The Vendor Edit: Hawthorne Creative Co.

Madison Payne
Instagram: @hawthornecreativeco_
Website: www.hawthornecreativeco.com

Get To Know Madison

Tell us a little about yourself and your role in the wedding industry.

I am the Founder of Hawthorne Creative Wedding + Event Co., a Wedding Management, Planning, Design company in the St. Louis area! We have a talented team of Lead Coordinators who manage their own weddings, and I act as the Executive Director, having a hand in the logistics of each event. I personally take on a limited number of my own events throughout the year, heavily focusing on our Total Package Planning & Design clients.

How did you get started in wedding planning, and what drew you to this work?

I was in college, switching my major for the 7th time because I couldn’t decide on anything I wanted to do “for the rest of my life” that would be both fun and fulfilling. I stumbled upon this wedding planning internship and applied immediately. From the very first wedding (in 2014, I was hooked. I decided to major in Hospitality Management, graduated, and immediately started managing wedding venues + catering companies post-college. I am drawn to the couples, their stories, and the true meaning of hospitality in both working with clients & vendors.

What’s one thing most people would be surprised to learn about you?

Probably that I have four dogs - one being a Dalmatian (which always shocks people)!

Tell Us About Hawthorne Creative Co.

How would you describe your planning style in three words?

Thoughtful. Intentional. Thorough.

What sets your business apart from other wedding planners?

We are a team of Wedding Managers on the event day - generally 3-4 of the HC Co. crew are on-site at some point during the day. We take pride in how we run our events (like a well-oiled machine), and that involves having more hands and more minds working together.

What types of couples do you feel most aligned with?

We want to work with couples who are genuine, madly in love, and want to throw one unforgettable party for their guests! This has a different meaning for everyone. Is it unforgettable because of the level of service provided? Or because the design was unique and personal to the couple? We want to take your priorities for the day and bring that vision to life in a calm, cool, collected way. If that fits your vibe, we’d love to work with you!

How do you approach working with couples who may feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start?

We actually provide each of our couples (Management or Planning) with a plethora of helpful checklists and guides to assist them with their planning process. This generally takes a lot of stress off of their plate because it’s less research for them and less “What the heck should I be doing right now?” emails. We also approach our planning in a guided and calm way that I truly think is reflected by each of our team members. There’s no need for high-stress moments, only “we’ll figure it out!”

The Importance of a Wedding Day Planner

For couples on the fence, why is a wedding day planner such an important investment?

We are your biggest advocate on the wedding day and during the planning process. Not only that, we’re your sounding board that can give unbiased advice. You hire us to source the right vendors, plan for any possible scenario, and to not only execute but protect your vision.

What does a wedding day planner actually handle that couples may not realize?

A lot goes on behind the scenes, specifically with vendors. We may go back and forth 10 times on a quote before we feel comfortable showing it to the couple - this is very normal. We’re saving you valuable time by being that advocate and having your best interest in mind.

How do you help the wedding day run smoothly behind the scenes?

Leading up to the day, all of our pre-planning checklists and guides aim to ensure that there is no stone left unturned, which in turn allows for the actual event day(s) to go smoothly. One of my favorite quotes is, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” I live and die by this mentality. I would say that on the wedding day, our team specifically ensures this by having multiple team members onsite who are available to manage the flow of vendors and handle any “issues” that may arise (because trust us.. something always comes up!). We also love to tell our couples “don’t even look at the time”, because yes, sometimes the timeline gets off. We will ensure you catch up, and your guests won’t even know the difference.

What problems do you often prevent before couples even know they exist?

These usually relate to catering or bar issues! I have 10 years of experience in managing venues with bar service and catering. I can look at a quote and very quickly determine if you’re missing something that is essential such as water service for your guests or glassware for the bar - two very real scenarios!

Your Wedding Day Advice

When should couples hire a wedding day planner in their planning process?

If you want a full-service planner and want to receive the maximum benefits, immediately. Get engaged, figure out your budget/guest list, and find a planner. Even right after you’ve booked your venue works if you’ve already gotten to that step. They will assist with everything else. I think the first step is best, though, if you want to ensure you’re staying on track and have a realistic outlook on the overall budget of the wedding. For instance, we also offer Partial Planning, and so do many other planners. We won’t be designing your wedding or booking all fifteen to twenty vendors, but we’ll book a limited number and still guide you through the process. There is a different planning experience for all your needs!

What should couples look for when choosing the right planner for them?

Personality. Experience. Connections. Values. Communication style.

What planning advice do you wish every couple knew before their wedding day?

For planning, try your very best to tune out all of the outside noise. There will be a lot of opinions given to you without you even asking. Before anything else, make sure you and your partner are on the same page! For the Wedding Day, don’t leave your new spouse’s side! The day goes by extremely fast, so soak it all in together.

A Planner’s View

What’s your favorite part of the wedding day?

Right before the first look or ceremony, when the butterflies are at an all-time high!

What keeps you inspired in an industry that can be fast-paced and emotional?

Initially, I was drawn to the hospitality industry as a whole because of the fast-paced environment. No day is the same, no event is the same, and it keeps you on your toes! But why do I stay? The couples. We spend one of their most special days with them and often work with them for at least a year. We grow to love them and their families so much, and always appreciate those couples who allow us to stay up to date on their lives after their event!

What does success look like to you after a wedding day is over?

Receiving a text from the couple telling us how amazing their day was. And the cherry on top? A text from the parents! 

What’s a wedding trend you’re loving right now and one you think is overrated?

Personally, I’m loving the over-the-top draping and projections trends! I’m moving on from wedding guest favors that will simply be wasted in the end. If you’re going to offer a favor, make it a useful memento that people will want to keep. Engraved glassware, photos of themselves in frames, even a photo booth with prints works as a great favor!

If you could give couples one final piece of advice for their wedding day, what would it be?

Give your phones to someone you trust and don’t check the time or the schedule. If you have a quality vendor team, they’ll get you where you need to go. Be in the moment as much as possible. Also, designate someone to take photo videos or photos throughout the day! (or hire a content creator) because I promise, those turn out to be some of the most cherished memories!