When it comes to thoughtful, intentional, and beautifully executed wedding days, LZ Event Co is a name couples should know. Specializing in full-service wedding planning and design, this team brings both heart and expertise to every celebration. I had the honor of working alongside Lauren with LZ Event Co on Nicole and John’s wedding day and I asked her more about her approach, insights from the industry, and her best advice for couples currently planning their big day. Here’s what she said:
What common mistakes do you see couples make when planning a wedding?
One of the most common challenges we see is couples not fully respecting their vendors’ needs, especially when it comes to the timeline. Sometimes this shows up as comparing their wedding to another they attended and expecting the same outcomes, even when venues, budgets, cities, and vendor capabilities are completely different. Every wedding operates with its own unique set of factors. While we love pushing creative boundaries and trying new things, it’s not always possible in every scenario. It’s important for couples to trust when vendors explain what is or isn’t feasible for their specific event.
What’s your best tip for couples when hiring a service like yours?
As a full-service wedding planner, our role is to plan the right event for the couple, not for ourselves. Because of this, it’s incredibly important that couples connect well with their planner on a personal level. You’ll be working closely together for an entire year, so compatibility truly matters. We also recommend doing research beyond social media, follower count doesn’t always reflect fit. Schedule a Zoom call, read reviews, and even reach out to past clients if you can. Those steps make a huge difference in finding the right match.
What’s something couples often don’t know about your business that they should?
LZ Event Co is now a full-service planning and design team exclusively. While we previously offered partial planning and management packages, we’ve learned that our favorite, and most successful, weddings are the ones where we’re involved from start to finish. Full-service allows us to truly understand every detail and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. That said, full-service doesn’t mean we take over and run the show alone. We actually want our couples deeply involved. Our role is to act as a liaison and advocate between clients and vendors while bringing our couples’ visions to life. And while we no longer offer packaged services, we’re always happy to refer couples to planners who may be a better fit for those needs.
What questions should couples be asking, but often don’t know to ask?
Labor costs, always ask about labor costs. This is one of the most overlooked parts of a wedding budget. For example, a $10,000 floral budget doesn’t mean $10,000 worth of flowers. After labor, trucking, setup, and teardown, the actual floral product may be closer to $7,000. This applies across all vendors. Weddings are built on hospitality and service, which means people are the backbone of every event. Budgeting for labor ensures expectations stay aligned and vendors are fairly compensated.
What is your best overall piece of advice for couples planning a wedding?
We will always advocate for a first look. Beyond just helping the timeline and photos, there’s a deeper reason, it guarantees intentional time together. Without a first look, couples may only physically be together for four to five hours on their wedding day, often surrounded by others the entire time. A first look allows the couple to ground one another, soak in the day, and share meaningful moments together before the celebration truly begins. At the end of the day, the wedding is about the two of you—so spend it together.
What’s the most unusual wedding you’ve ever worked?
We don’t love calling weddings “unusual,” but one of the most unique and unforgettable events we’ve worked was a tropical-themed wedding at the end of November in St. Louis, at the stunning Jewel Box. The bride designed a colorful, eclectic tropical theme surrounded by lush greenery inside the glass greenhouse. Meanwhile, it was snowing outside. The contrast of tropical vibes with snowfall created one of the most magical, unexpected wedding atmospheres we’ve ever experienced.
What’s a memorable moment from Nicole and John’s wedding?
One of our favorite moments was Nicole and John taking time for a sit-down lunch with their wedding party at Sasha’s Wine Bar in Demun, one of their favorite spots. They intentionally prioritized slowing down, being together, and making sure everyone was fed before the full celebration began. It allowed everyone to relax, connect, and fully take in the excitement of the day. It was such a meaningful and grounding way to start their wedding festivities.
What’s your most unpopular wedding opinion?
Stop neglecting the ceremony. The ceremony is the reason everyone is gathered in the first place. While we completely understand wanting to keep it short and sweet, ceremonies have started to feel rushed. The shortest we’ve ever seen was just under seven minutes—including processional and recessional. Your loved ones are there to witness your union and your love story. It’s okay if it feels emotional, cheesy, or deeply heartfelt. A wedding is more than a party—it’s a commitment.]
Connect with LZ Event CO
You can learn more about LZ Event Co and inquire about services here
