We are strong believers that as an engaged couple, you shouldn’t have to worry about a single detail on your wedding day. That’s where a great wedding planner or coordinator comes in! D’Amore Wedding and Event Planning is a local planning company specializing in making your day stress-free.
Learn more about Kim Harber, the owner of the company and certified wedding planner, and how she will plan a perfect day for you.
Q: Let’s get to it, what’s your business’ specialty?
A: I specialize in creating memorable experiences for my clients and their guests through wedding planning and day-of coordination. I offer a variety of packages that can be curated to clients’ budget and needs. I can also help plan some of those events surrounding your wedding (e.g. engagement party, wedding showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, morning-after brunch, etc), so your entire wedding experience is stress-free for everyone!
Q: Where can we find you?
A: I am located in the Twin Cities area, but work with couples throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Couples can find me in many places including the website (www.damoreweddings.com), Instagram (@d_amoreweddings), and, of course, The Wedding Guys.
Q: Tell us when and how D’Amore Wedding and Event Planning began.
A: D’Amore has officially been in business now for over a year (YAY!). I’ve always loved being a part of weddings. I started, like many planners, by helping family and friends navigate through the planning process and day-of logistics. Seeing the couples and their families be fully present and enjoy the wedding day is what we really, truly love. From there I decided to turn our passion into a business and became a certified wedding planner. My couples know they can trust me to handle all the details and logistics of their wedding so they can enjoy their engagement and the planning process.
Q: What makes your company unique?
A: There are several things that make D’Amore unique, but I think my clients really appreciate the fact that I am involved throughout the planning process, and I only take on a certain number of events each year. I choose to do that so I can provide the best client experience to the clients that have chosen to work with us. My clients are important to me and I focus on getting to know each couple, so I can help them plan an amazing wedding experience that reflects their relationship and values.
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?
A: While the business has been “official” for just over a year, I have been helping couples since 2010. So much has changed since then, but I think the biggest change has been that couples are really focused on creating a wedding experience that is very personalized (think signature cocktails, writing their own vows, having friends/family officiate, or even a personalized neon sign!). They’re also looking for memorable guest experiences and incorporating more entertainment options during cocktail hour and after dinner, in addition to the traditional music and dancing. From food trucks, mobile bars, lounge areas, and wedding day painters, creating an interactive guest book…the sky’s the limit!
Q: Walk us through your average workday.
A: I’m not sure that I have an “average” workday! Every day is different depending on the season and what events I’m working on. My day consists of checking my phone and emails periodically for communication from clients and vendors I’m working with and responding in a timely manner. During the week, I have meetings with couples looking for a planner, and consultation meetings with clients to work on details for their wedding. I spend time researching and reaching out to various vendors for my clients to see who would be the best fit for the client based on a variety of factors, including style, location, and budget. You may also find me attending venue or vendor meetings with clients or at networking events with other wedding professionals. I also do a lot of work behind-the-scenes to improve my client experience and overall business, including social media, website, blog, marketing materials, styled shoots, and more!
Q: What would you want couples searching for their wedding planner type to know?
A: Know that all wedding planners are different and structure their business differently. Look for a planner that is easy to communicate with, responsive, organized, and professional. Most of the time, planners will offer a free consultation or discovery call to get to know you. Use this opportunity to ask questions about their process and get to know their personality. Whether you hire a planner or a coordinator, you will spend quite a bit of time with this person, so you want to make sure they are compatible with you.
Q: How far in advance should a couple book with D’Amore Wedding and Event Planning?
A: It could vary depending on what sort of wedding help you are looking for. The couples that want more help with the whole process (think venue, vendors, and design) should look at booking us 9-12+ months in advance. For coordination (what we call month-of), that could be 2+ months in advance. Additionally, I only take on a certain number of clients every year, so if you are thinking about hiring a planner/coordinator, set some time with us to save the date!
Q: Any trends you’d like to see fade out?
A: Luckily garter and bouquet tosses have already been on their way out and I would love to see that continue fading out. I’ve also been seeing couples ditch the traditional receiving line after the ceremony and find other, more meaningful ways to connect with their guests during their reception.
Q: What kind of weddings do you like the most?
A: I love weddings where a couple has put thought into special touches that are unique to them as a couple and also into their guests’ experience.
Q: What trends do you think we’ll see more of this year?
A: A trend that I think we’ll see more this year is really focusing on repurposing decor/florals in different parts of the wedding day. With the price of goods and services going up and many couples focusing more on sustainability (another wedding trend!), it’s smart to think about multiple uses for decor and florals throughout the day so you aren’t overspending. Other fun trends would be pearls (if that’s your thing) and incorporating them in your veil or shoes and even decor.
Q: What is your current favorite color combination?
A: I LOVE that the Pantone color of the year is Viva Magenta! It’s part of my current favorite color combinations with lighter shades of pink and green. Color is back and I am loving it!
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Q: What show are you binging right now?
A: Sex and the City for the millionth time
Q: You’re in charge of the lineup for your dream concert. Who are your headliners?
A: Dua Lipa, Ava Max
Q: What was your latest impulse buy
A: Shoes or books
Q: Black Tie or Casual?
A: Black Tie
Q: You’re at brunch. Are you going for something sweet or savory?
A: Always sweet
Q: Favorite board game?
A: Azul, Castle Panic, or Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle
Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?
A: I prefer audiobooks or listening to music
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Beach
Q: Favorite Minnesota pastime?
A: Lake time or the State Fair
Set up a complimentary consultation with D’Amore Wedding and Event Planning today on their website!
