Frequently Asked Questions

Because planning a wedding is a full-time job and for most people, it’s their first time. You hire trusted professionals for other areas in your life (carpenters, plumbers, etc.), and planning a wedding is no different.

We pride ourselves on being professional, fun, and exceeding your expectations. Hiring our team ensures things run smoothly, all details are captured, and there is no stress on your big day!

1. Why hire us? Are you the right planner for me?

2. What venues have you worked at or are you booked to work at this year?

We work at venues of all sizes around the Triangle and beyond. We’ve been fortunate enough to have worked in or currently booked to work at the following venues:

- Highgrove Estate at Laurel Lake (Fuquay-Varina, NC) 

- The Oaks at Salem (Apex, NC)

- The Meadows at Firefly Farm (Raleigh, NC)                 

- All Saints Chapel (Raleigh, NC)

- Lavender Oaks Farm (Chapel Hill, NC)                         

- Chatham Station (Cary, NC)

- Historic Wakefield Barn (Wake Forest, NC)                   

- The Fairview (Raleigh, NC)

- Brick & Mortar (Clayton, NC)                                       

- Oakland Farms (Bear Creek, NC)

- The Grand Marquise Ballroom (Garner, NC)                 

- Walnut Hill (Raleigh, NC)

3. Where are you based? Do you travel?

We are based in Raleigh, North Carolina, but travel all over North Carolina, along the eastern seaboard or anywhere our wonderful couples bring us. 

4. Do you work with clients who live out of town/state?

Absolutely! We love working with couples who live out of town or out of state to keep things on track while you live your best life- wherever life has taken you.

5. Do you work with LGBTQ couples?

Of course. We’re happy to serve any and all couples as they celebrate their love for one another.

6. What's the difference between you and a venue coordinator?

In our experience, venue coordinators are responsible for overseeing the space, set up, and venue-specific logistics, while an outside planner manages all logistics and details across the wedding team (including the venue coordinator and all other vendors coming together to make your day perfect!).

7. How does the payment work?

We ask for a $500 non-refundable deposit along with a signed contract to hold your event date. After that, most of our couples pay 50% of the remaining balance 60 days prior to the event, and the remaining balance is due 30 days prior. Payments plans can also be easily created and customized by couple as long as the full balance is paid 30 days prior to the event. *Please ask about our micro and pop up wedding package payment structure.

8. When is my planner assigned?

For the best experience possible, your planner is assigned according to which package is selected. Event management couples are assigned a planner four months out from the event date, and meet with them in person at the three-month mark. Planning with our team begins right away for all other packages, so planners are assigned within the first two weeks of booking.

If booking a partial or complete planning package with us before your date is reserved at a venue, your planner will be assigned once your date is solidified.

9. What’s included in the complete planning check-list?

The complete planning check-list is 20+ pages of wisdom in an easy check-list form. There are a lot of versions available online, but we’ve created one based on our 10+ years of event experience, along with tips and tricks. As an added bonus, we customize the list with suggested due dates for each item, based on your event date. 

10. How do you choose your recommended vendors?

Vendors we recommend are industry experts that we’ve worked with in the past and know will provide a wonderful experience for you and your guests. We try to offer a small variety of styles and price points for each area of your wedding so you can choose the best team for your perfect day. 

11. What happens if my planner is sick on the day of my event?

This has only happened once in over 500 events (knock on wood!), but is a great question. The best part of being part of a team is that everyone at Southern Skies Events is in the loop, has access to planning documents, and has the trusted experience to step in day-of if necessary.