyone else.
My now husband and I are BIG dance floor people. We didn't care about thanking every single person who came to our wedding (no offense). Instead, we gave a short thank you speech on the mic and asked everyone to meet us on the dance floor. P.S. We had the time of our lives (with the worm and air guitar on debut)!
What Does Your Venue Require?
Here's where things get tricky and most often overlooked. Rarely, and I mean rarely, does a planner go through a client's venue contract. And, let's be honest, there's no way you're going to remember everything you signed off on 9+ months ago. BUT, those things you agreed to? They're actually really important, and they can be the difference in a happy bride vs. an unhappy bride on wedding day.
Sparklers not allowed? You don't want a bare send off. Security payment required? You don't want any last-minute monetary surprises. Table sizes? Those linens need to look like ballgowns, not mini skirts.
What Are the Timelines?
Often considered first, I actually believe #1 and #2 should take precedence over #3. Just because ChatGPT tells you to book a planner 9-12 months before your wedding day, doesn't mean you have to. Shoot, I booked my wedding date based on when my favorite hair and makeup artist was available (because that's what was important to me).
However, booking timelines DO matter, and it's important to keep them in mind. From high seasons and peak dates to vendor popularity to a vendor's ability to take more than one wedding on a given day — many factors play a role in when you should book wedding vendors.
A Note From
Alexa
When I got married in late 2022, my wedding planning experience was anything but easy going.
My family was in the midst of building the wedding venue we now run today (where my fiancé and I were supposed to get married *if the building was completed in time*), and while I did have the help of my sister, she was stretched thin to say the least.
My now husband and I jokingly tell people that unlike most couples who get to go to the spa and the golf course during the week leading up to their wedding, we were laying grass, turf and asphalt (literally).
We thought we were the exception. But what I've quickly realized after three years of running a wedding venue is that everyone is stressed to the max leading up to their wedding. While you may not be building your wedding venue (I don't recommend it), you probably are juggling a full-time job, maybe school, possibly kids, and everything else that life seems to throw at you when you wish it would just stand still.
And, while you may not be able to alleviate all the stress leading up to your wedding, my goal is to make your wedding planning experience as stress-free, straight forward and enjoyable as possible.
Because of this, I’ve turned my expertise into an easy-to-follow system that any bride can use to book their wedding vendors with ease and confidence and start planning (and actually enjoying) the wedding they've been dreaming about for so long.
Actually Enjoy Planning Your Wedding
with The I DO University
Your Non-Spammy Facebook Group
Vendors trying to sell you their services? Past brides trying to pawn off their old stuff? No thanks. Just current brides and past brides offering insight and advice on the ins and outs of wedding planning? Yes, please.
A Podcast Series that's Actually Helpful
Learn the do's and don'ts of wedding vendor booking — the red flags, the green flags, and everything in between — with some laughs to go with it. Plus, episodes are 10 minutes or less (because we know your life is go go go)!
I Said, "Yes!" What's Next? Mini-Course
If you booked your venue, secured your date, and you're ready to begin the vendor booking process but need just a wee bit of guidance, then this mini-course is for you. Save time, energy, and your sanity with a trusted guide.
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