PLANNING THE PERFECT WEDDING.
Chanda Daniels + A Monique Affair are a godsend!
It’s strange isn’t it?
If you’re like me, you’ve been planning your wedding since you were five years old.
As I age, the aspirations of my pending wedding plans have shifted over and over again. At 21 I was engaged- and I thought a wedding in Vegas with Elvis would be my momentuous moment as a Bride. Edgy and irreverent of tradition. I was in my “indie sleaze” era back then.
That got panned (thankfully!). But then again, at 26, I was engaged again (to another suitor of course)- and I had my heart set on a wedding in Florence,Italy with Anthony Hamilton himself singing and playing keys on a baby grand piano, “The Point of It All” as I walked down the aisle. A small wedding party of course (she’s an introvert!)- no more than 15 guests.
In my dream, I’d wear a custom wedding dress from Zuhair Murad- modest, yet elegant and contemporary. Shoes, in typical Aria Sa’id fashion, would be a pair of pearlescent strappy sandals from my go-to and all time favorite shoe designer, Jimmy Choo.
And in that glorious dress, I’d cut the lemon curd layer cake with lemon creamcheese buttercream frosting with my husband to be- captured exclusively in black and white photography.
And of course, a vintage Mercedes 1960’s 280 SL Pagoda would whisk us away from the ceremonies, towards my honeymoon rendezvous in the Amalfi coast.
That’s the wedding I’ve been planning for as long as I can remember.
While love- in the most romantic affirmations that we know, hasn’t quite worked out for me personally: I will always love, LOVE.
And of course, the biggest and most ostentatious affirmation of it: weddings, in all their glory.
As the Spring season slowly begins to ease into our calendar, I think one of the exciting moments of the Spring season is wedding season. “New Beginnings” and “Spring” often go hand in hand, and for many brides and grooms and partners to be, it’s the most ideal season to tie the knot.
With some of my dear friends beginning to plan their nuptials- and others having sent invites, I thought I’d check in with a woman I deeply admire:
Ms. Chanda Daniels.
She and her work have been on my own vision board and secret wedding pinterest boards for years now- and if I ever did marry, I’m hopeful she would be the one to plan my nuptials.
Take notes my darling and if you’re planning your wedding ceremonies, consider working with Ms. Chanda.
She’s incredibly brilliant, and one of the best in the business.
Enjoy, and happy wedding season!
Aria
WHY ‘A MONIQUE AFFAIR’
Aria: I have been a huge fan of you and your work as a wedding designer ( with Chanda Daniels ) and as a premier wedding & events planner (with A Monique Affair ) for many years, and have bookmarked you as my go-to for the day I decide to tie the knot. Can you tell us about A Monique Affair?
Chanda Daniels: Thank you so much for your kind words and longtime support it truly means the world to me. When you’re ready, I got you!
I started A Monique Affair back in 1999 because I genuinely loved planning and had a deep passion for weddings.
Once I realized wedding planning could be a career, I went all in.
As I began learning more about the industry (with very limited resources at the time), I quickly noticed that the industry wasn’t inclusive and LGBTQ+ couples were largely being overlooked (and so were planners of color).
And I wanted to change all that.
Creating a space where my clients feel seen, respected, and truly cared for has always been at the heart of my work. What makes working with A Monique Affair a unique experience is our focus on the planning journey itself. With 27 years of experience behind every decision, there’s no guesswork, just thoughtful guidance, intention, and care.
My team and I are honored to help our clients plan such a meaningful moment in their lives, and we never take that responsibility lightly.
Trends In The World of Weddings
Aria: I have a few subscribers and friends of mine who are planning their nuptials, commitment ceremonies, weddings and vow renewals in the near future. I imagine if you’re not “in the know” and now you’re considering your options for tying the knot- it can be overwhelming.
What trends are you seeing (and loving?) and any traditions that may be less and less engaged in when it comes to weddings?
Chanda: Weddings today are becoming less about spectacle and more about connection, and that shift has been incredibly refreshing to witness.
From a design perspective, I’m seeing a joyful embrace of color and I love it.
Couples are moving away from rigid traditions and instead opting for weddings that feel deeply personal rather than performative.
Celebrations are increasingly reflective of the couple’s values, identities, and relationships, rather than a checklist of “expected” moments.
As for traditions, some are naturally falling away.
I honestly can’t remember the last time I planned a garter toss!
Many couples are also choosing to forgo elements that don’t resonate with them and are replacing them with moments that feel authentic and intentional.
Recession-Proofing Your Nuptials
Aria: In this economy, people are being a lot more vigilant about dollars and cents. When planning a wedding, how can we be more considered about the ceremony and “recession proof” the big day?
Chanda: One of the best ways to be considerate of your friends and family is to simplify the logistics of your celebration. For example, instead of hosting a traditional rehearsal dinner, consider a welcome cocktail at the hotel where most guests are staying.
Weddings have become significantly more expensive in recent years, and as a result, I’m seeing a clear shift toward intentionality. Couples are being far more thoughtful about how they spend their money and, just as importantly, who they choose to spend it with.
This has led to smaller guest counts that better align with both budget expectations and a desire for more meaningful, intimate celebrations.
Keeping your ceremony and reception in a single location, providing transportation when needed, and avoiding a cash bar are all practical ways to ensure your guests feel valued without stretching their budgets.
When it comes to spending, I encourage couples to invest in elements that create lasting memories like great food, an amazing band and thoughtful experiences, while scaling back on extras that add stress or cost without significantly enhancing the guest experience.
The goal is to celebrate intentionally, comfortably, and fun for everyone involved.
Let Go of Your Pinterest Moodboard
Aria: For my “brides to be”, there is a cultural landscape of having the “perfect” day- the perfect dress, the perfect venue, the perfect story and so many women are comparing themselves to their moodboard on Pinterest and Instagram. How can brides honor their personal style, cultural traditions and their own tastes when planning their wedding?
Chanda: My advice is to let go of the idea of a “perfect” wedding as defined by social media and focus instead on your budget and your love story.
Pinterest and Instagram often showcase what gets the most likes, and in full transparency, many of those highly visible weddings have budgets well over $300,000. While they can be beautiful and inspiring, they are not realistic or necessary for most couples.
The most meaningful weddings are the ones that honor personal style, cultural traditions, and what truly matters to the couple.
When brides shift their focus from comparison to intention, they give themselves permission to create a celebration that feels authentic rather than aspirational. Do what’s best for you, not what’s trending.
A wedding rooted in truth and love will always be more powerful than one designed for approval or social media.
What Causes “Bridezilla”?!
Aria: When it comes to wedding planning, what planning decisions cause the most stress for couples and families when planning the big day?
Chanda: This one is easy, the guest list! Without question, it’s the planning decision that causes the most stress for couples and families.
The “Guest count” impacts everything: the budget, the venue, the overall experience. That’s why I always encourage couples to advocate for the guest list that feels right to them.
It’s a reminder that a wedding isn’t about filling seats; it’s about celebrating with the people who truly matter. When couples focus on inviting those who are meaningful to their lives and relationships, the celebration becomes more intentional, more intimate, and ultimately more joyful.
Selecting A Wedding Planner
Aria: For brides and grooms and partners to be- what tips do you have for selecting the right wedding planner? I’ve heard so many horror stories- how can consumers avoid them and have more synergy with their wedding planner to ensure the best possible outcome?
Chanda: When selecting a wedding planner, the most important first step is understanding what you truly need.
Wedding planning services exist at different levels, and clarity around the type of support you’re seeking is essential.
A common challenge arises when couples expect a full-service experience while hiring a planner for limited or “month-of” coordination. Aligning expectations from the outset helps avoid frustration on both sides.
I strongly encourage couples to interview at least four planners. Yes, 4!
Ask detailed questions about their planning process, the systems they use to stay organized, and how they communicate with clients.
Request references and speak with recent clients to gain insight into their experience and the planner’s working style. This due diligence ensures that your expectations align with the services being offered.
It’s also important to recognize that investment often reflects experience, expertise, and the level of support provided. Many disconnects occur when couples prioritize the lowest cost but later feel dissatisfied with the planning experience or depth of knowledge.
Carefully reviewing the contract, understanding the scope of services, and being clear about deliverables will help establish a strong, collaborative relationship.
Ultimately, the right wedding planner should feel like a trusted partner: someone whose approach, experience, and values align with yours.
When expectations are clear and communication is strong, the planning process becomes not only smoother, but genuinely enjoyable.
What If I’m Not Getting Married… Yet?
Aria: I know your forte and expertise is in the world of weddings, but for single gals like me who don’t really see myself getting married (you never know, but i’m pretty sure LOL)- are there other moments you and your team curate?
Chanda: I love this question too because love and celebrations aren’t limited to weddings.
While weddings are a large part of what we do, A Monique Affair plans and curates milestone celebrations of all kinds.
We work with clients on birthday celebrations, weekend wine-tasting getaways, retreats, brand and book launch parties, and meaningful gatherings designed to honor life’s moments big and small.
Not every celebration has to be tied to marriage to be worthy of intention and beauty.
We believe in creating experiences that reflect where you are in your life right now, whether that’s celebrating yourself, your friendships, your career, or a personal milestone.
Our approach remains the same across all events: thoughtful planning, personalized details, and an experience that feels authentic and elevated.
Let’s go if it’s a moment worth celebrating, we’re honored to help curate it.
What Feels Authentic To YOU?
Aria: Last Question, I promise!!!
What is one tip you’d give Brides (and Groom’s and Partner’s) to be when starting their journey in planning the big day?
Chanda: The most important advice I give couples is to truly enjoy the planning process and make choices that feel right for them.
At its core, the only legal requirements for a wedding are an officiant and a marriage license, everything beyond that is optional and should be guided by what brings the couple joy and meaning.
No matter who is contributing financially, the wedding should reflect the couple’s values, personalities, and vision.
When couples give themselves permission to prioritize what feels authentic to them, the planning experience becomes more fulfilling and the celebration itself far more meaningful.
Meet Chanda Daniels:
As the owner and creative director of Chanda Daniels Planning + Design and the founder of A Monique Affair, Chanda Daniels has become an industry leader known for her innovative approach and meticulous organization.
Named a Top Wedding Planner by Harper's Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Brides- Mrs. Chanda Daniels also honored as one of The Most Influential People in the Events Industry in the United States for 2024. Her work has been featured in several national publications, including Martha Stewart Weddings, Munaluchi Bride, The Knot, and Today's Bride.
Chanda is based in Oakland, California where she lives with her wife, Stephanie, and enjoys spending time with her daughter, Chloe and granddaughter Marleigh.