“I don’t plan events. I plan how people will feel at every moment.”
That’s not just a line I use — it’s truly the heartbeat of my work.
When people hear the term “wedding planner,” they picture someone juggling timelines, managing vendors, and selecting linens. And yes — I do all that (with color-coded spreadsheets, of course). But what truly separates a good planner from a great one isn’t logistics. It’s hospitality.
Hospitality is the art of caring for people. It’s the difference between service and connection. Between something that looks beautiful… and something that feels unforgettable.
The Core of True Luxury
At Jaclyn Watson Events, we design luxury weddings — but for us, “luxury” is about quality, not excess or expense. It’s about experience.
True luxury is when every person in the room feels like they’ve been considered — from the moment they arrive to the second they say goodbye.
It’s greeting Grandma before she even finds her seat. It’s ensuring the bride’s father has a quiet moment to breathe before the ceremony. It’s reminding vendors that we’re all part of the same team, not just people checking boxes on a schedule.
Our clients come to us for stunning design and meticulous planning, yes — but what keeps them talking long after the wedding isn’t the floral arch or the champagne tower. It’s how their guests felt. Welcomed. Seen and taken care of.
For me, hospitality means being two steps ahead of every emotion in the room. It’s noticing when the mother of the bride is overwhelmed and quietly bringing her a glass of water. It’s sensing tension before it happens and smoothing it out with empathy, not ego.
That’s what turns a flawless event into a soulful one.
The Vendor Side of Hospitality
Hospitality doesn’t stop with clients — it extends to every single vendor on site. My vendors are my team and the heartbeat of every event.
Some of my proudest moments as a planner have come from watching our vendor teams operate like a well-oiled family. Because when everyone feels respected and supported, they produce their best work.
I’ve always believed that planners set the tone for the day — not just for the couple, but for everyone involved. If I show up calm, kind, and collaborative, that energy ripples through the entire team. If I’m frantic or dismissive, it spreads just as fast.
Luxury weddings require extraordinary coordination and composure. That only happens when your vendor relationships are built on trust and hospitality — when communication flows easily, expectations are clear, and everyone feels valued for their contribution.
As the owner and lead planner at JWE, my goal is to curate vendor teams that share our philosophy: artistry paired with heart. We don’t just hire talent — we build relationships. Those who come to me with an Ego or agenda will never work with us. For that same matter, those who send me an email or text saying, “you have to hire us” with no explanation other than they want one of our events will also never work with us. For me, when we curate teams, I want to understand who my teammates are and why they want to be there. Most importantly, I want to know that, like us, they will give 110% and be there to support each other.
Hospitality Still Matters Folks
In a world of Instagram-perfect weddings and endless Pinterest boards, it’s easy to lose sight of what actually makes an event memorable. The truth? Guests may forget what the menu tasted like, but they’ll never forget how the evening made them feel.
That’s the soul of hospitality — and the secret to sustainability in this industry. Because trends fade, but care never goes out of style.
To every planner, florist, photographer, and rental company out there — let’s continue to lead with empathy. So, where does this lead me in this conversation? I believe it’s important to remember that true luxury is both subtle and meaningful. When we focus on signs of hospitality, we are not just setting up weddings; we are creating experiences and moments that resonate long after the last sparklers have faded. We are curating not only a fantastic experience for our clients but also for our vendor family. If you liked reading this and are looking for your next steps to working with JWE and curating your incredible day, give us a shout here!
Photos From Chris J. Evans
