What We’ve Learned from Planning more than 75 Weddings in NYC and Westchester NY

Photos by Cheyanna DeNicola Photography

When you’ve been part of more than 75 weddings in NYC and Westchester NY, you learn a few things — not just about logistics, but about people, priorities, and what truly makes a wedding unforgettable.

As owners of C&E Event Productions, we’ve had the honor of guiding couples through their engagement season for 5 years. Each wedding teaches us something new: sometimes it’s about timing or logistics, other times it’s about the heart of what couples really want. These lessons shape the way we plan, problem-solve, and personalize every wedding for our couples!

If you’re planning your wedding in Westchester or NYC, here are five of the biggest lessons we’ve learned and how they can help you create a day that feels effortless, meaningful, and true to your story.

Lesson #1: No Two Weddings Are Ever the Same

Every couple has their own priorities, personalities, and vision, and the most memorable weddings reflect that. Pinterest boards and Instagram feeds can spark inspiration, but the real magic happens when a wedding feels like you.

We’ve created a signature cocktail inspired by a couples first date, blended cultural traditions beautifully, and even did a lottery where 2 guests “won” the prize of signing the couples marriage license! 

Takeaway: The right wedding planner doesn’t copy and paste — they listen deeply, notice the little things, and design a celebration that feels like it could only belong to you!

Lesson #2: Guest Experience Matters More Than Pinterest Details

Couples often spend hours debating napkin colors, fonts, or centerpieces and yes, those details absolutely contribute to the overall look and “wow” factor of a space. They help set the mood, tie together your style, and make your wedding photos pop.

But here’s the truth: more than likely, 90% of your guests aren’t noticing each and every detail. What they do remember is how they felt: Was the ceremony meaningful? Did the day flow smoothly? Were they comfortable and cared for?

We’ve done everything from creating a lounge area for grandparents so they can enjoy the dance floor from afar, curated a timeline that kept guests engaged so they’re not stuck sitting for hours at a time, or something as simple as handing guests flats on the dancefloor so they can change out of their heels. 

Takeaway: A stunning tablescape is nice, but your guests will always remember the hospitality, comfort, and flow of the day. That’s why we focus on both the big picture and the small touches that make people feel welcome.

Lesson #3: Family Dynamics Shape the Day

Weddings bring people together, sometimes for the first time in years! With that comes emotion, opinions, and sometimes tension. Handling family dynamics with care and diplomacy can turn potential stress into peace.

We wear many hats throughout the planning process and on your wedding day itself. We’ve helped couples balance divorced parents, mediated in order to find a happy medium between family traditions and modern choices, or provided solutions when expectations clashed! 

Takeaway: A skilled planner doesn’t just manage timelines — they manage relationships. Protecting the couple’s vision while honoring family dynamics is part of creating a wedding that feels joyful for everyone.

Lesson #4: Weather and Timing Always Need Backup Plans

If there’s one thing absolutely no one can control, it’s the weather! And even the best timelines sometimes hit snags. Having a plan B (and C) ensures the day keeps moving no matter what.

We’ve relocating an outdoor ceremony indoors in less than 20 minutes, and then moved it back outside again! We have a team onsite, which allows us to be all-hands on deck if and when we need to pivot. 

Takeaway: Great planning isn’t about perfection — it’s about preparation. With backups in place, couples can relax knowing that even the unexpected won’t derail their celebration.

Lesson #5: The Best Weddings Feel Personal, Not Perfect

Couples sometimes believe that a “perfect” wedding means flawless décor and zero hiccups. But after planning more than 75 weddings in NYC and Westchester, we’ve seen that the best ones aren’t perfect, they’re personal! The most meaningful celebrations reflect the couple’s story, values, and love.

From handwritten notes to each guest,  a family recipe, a meaningful song, or an inside joke woven into décor. We’ve brought many personal touches to couples weddings, because we truly feel your day should feel authentic to you, not like it was a copy & paste from someone else!

Takeaway: A wedding doesn’t have to be flawless to be unforgettable. When it feels like you, it will be perfect in all the ways that matter.

The weddings couples & guests love most aren’t the ones that check every box on a checklist,  they’re the ones that reflect their story!

After planning more than 75 weddings in NYC and Westchester, we know how to balance logistics with meaning, beauty with flow, and structure with joy! Our goal is always the same: to help couples celebrate in a way that feels authentic, effortless, and deeply personal!

Want to put these lessons to work for your own wedding in NYC or Westchester? Let’s chat about how we can create a day that reflects your story. Schedule your complimentary consultation with C&E Event Productions today!