Meet the « woman behind the planning », the one that helps couples make their dreams come true, Kelly Sugano!
Kelly is the founder and CEO of A Perfect Day Hawaii and here, she answers some questions about her career and gives useful wedding planning tips.
Hi Kelly. Can you tell us why did you want to become a wedding planner ?
I wanted to help people. I didn’t know how and didn’t think I was going to become a wedding planner, but it just happened. Family and friends used to ask me for help for their weddings because they knew I was super organized and it just happened like that.
For how long have you been a wedding planner now?
PC: Kai Photo
18 years now.
What do you like the most in weddings?
I really love being able to help people.
What do you like the most in planning?
Timelines, that’s my thing!
What’s a big challenge you have to face with your activity?
Balancing work with personal life. I love both so much I’m always trying to squeeze every second out of each day.
What is, according to you, the most important moment in weddings?
The few seconds before I send the bride down the aisle.
I always try to keep the brides as calm & relaxed as possible so they experience and absorb that.
What is an « ideal wedding » for you?
Vendor: Hawaii Fine Linen | PC: Kai Photo
Any wedding we can feel like we made a difference through the smile on each of their faces.
What is a good advice you always give to the couples before the wedding?
Always communicate (with each other and your vendors), that’s the most important thing!
Do you have some recommendations on how the bride can find the perfect fit for her dress?
Don’t worry about losing weight, just make sure you feel comfortable. You will look stunning no matter what!
What’s your recommendation to find the perfect vendor(s)?
Know your budget
Ask questions
PC: Eclat Photography
As planners, we help the couples find the right vendors for them. Unlike most other companies, we don’t have a “list” of recommended vendors.
I always ask the couple questions and based on what they tell me, I tell them who I feel is the best match for them. I then introduce them to the best vendor according to their budget, needs and wants.
This is less work for them and it saves them a lot of time.
How long does it take, on average, to plan a wedding?
For us, the sooner the better! With technology only getting better, we’ve seen the lead time shorten from an average of 1 year to an average of 6 months. We have planned extravagant weddings in just 1 month but it isn’t recommended ;-).
We offer a lot of « free help » by text, email or phone calls.
We give the couples a lot of ideas, suggestions, recommendations and feedback for free starting from whenever they hire us (not just 1-3 months prior).
The sooner they come to us, the more help they will get!
What would be your advice to couples from abroad that want to get married in Hawaii?
Take your time
Find someone you trust
Don’t be scared
A lot of couples get scared because they feel disconnected, but there is nothing to be scared of.
Today, with technology, we can do everything online and so we can work remotely. Everything is so much easier.
What are the different options you offer in terms of planning?
We do different packages but we always customize our services - as much or as little as everybody requires.
One last word for the future newlyweds?
Surround yourself with people you trust, that’s the best way to enjoy the actual wedding day and the planning too.
This is your day, make the most out of it!!!
PC: Kai Photo | Chargers, linen, and flatware by Hawaii Fine Linen
