Looking Inside a Wedding Planner’s Career
- Parris Balazs
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
From the outside, a wedding planner’s career might look like a dream job—surrounded by beautiful florals, Pinterest-worthy tablescapes, happy tears, and champagne toasts. And yes, those moments absolutely exist. But behind the scenes, wedding planning is so much more than timelines and table settings.
After being a part of over 100 weddings, one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that this job is about navigating the full spectrum of human emotion. Every couple brings a different story, every family has its own dynamic, and every wedding is a delicate dance of joy, stress, love—and sometimes, grief. I’ve stood beside brides in the midst of panic attacks, mediated tension between divorced parents, and comforted grooms grieving the loss of someone they love. I’ve felt that kind of loss too—I’ve lost a parent—and I know firsthand how deeply it shapes you. That shared understanding allows me to show up with empathy, to hold space for the hard moments, and to honor what matters most on a day that’s meant to celebrate love in all its forms.
Over the years, I’ve learned how to be a therapist, coach, advocate, and problem-solver—all while making sure the day runs flawlessly. What inspires me most is how, no matter the chaos behind the scenes, I get to help people feel calm, seen, and celebrated on the most important day of their lives. That kind of impact—that kind of trust—is something I don’t take lightly.
But let’s talk about what the job really looks like from a lifestyle perspective.
What the Job Really Looks Like
Being a wedding planner is truly a hybrid career. During the week, I’m in office mode—answering emails, building timelines, updating shared planning workbooks, reviewing contracts, jumping on planning calls, and managing the logistics that keep each event on track. I’m also running a business, which means handling social media, accounting, backend systems, and refining our internal processes to better serve our clients.
Come the weekend, I shift into event execution mode—on site, setting up reception spaces, calming nerves, fluffing dresses, managing vendor teams, and making sure everything flows seamlessly from first look to last dance.
It’s a career that demands flexibility, creativity, and stamina. You’re constantly switching hats—planner, problem-solver, coach, leader—and doing it all with a calm, collected presence. It’s physical, emotional, and mental work all rolled into one. And without clear boundaries, it can easily become all-consuming.
The Importance of Boundaries + Unplugging
One of the most challenging parts of being a wedding planner is finding the balance between being accessible and protecting your own peace. Because we work in both the office and the field, the schedule is anything but traditional. It’s not uncommon to spend 10+ hours on your feet one day, and the next day be catching up on inboxes and timelines from your computer.
To stay grounded, I intentionally carve out space to recharge. Mondays are my “weekend”, and I keep weekday evenings reserved for time with my family. I’ve also committed to my fitness journey to keep my body strong for those long wedding days—and because it gives me mental clarity, too.
We’re Always Learning
One thing I love about this industry is that no two weddings are the same. That means we’re constantly learning—whether it's how to navigate a tricky family dynamic, work with a new vendor team, or troubleshoot a last-minute curveball. Every wedding teaches us something, and each experience helps us grow.
I also believe in staying ahead of the curve. I attend annual wedding business conferences where I get to dive into the latest industry trends, learn about new tools, and connect with fellow planners and pros from across the country. It’s important to me that I’m not just doing things the way they’ve always been done—but that I’m continuously leveling up my business and evolving with what tomorrow’s bride really wants.
More Than a Job
At the end of the day, this career is a calling. It's not just about throwing a beautiful party—it’s about walking alongside people during one of the most emotional, meaningful milestones of their lives. It’s about being their guide, their calm, and their advocate in the moments that matter most.
If you've ever wondered what it’s like to be a wedding planner, know this: it’s not all glamor. But it is deeply rewarding. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Parris Balazs
Certified Wedding Planner
Eventfully Chic by Parris
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About: Eventfully Chic by Parris is a leading wedding planning company in South Carolina dedicated to transforming your dreams into enchanting realities. Owner and lead planner Parris Balazs has built her brand on a foundation of trust, reliability, and a commitment to excellence.
Visit storefronts on The Knot and WeddingWire or visit www.EventfullyChic.com.
