Wedding planning is an emotional rollercoaster for couples, and behind every seating chart and floral arrangement lies a complex web of feelings that skilled planners must navigate with grace and understanding. Riley Snider, Certified Wedding Planner and Certified Educator, joins Krisy Thomas to explore how wedding professionals can serve as the steady emotional anchor their clients truly need.

This conversation uncovers the hidden emotional undercurrents of wedding planning; from navigating family dynamics like divorced parents who can’t sit together, to financial anxieties that persist regardless of budget, to the profound grief felt when loved ones are absent from the celebration. Riley shares a touching personal story from her sister’s wedding, where subtle tributes to their late father, a single rose on an empty chair and a photo charm on the bouquet, held deep emotional significance without overshadowing the day’s joy.

What sets exceptional planners apart is their ability to read between the lines, recognizing when a normally enthusiastic couple goes quiet or becomes fixated on seemingly small details. These behaviors often signal deeper concerns that require gentle exploration through compassionate questioning. Riley also emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional boundaries while providing emotional support, offering practical strategies like setting communication hours kindly and staying composed in high-pressure moments.

Perhaps most importantly, Riley highlights self-care for planners. From designating admin days and establishing pre-wedding rituals to keeping a collection of client thank-you notes that reconnect you to your purpose, these practices ensure you can show up fully present for each couple without burning out. After all, to be the calm in someone else’s storm, you must first ground yourself. Presence and empathy aren’t just complementary to technical skills, they’re the most powerful tools you have for creating wedding experiences couples will remember forever.

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