Whether you are looking for a full-service wedding designer or someone to assist with details on your wedding day, hiring a planner or coordinator is a great move for any engaged couple! Bentley Bates of honey b. works with couples so they don’t have to worry about a thing on their day — just celebrating! See how she got her start in the industry and what she believes are next in wedding trends.
Q: Let’s get to it, what’s honey b.’s specialty?
A: Wedding Planning + Day of Coordination
Q: Where can we find you?
A: Based out of Excelsior, MN. Work all around the Twin Cities Metro Area + Beyond. Willing to travel!
Q: Tell us when and how your business began.
A: I started at the end of July/early August in 2020. I noticed that couples needed my help because a wedding can be stressful in general, especially during a Pandemic, but it doesn’t have to be.
Q: What makes honey b. unique from others?
A: I started honey b. with the mindset of being different. After working in the industry, I’ve noticed what I liked + what I disliked about how people were treated with the quality of service. I am a planner, designer, but most importantly, their friend first + foremost. By combining creativity with my designs + experience with compassion goes a long way in the wedding industry.
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?
A: I’ve been in the wedding industry for about 6 years. I started my career working with bridal couture + absolutely fell in love. I wanted to immerse myself further into weddings + I’ve worked everywhere from bridal boutiques, hotels, catering, venue managing + more! Throughout the years, the trends change drastically. One minute it’s barn weddings, navy + blush, + baby’s breath are in. Next, it’s the complete opposite. I always tell my couples that all of the decor, colors, + fun elements fade. One thing that NEVER changes, however, is your experience + the love that was celebrated at your wedding! So enjoy it!
Q: Walk us through your average workday.
A: I am constantly working. On weekends, I am at weddings all day, three days in a row. Then when Monday rolls around, I am back on the computer answering emails that I missed from the weekend.
It’s tough because I have opposite schedules as everyone else. Weekends are a time where they have time to focus on their wedding because they work during the week. I, however, am busy on the weekends + can only respond during their workday. Because of this, I have to schedule my day around that.
My average workday starts at 12:00 pm. I recently changed my schedule to have time for myself in the mornings — walk my dog, workout, list my affirmations for the morning, etc. When I first started, I didn’t do this + it was tough. You HAVE to schedule time for yourself. Once noon rolls around I start by answering all new inquiries first, then moving to all of the emails I can answer from previous clients right away. Getting the emails done is easy + it knocks off more of my to-do list. Then I move on to creating timelines for the upcoming months’ weddings or planning specific details for my weddings. It depends on which wedding takes priority that day. This takes almost all of my time in a day! At 4:30 pm, I am done with office work + my meeting times begin. Clients prefer to meet after work, therefore, I based my entire day off of this. From 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, I am meeting with couples to discuss details, answer questions, + finalize items on their timelines.
This is an example of my “average” workday, however, it depends on the wedding + the week. I also own a picnic business called Picnic North, so it’s navigating those events, mixed in with my weddings as well.
Q: What would you want couples searching for your business type to know?
A: I would want couples to know that trust is the most important aspect when hiring a vendor. We have done this for a long time + know what we are talking about when it comes to our recommendations. Everything I do is intentional for your vision. Trust that I have your back no matter what.
Q: How far in advance should a couple book with you?
A: It depends on the service they are looking for, however, with the rate 2022 is going, I would recommend a year! People are already booking for 2023.
Rachel Elle Photography
Q: Any trends you’d like to see fade out?
A: I would like to see the trend of fairy lights fade out. Yes they are a cost-effective decoration, however, they also tend to look it as well.
Q: What kind of weddings do you like the most?
A: I LOVE weddings that are true to the couple. Any element that shows who they are as a couple really is personal + reminds everyone that they are there to celebrate them, + no one else. I really dislike when someone shows me a wedding on social media + says “I want this exact wedding.” It makes it all about appearances + what you think the other couple enjoyed.
Some of my favorites are:
- Jumping in the lake because they just wanted to in that moment
- Playing trivia during the dinner
- Personalized lawn games
Fun elements incorporated into decor like fun facts, photo table numbers, travel books. From a style standpoint, I love doing Fine Art weddings because it’s so opposite of my personal style. I love knowing that I can create something so outside of my personal style to match the couple’s aesthetic. It’s very rewarding!
Q: What trends do you think we’ll see more of in 2022?
A: I think we will see more couples having no wedding party. I’ve seen that happening more + more lately + it’s so fun. I also think patterned dresses or suits are already becoming a trend! Another trend that I absolutely adore is more hanging installations. I’ve seen some amazing florals, artwork, origami, backdrops, wall hangings + more to create the perfect photo opp. Most weddings are trying to create an experience for their guests + I love it!
Q: What is your current favorite color combination?
A: My favorite color combination is the classic colors of neutrals! I love the simplicity of black, white, green, gold, + taupe. I think it’s so timeless + you’ll look back on your day + not regret it. You can always bring color in with the florals + decor.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Q: What show are you binging right now?
A: We are watching Squid Games, Friends (for the 100th time) + Downton Abbey!
Q: You’re in charge of the lineup for your dream concert. Who are your headliners?
A: Kings of Leon, CAAMP, Kaleo, Steve Aoki, Hillsong United – Such random taste in music!
Q: Gold or Silver?
A: Stay golden pony boy! GOLD all the way!
Q: Black Tie or Casual?
A: Black Tie
Q: You’re at brunch. Are you going for something sweet or savory?
A: Savory! I will always go for an egg burrito with lots of hot sauce!
Q: Favorite board game?
A: Codenames!
Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?
A: My favorite podcasts are completely opposite vibes for different reasons 1. Woah that’s Good by Sadie Rob (my morning drives to a wedding to keep me humble + intentional with everything I do) 2. Morbid True Crime (to keep me awake on my long journeys home at 1:00 am!)
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Mountains! My dream house would be an A-frame in the mountains
Q: Favorite Minnesota pastime?
A: Being at the cabin on the lake!
Thanks for chatting with us, Bentley. The work you do to help couples have a seamless day is so important! Reach out to honey b. on their website to begin planning.
