Should You Hire a Wedding Content Creator?
Are you a couple planning a destination wedding and looking to add a special touch to your big day? The concept of a wedding content creator might be just the thing you need to elevate your wedding experience to a whole new level. We recently sat down to chat with Laur from Plan With Laur, to find out more about what a wedding content creator does and how they can enhance a couple’s special day.
What is a wedding content creator?
The concept of a "wedding content creator" is still a relatively new addition to the ever-evolving world of weddings. But as with any fresh innovation, a few key players have already risen to the top, adding a unique and unforgettable dimension to this significant life event. Among these new vendors stands Laur from Plan With Laur, a trailblazer in the art of creating memorable wedding stories. Laur’s expertise in capturing candid, real-time moments and seamlessly blending with traditional wedding photography and videography has made her and her team a go-to choice for modern couples seeking that extra special touch on their big day.
Who is Laur from, Plan With Laur?
To understand the value of a wedding content creator, we sat down with Laur from Plan With Laur to get a better understanding of her background and how she got started. Laur's background in communications and sociology might not seem directly related to wedding content creation, but it's the unique blend of her experiences that has set her apart.
Her career started in marketing and PR, where she specialized in event marketing during the height of social media's emergence. Working with professional planners, photographers, and videographers in the corporate space, Laur honed her skills, with a special trick up her sleeve - learning how to make accounting conferences look fun and engaging.
Then, life took her to New York City, where she continued her work for an accounting firm. It was during this time that Laur started an unexpected journey into content creation. During the pandemic, she launched a YouTube channel and ventured into the online world. This leap into the online space led her to share her personal experiences and tips, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where her type-A personality and meticulous planning became what she was known for.
How did Laur get started as a wedding content creator?
Laur and her then-fiancé were living together and decided to plan their own wedding. She began sharing her wedding planning experiences online, and in doing so, noticed a gap in the wedding industry. While she was getting ready to tie the knot, she realized that the world of wedding photography and videography was lacking something crucial – immediate content delivery.
Traditionally, wedding photos and videos took weeks, if not months, to be delivered. But in her corporate career, Laur had become accustomed to providing immediate content for her stakeholders through live tweeting. This realization would be the catalyst for her journey into wedding content creation.
From Fun Hobby to New Vendor Category
What started as a fun hobby and something "on the side" quickly gained traction. Laur decided to use her own wedding as a blueprint to prove that wedding content creation could be a game-changer for couples. Her "Type A" planning and meticulous attention to detail enables her to provide couples with edited moments from their wedding day the very next day.
This concept is revolutionary. The wedding industry has seen little disruption for over 30 years, but Laur is changing that. Her services have gone from being something she did for fun to a full-fledged business and an entirely new vendor category.
What’s different between a content creator and a photographer? Do I need them both?
Laur's work as a wedding content creator is all about providing immediate content to couples. The photos and videos you receive from her aren't the ones that end up on your mantel or in a cinematic video to watch on your anniversary. Her content is designed for the here and now, capturing candid moments that you'll want to share with friends and family on your phone.
We all know that you’ll have to make compromises on your wedding day. You might miss the fun cocktail hour you planned because you're busy taking portraits. You don't get to see the epic dance floor action while you're getting ready. Laur and her team are there to bridge those gaps. That means you'll have access to the full experience of your wedding day, even the parts you missed, thanks to her immediate content delivery.
For example, you could be changing into your third wedding outfit while your guests are dancing their hearts out. You'll miss some of those unforgettable moments, but with Plan With Laur, you don't have to. Laur and her team capture different angles, different experiences, and the little moments you'd otherwise miss.
How does a content creator work with photographers and videographers?
This is an important question, and one that will be different depending on the wedding content creator you decide to work with. Because of Laur’s past experience with event planning and logistics, she has an innate understanding of what it's like to run an event.
She also has a background in media that comes in handy when communicating effectively with your photographer and videographer throughout the day. She understands their equipment, their terminology, and their needs. For instance, when a photographer mentions they're 'shooting wide,' she knows where to position herself to avoid being in their shots.
This understanding of media, in addition to her knowledge of how wedding days unfold, is the key to a successful collaboration and creation of your media team.
How long do you have to wait to receive content captured by a wedding content creator?
What sets a wedding content creator apart is their ability to provide not only raw and unedited content the next day but also carefully edited photos and videos. They condense events from your wedding day into memorable 30 to 60-second videos, creating lasting and shareable memories of your special day.
Laur prides herself on delivering content that's easy to digest and shareable. When she hands over a full gallery from your wedding, you receive every single raw photo or video taken on your wedding day, as well as key edited moments that provide a unique perspective, and a different point of view from what your photographer or videographer captures.
How involved does a content creator get when it comes to interviewing and interacting with wedding guests?
One of the exciting aspects of hiring a wedding content creator is the interaction they will have with your guests. Depending on your preferences and the atmosphere you want to create, a wedding content creator can ask questions, document guest experiences, and even engage in guest interviews. Laur describes it as becoming an "extension of the bridal party."
You can choose to ask guests for their best marriage advice or record audio guest books (which are very popular and on-trend right now). Depending on your vision, Laur and her team will also interact with guests and ask them to participate in different social media trends to create a fun and memorable video.
This level of interaction not only adds a personal touch to your wedding but also captures moments you might not have experienced firsthand.
What is the cost of working with a wedding content creator?
The question that often comes up is, "Is this service affordable?" Weddings can involve substantial budgets, and many couples want to know if hiring a wedding content creator is within their reach.
The cost of hiring a wedding content creator can vary depending on factors like location, the number of days they need to be present, and the level of service you want. A typical wedding client might spend anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. For destination weddings, you can expect at least $5,000.
Laur emphasizes that the value of a wedding content creator is not only in immediate content delivery but also in providing a stress-free experience for you and your guests. It's about capturing the essence of your wedding day while you enjoy every moment.
Does a content creator get involved in the wedding planning process?
Leading up to your big day, a wedding content creator works closely with you to understand your vision. They help you visualize your wedding, creating collaborative boards where you can share inspiration and ideas. They are here to help you curate the creative and visual aspects of your timeline and can even provide music playlists, attire advice, and help you create a personalized shot list.
In the final planning call, typically held four to six weeks before your wedding, you have the opportunity to discuss logistics, prioritize content, and make sure everything is set for your special day. This collaborative approach ensures a seamless experience.
Where does a content creator fit within the wedding timeline?
Every wedding has its surprises and delays. Hair and makeup will take longer than planned, and suddenly, the entire timeline gets pushed back. These are the moments your wedding content creator is prepared for. Laur and her team invest substantial time in developing realistic timelines and ensuring that priorities are clearly outlined.
Plan With Laur will proactively introduce themselves to your photo and video teams before the event as well as your wedding planner - it's an integral part of the relationship and it's stipulated in their contract.
By the time your wedding day arrives, everyone knows their roles, and the synergy is there. Laur has your entire timeline memorized and knows exactly where she needs to be. It's a collective effort aimed at capturing the perfect visual story of your wedding day.
How far in advance should you hire a wedding content creator?
The timeline for booking a wedding content creator has evolved over the years. When Laur and her team first started, they were among the pioneers in the field and were getting bookings just three or four months prior to weddings. However, the ideal timeframe for booking a wedding content creator will be subjective to the couple’s priorities.
There have been couples who have approached Laur to book her services anywhere between 18 months to 2 weeks before the wedding. While the latter can be stressful, they’ve managed to pull it off. Nevertheless, Laur’s recommendation for those interested in booking a wedding content creator would be to inquire as soon as possible. You can then assess the progress of your wedding planning, and chart out a plan together.
For destination weddings, we would advise couples to aim for at least 6 to 8 months in advance, if possible. While it might not always be feasible, especially if you've just stumbled upon this unique service and your wedding is only a few months away.
What’s the next trend in wedding content?
When asked about the trend she'd love to see a couple start, Laur shared her perspective on what she feels truly matters on a wedding day. While there are countless visually appealing trends in the world of wedding content creation, she emphasized the importance of focusing on your guests' engagement and involvement.
This intentional involvement of your guests can manifest in various ways. For example, you could consider incorporating a community vow during the ceremony. Or, surprise your guests with handwritten letters as escort cards or at their place settings. Recognizing and acknowledging your guests during speeches or special moments can also make a tremendous impact.
A real-life example she shared was a recent wedding she shot where the groom, appreciating the importance of having five aunts in his life, invited them to the dance floor after his mother-son dance. Together, they danced to 'We Are Family' and it was a total hit! This is the kind of trend she would like to see more of – one that reflects the significance of the guests, especially at destination weddings.
In addition, food and drink experiences can add a special touch to your destination wedding. Like having a personalized tequila shot bar at a wedding in Mexico. Guests can choose their tequila of choice, with personalized shot glasses that are pre-salted and have their lemons and limes at the ready. These unique elements go a long way in making your wedding truly exceptional and are great for content.
When it comes to social media trends this is Laur’s specialization. She has perfected nearly every trend associated with influential figures like Beyoncé and is well-versed in NBA and NFL walkout game day videos - we’re looking at you, grooms! These trends are not just visually captivating but also incredibly fun.
Image courtesy of Plan With Laur
Image courtesy of Plan With Laur
Who uses a wedding content creator to capture their wedding?
While about 20% of her clients are influencers, social media sensations, and celebrities, the heart of our work lies with the remaining 80% - couples who are looking to capture unique elements of their wedding.
Laur and her team believe that every couple's story deserves to be told with the same level of passion and creativity, regardless of their public status. They’re committed to making every wedding moment extraordinary, whether it's a destination celebration on the beach or a bustling city rooftop party.
Should you hire a wedding content creator?
We may be a little biased, but from where we are standing it is a resounding "Yes." The days of solely relying on professional photographs are behind us. And frankly, the idea of being able to relieve every tear, laugh, dance move, and unexpected surprises the next day is beyond exciting.
With Plan With Laur, your wedding day becomes more than just a memory; it transforms into a story that you and your loved ones can revisit time and time again. A destination wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the memories deserve to be nothing short of exceptional.
You can follow Laur on TikTok or Instagram to get a better idea of how she works with couples or visit the Plan With Laur website for a breakdown of her services. When you’re ready to start planning your destination wedding and figuring out how all the vendors fall into place, submit an inquiry below.
Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.
