Today, October 22, 2022, will be the biggest wedding day of the year. But what exactly makes this date so special? And how do planners navigate the busiest wedding planning season of the year?
To find out, we chatted via email with accomplished New Orleans Event Planner, Delia King, of LCD Events + Weddings. To answer our question ‘Why October 22?’, she shares, “In lots of places, New Orleans included, fall provides some of the best weather all year, especially in October. The mild temperatures make for some of the best indoor and outdoor weddings.”
So naturally, October 22 seems to be the perfect Autumn day to tie the knot. The air is crisp, not too cold yet, and the foliage is changing to gorgeous shades of red, orange, and umber. Perfect for photos, right? According to Delia, the date also falls on an important day of the week. Being that the 22nd is on a Saturday, she explains, “People often like having their weddings on the weekends so that their loved ones are able to attend and I also think many people are strategic about numbers when selecting their wedding date and 10.22.2022 has a great ring to it!”
To learn more about Delia King, her company LCD Events + Weddings, and for tips and tools other planners can utilize during peak wedding season (and year-round!), keep reading below.
- Planner & Designer: Delia King
- Featured Couple: Angela & Craig
- Venue: The Chicory (New Orleans, Louisiana)
- Photographer: DSW Photography
Introducing Delia King…
I am a true New Orleans native – born, raised, and still residing in New Orleans today. With the exception of attending college and evacuating in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans has always been home. I had a love for weddings since I was very young and was that little girl who dreamed of her wedding day her entire life.
I began my career in events almost 15 years ago and initially started working in corporate planning with celebrity clients. My background in Hospitality Management helped me to hone my natural event hosting skills and the shift into the wedding industry happened naturally. I aligned my love for glamour and weddings with my hospitality expertise and the rest is history!
LCD Events & Weddings…
I have always been a creative. I spent a lot of time dreaming up beautiful designs in my head so watching my vision come to life is one of the greatest feelings. While I loved working on corporate events, I had a passion for weddings. I love seeing the smiles on my clients’ faces as they walk into their space for the first time. It’s one of the most amazing parts of the job.
What makes her company unique…
My company is unique because I am very intentional in creating an exclusive experience for each couple. An integral component to my planning process is creating and fostering the connections I make with each of them. No couple is the same and getting to know the intricacies of their lives, ranging from their occupations and family dynamics to their favorite foods and even their birthdays, helps me to ensure they have the distinct experience they each deserve. I treat all my couples like family.
Clientele from near & far…
The majority of my couples do not live in New Orleans. Because our city is unlike that of any other, many couples come to New Orleans for a destination wedding. It is such a pleasure to share my city’s culture with each client.
First wedding planning experience…
The first wedding I ever planned was for a friend of a friend in 2013. It was a 350 guest seated dinner and I was so nervous. I leaned on my family and friends for support and even called in some for help. The wedding went off seamlessly! The family was extremely happy and from that day moving forward I knew this is what I was meant to do.
Favorite wedding so far…
Picking a favorite wedding feels impossible. I have so many favorites, making it just so hard to narrow it down. Recently I did a wedding in Mexico and it is one that made me feel the most accomplished. I successfully overcame many challenges like the language barrier and trying to convey my design in a different country. It was a challenging planning process but ultimately the wedding turned out even more beautiful than I imagined.
Her dream destination…
My dream wedding planning destination would be in Italy. I can see it now – draping florals to compliment the stunning views along the Amalfi Coast or Lake Como. So dreamy!
A love for New Orleans…
New Orleans is one of a kind. There is nowhere in the world quite like this city. New Orleans is so rich in culture. From the food to the music to the people, New Orleans is in a class all its own. Some of my favorite venues are The New Orleans Museum of Art, the Four Seasons, and The Chicory. The vibration of the city is electric and there is no better place to throw a party than the Big Easy!
Tips for engaged couples…
Wedding planning is a science. It requires research and preparation far before the big day. The first and by far most important thing for any couple looking to have a wedding is to research wedding costs in your desired location. Creating your wedding plan with these figures in mind will alleviate stress and lead to a smooth journey to your wedding day.
My number one tip for couples after they get engaged is to find a wedding planner!
Preparing for the busiest wedding day of the year…
Putting on a wedding is no simple feat – it takes an entire village and then some. We have been planning for well over a year for this day. Though it has been challenging, it has been even more fulfilling. My team and vendor partners have been amazing in helping me navigate this time and I am really looking forward to seeing all our hard work pay off.
I use a lot of systems that help keep us all together. I try to automate as much as I can to help things run on autopilot. As their weddings get closer, I speak with my couple weekly to keep them in the loop throughout the process. Speaking regularly also helps us to get tasks accomplished ahead of their big day.
My true secret is my team. Without them, the show could not go on. They are instrumental in keeping me grounded and on task. I also try to stay within the same vendor family. It is so important to work with professionals that get your process and help elevate it to the next level. My vendor partners are amazing and really show out on each wedding day because they know I expect 200 percent that day. They show up for me every time.
To my planners: sleep is our best friend and often we do not get enough of it. Take time for yourself to step away from planning and think about your physical and mental well-being.
Looking to the future…
Right now I am really enjoying producing weddings and events. I also see myself as a mentor to other future planners and designers. In the short term, I am looking to lean more into that mentorship role as my company grows. I’ve always viewed LCD Weddings + Events as a design company, stretching beyond events. My ultimate goal is to own and run an independent event venue. This would be the culmination of my event planning experience and love for design.
Searching for more wedding planning advice?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Designer & Planner: LCD Events + Weddings
- Photography: DSW Photography
- Videography: B Bryant Films
- Makeup Artist: Face By Trace
- Hairstylist: Hair By Priss
- Florals + Decor: Decor 2 Remember
- DJ: DJ Baby Face Williams
- Violinist: Tray The Violinist
- Cake: Chasing Wang
- Stationery: ijorere
- Custom Signage: Satin Pavement
- Secondline band: One Shot Brass Band New Orleans
- Zulu Tramp: Brent S. Boyd
- Transportation: Celebrity Limo Service
- Venue: The Chicory
- Prep location: The Eliza Jane NOLA
- Bride & Groom: Angela & Craig
- Bride’s gowns: Casa Blanca Bridal & Jovani
- Bride’s shoes: Something Blue Shoes
- Groom’s suit: Well Groomed Man
Leave a Reply