Vendor Spotlight: MB Event Planning – Affordable Wedding Coordination in St. Louis

When you’re planning a wedding in St. Louis, hiring the right coordinator is one of the most underrated decisions you can make. In our ongoing Vendor Highlight series, we sit down with the wedding pros we love working with and ask the questions engaged couples should be asking before they book.

This week we’re excited to feature Marissa of MB Event Planning, a St. Louis wedding coordinator whose calm, behind-the-scenes leadership lets couples (and their families) actually relax on the wedding day. We recently worked a wedding together and loved how prepared and unflappable her team was, so we asked her to share her best advice for couples currently planning their big day.

What common mistakes do you see couples making when planning a wedding?

One common mistake I see couples make is planning a dessert bar with homemade treats or desserts brought in from a bakery but not assigning anyone to set it up on the wedding day. While it seems like a small detail, someone still needs to arrange the display, label items if needed, and ensure everything is ready for guests. Couples often assume a family member or vendor will handle it, but without a clear plan, it can become a last-minute source of stress.

What’s the best tip you have for couples hiring a wedding planner or coordinator?

My best advice is to hire a planner or coordinator whose personality and communication style genuinely fit yours! You’ll be working closely with this person throughout one of the most important seasons of your life, so trust, responsiveness, and compatibility matter just as much as experience.

I also encourage couples to ask what happens behind the scenes. A great planner isn’t just creating timelines and coordinating vendors; they’re anticipating problems before they happen, advocating for you, and allowing you to be fully present on your wedding day. At the end of the day, you’re not just hiring a service. You’re hiring peace of mind. Choose someone who makes you feel confident, heard, and supported throughout the entire process.

What don’t couples know about your business that they need to know?

I started this business because, when planning my own wedding, I couldn’t justify the high cost of hiring a coordinator. Looking back, it’s one of the things I wish I had prioritized. That experience inspired me to create affordable coordination packages that allow couples to enjoy the benefits of professional support without breaking their budget.

My goal is to ensure every detail is handled so couples and their families can relax, be fully present, and truly enjoy their wedding day. I take pride in creating a seamless experience, keeping everything on track behind the scenes, and giving my couples peace of mind from start to finish.

What questions should couples be asking that they don’t know to ask?

One question I always encourage couples to ask is, “Are there any additional fees not included in this quote?” Many vendors have costs that aren’t immediately obvious, such as taxes, service charges, delivery fees, setup and teardown fees, gratuities, or travel expenses.

These charges can add up quickly and significantly impact your overall budget. For example, with catering, taxes and service charges alone can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the final bill. Understanding the full cost upfront helps couples avoid surprises and make informed decisions throughout the planning process.

What is your best piece of advice for couples planning a wedding?

Remember that your wedding day is for you and your partner. While loved ones may have plenty of opinions, try to make decisions based on what makes the two of you happiest. Stay true to your vision, focus on what matters most to you, and don’t let outside expectations overshadow your celebration. The best weddings are the ones that genuinely reflect the couple at the center of them.

What’s the most unusual wedding you’ve ever coordinated?

I wouldn’t describe it as unusual, I would describe it as UNIQUE! One of my favorite weddings took place at the beautiful The Boathouse at Forest Park. Rather than having a traditional reception with hours of dancing, the couple served dinner and then transformed the reception into a game night complete with board games, card games, and video games.

It was honestly one of the most fun receptions I’ve coordinated. The guests loved it, and the atmosphere felt so relaxed and genuine. What made it memorable wasn’t how different it was. It was how perfectly it reflected the couple’s personalities. Those are always my favorite weddings because they’re a true celebration of who the couple is.

What was the most memorable wedding you’ve ever worked, and why?

One of the most memorable weddings I’ve had the privilege of coordinating was the Williams wedding on October 25, 2025. What made it especially meaningful was that I had previously worked with the groom’s brother for his wedding and had also coordinated weddings for several of their friends. By the time their wedding day arrived, I already knew many of the family members and guests, which made the day feel even more special.

Beyond the wonderful people, the bride had an incredible vision for the wedding, and every detail came together beautifully. The celebration was held at Third Degree Glass Factory, which was the perfect venue for their aesthetic and overall design. The combination of a stunning venue, a thoughtful vision, and an amazing group of people made it a wedding I’ll never forget.

Learn More About MB Event Planning

If you’re searching for a St. Louis wedding coordinator who will give you genuine peace of mind on your wedding day without stretching your budget, you’ll want to connect with Marissa at MB Event Planning.

Marissa
MB Event Planning
🌐 mbeventplanning23.wixsite.com/mb-event-planning

Planning your St. Louis wedding and still building your vendor team? Reach out to Abell DJ Company. We’d love to help make your reception unforgettable, and we’re always happy to recommend trusted pros like Marissa at MB Event Planning.