At Synced Spaces, we’re always on the prowl for the best ways to organize everything in your life. I want to introduce you to someone I can’t get enough of on Instagram right now, Jessica McTaggert, owner of Pink Champagne Events. (Follow her now, you won't regret it.)
Jessica McTaggert
Owner, Pink Champagne Events
Jessica is a wedding and event planner extraordinaire, and has seen it all. I pried her for some organizing tips for that special day. Heads up brides! This one’s for you…
Tell us a little about yourself.
I love living in the Mile High City with my husband (of 9 years!) and our two sons. When I'm not working with my discerning and sophisticated clients, our little family is spending time together enjoying the outdoors, exploring the Rockies, or going to football and baseball games.
Why do you love what you do?
I love helping people’s vision and grand idea come to life. Most brides don’t organize things for a living so the wedding can be really stressful. I like to jump in and help them with all those tasks.
What are three things we can find in your purse on a daily basis?
Lotion, business cards, and bobby pins and hair ties.
What’s your biggest organizing pet peeve?
Multiple lists! I love a cohesive list, but I don’t love list on top of list on top of list. I’m addicted to Google docs. They’re such a good way to keep track with clients.
What is the most organized thing in your life?
My calendar is super organized because it has to be. Make sure to color coordinate and stay on top of any changes in appointments. If you use a digital calendar make sure to invite others to any meetings you have, even if they’re personal.
What’s the least organized thing in your life?
My personal life. I have kids so that keeps me on the edge of my seat.
What are your top event planning must-haves?
My software systems (Honeybook and IDo Planner), my calendar, addictive attention to organization, and y emergency kit!
What are three things you can't live without on the day of a wedding?
Chapstick and water are the most important (for me, personally). rom there, definitely my phone since I'm the point of contact for all vendors, wedding party, family and the couple. Lastly, it has to be my timeline and floor plans.
What are three things brides can't live without on wedding day?
This is a tough one, as each bride is different. Generally, the support of their friends and family is paramount. I also highly recommend reliance on the professional vendors on their team. And finally, their beloved. I always find that brides aren't 100% themselves and relaxed until they're able to be with their fiancé/husband!
What kind of tricks do you use to keep the wedding party (outside of the bride and groom) on top of everything?
I always find a "bossy" bridesmaid and make her my best friend! There's one in every party. I run through the entire day’s events with her and ask for her help in making sure the 'maids and gents are where they're supposed to be when they're supposed to be there. I also exchange phone numbers with the Maid-of-Honor and Best Man so I can reach out and keep them on track.
What advice do you give brides to keep all their invitations in order?
Spreadsheets, spreadsheets, spreadsheets! Make a mass list right after you get your guest list finalized and stay on top of them. Set appointments with yourself every week to go over the list and update it.
How about gifts and thank-you notes?
Create a tracking system and log gifts received, from whom, and write those thank-yous right away! Buy all the supplies you need right off the bat: thank-you notes, stamps and preaddressed envelopes. I always advise all brides to get those thank-you notes out the door on a rolling basis and no longer than 7 days after you receive the gift.
What advice do you give to all your clients?
Focus on the day's meaning. The only people who will know something went wrong or differently than planned are the couple and the vendors. No one else will have any idea!
Here are some of the top apps we suggest to help you get the job done:
- For To-Do Lists: Evernote, Trello
- Invitations and thank you notes: Wedding Guest Book by The Knot
- Seating chart: All Seated
Need inspiration?
Capture the moment:
- Veri
