Melody Hall is the Owner and Lead Planner of Events by Melody, an award-winning wedding and event planning company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With a unique and creative hands-on approach, her team is dedicated to their clients’ needs no matter how big or small an event. Their motto is simple: PLAN. PARTY. PERFECTION. Keep reading to learn about Melody's entrance into the weddings and events industry and her personal philosophy on becoming a successful planner!
What inspired you to enter the wedding industry?
Since I was a young girl, I always knew I wanted to start my own business someday. Later in life, I was at the age where my friends were starting to get married. Being the organized and type A person that I am, they asked me to help out with some of the planning and coordination which I of course couldn’t pass up. From there, I myself got married and was planning some corporate events at my full-time marketing job at the time. Just for fun, I created a logo and website and started Events by Melody in early 2016. That year, I ended up doing 11 weddings and had 41 weddings booked going into 2017. The rest is history!
Why did you start Events by Melody?
On the wedding day, I want our couples to focus on one thing—being the bride and groom. Aside from that, I want their family and friends to be able to also enjoy the day and be present in the moment. Without a planner or coordinator by your side, you could easily find yourself running around on your own wedding day making sure things are setup to perfection and that the day is running smoothly. That’s not something we want our couples or their families to ever have to deal with. A wedding is a once in a lifetime moment which you should be able to enjoy to the fullest!
If you could change one thing about the weddings and special events industry, what would it be?
While I’d typically say something along the lines of community over competition, we've already mastered that here in Minnesota for the most part (which is great!), however, I’d probably like to see our industry better support one another as a whole. With new industry vendors just starting out and others who have been around for many years, sometimes cliques unfortunately tend to form.
How does using Aisle Planner help you deliver the client experience you want to?
I use Aisle Planner to onboard all of my new clients. I like that it's a one-stop shop and allows me to track leads and send contracts and invoices all from the get-go. On the flip side, with my full-service planning, clients get access to Aisle Planner where they can utilize the checklist, timeline, budgeting tool, guest list, and seating/layouts. It’s SO user friendly and keeps things organized throughout the entire planning process. It's a must have for all wedding planners!
What's your favorite Aisle Planner feature?
The checklist is one of my favorite features! As a planner, I LOVE crossing things off a checklist. Honestly though, all the features are great!
If you weren't the Owner + Lead Planner of Events by Melody what would you be doing instead, or what would your life be like?
I’ve definitely got an entrepreneurial spirit, so I know I’d still own and operate a business in some capacity. Owning a doggy day care has always been a dream of mine, so that falls high on the list.
What are three things you never show up without on event day?
1. A clipboard with printed copies of vendor contact information, the detailed wedding day timeline, floor plans, and more. These items are essential to making sure the day runs smoothly.
2. An emergency kit because you can never be too prepared! Some of the items you’ll find in my kit include bobby pins, scissors, tape, and ibuprofen for starters.
3. A positive attitude. Wedding days can be long and when dealing with many different personalities, it’s important to remain calm and keep on smiling no matter what the day throws at you.
What’s your personal philosophy on becoming a great wedding and event planner?
It’s important to be patient and know that starting a successful business doesn’t just happen overnight. Over the past four years, I’ve taken the time to tour local venues and meet with other vendors (photographers, videographers, caterers, DJ’s, etc.) to get to know them on a personal level and build trust. I've definitely made my share of mistakes, but I’ve also learned A LOT over the years. It’s also important to invest in yourself and your ongoing education by attending industry events such as ILEA, NACE, etc.
Is there anything you're particularly excited about working on this year?
We have a lot of amazing weddings to look forward to this year! I’m especially excited to see my full planning and design clients’ visions come to life.
Just for fun
What’s the most used tool in your emergency kit?
Bobby pins by far!
I’m dying to design a wedding or event in…
Banff, Canada. My husband and I went there last summer and it’s just so beautiful!
What’s one trend you hope to see more of?
More color, please!
Your favorite shoes to wear on event day?
Flats are a must have. While I’d love to look cute and wear heels, it’s just not realistic working a 10+ hour day!
During your time as a wedding and event professional, what’s the biggest mistake you made and how did you recover from it?
Like any human, I’ve made plenty of mistakes since starting my business. However, I choose to look back on those mistakes as learning experiences.
Want to see more from Melody? Check out her website www.eventsbymelodymn.com!
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