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In a world where every detail matters, creating a dream wedding is a significant but challenging task. Running the show for this intricate process is Rinosha Ifthikar, founder and lead wedding planner of Cherish Luxury Weddings. In this interview, with over a decade of experience and a portfolio brimming with unforgettable celebrations, Rinosha discusses the complexities of wedding planning, the trends shaping the industry, and her expert advice for soon-to-be-weds. Let’s step into the enchanting world of romance, creativity and strategic, meticulous planning with professional insights from one of the best in the business. 

1. What inspired you to get started in wedding planning?

My journey into wedding planning began in 2015 when a close friend asked for my help with her wedding. At that time, hiring a wedding planner was seen as a luxury. I assisted her with everything from creating mood boards to organising the wedding agenda, and I felt a deep sense of satisfaction that I never experienced in my 9-5 role as a business development executive at a prominent Colombo conglomerate. Following that wedding, I reached out to other friends who were getting married and volunteered to plan their weddings and manage their agendas, all free of charge. In total, I planned several weddings this way. Seeing the joy and happiness on couples' faces as their dream weddings come to life was incredibly fulfilling and inspired me to pursue wedding planning full-time.

2. What certifications or training do you have in wedding planning?

In addition to my MBA and over ten years of work experience in marketing, I have had the privilege of working closely with leadership teams of organisations both in Sri Lanka and overseas. This background has provided me with strong business and organisational skills. I have also completed specialised courses in project management and key account management. This combination of formal education and hands-on experience equips me to handle all aspects of wedding planning, from initial planning to detailed design.

3. What are the first steps a couple should take when planning their wedding?

The first step in wedding planning is to create a guest list and determine the number of guests, as this will influence your choice of venue and overall style. Next, set a budget and a tentative date. Booking a venue early is crucial, as popular locations tend to fill up quickly. Once these foundational elements are in place, couples can start thinking about the overall vision and style of their wedding.

4. How do you typically work with couples to understand their vision and style?

I begin with an in-depth consultation to discuss the couple's likes, dislikes, and specific ideas. I encourage them to share inspiration boards or Pinterest boards. Based on their inspiration, we created a mood board to help them visualise their wedding. Throughout the planning process, I maintain open communication and provide visual proposals to ensure we stay aligned with their vision.

5. How do you help couples stick to their wedding budget?

Budgeting is a critical part of wedding planning. I help couples prioritize their spending by identifying what's most important to them. I also provide detailed budget breakdowns and keep track of expenses. Additionally, I have strong relationships with trusted vendors who offer quality services within different price ranges.

6. What are some common challenges you face during the planning process? How do you overcome them?

Common challenges include managing expectations, dealing with last-minute changes, and coordinating multiple vendors. I overcome these by maintaining a flexible yet organized approach, staying calm under pressure, and having backup plans. Clear communication with couples and vendors is also key to ensuring everything runs smoothly.

7. Can you walk us through the timeline of planning a wedding, from start to finish?
Planning a wedding typically starts 12-18 months in advance. Here’s a rough timeline:

• 12-18 months before: Set a budget, choose a date, and book a venue.
• 9-12 months before: Hire vendors, finalise guest list, send save-the-dates.
• 6-9 months before: Choose attire, plan the ceremony and reception details, and send invitations.
• 3-6 months before: Finalise menu, schedule fittings, and plan honeymoon.
• 1-3 months before: Confirm details with vendors, create a day-of timeline, and have final consultations.
• 1 week before: Final Fit-ons, Hair & Makeup trials and final checks, relaxation, and final walkthroughs.
• Wedding day: Coordination and execution of the plan

8. What advice would you give to couples who are feeling overwhelmed by the planning process?

Take it one step at a time and try to check off 2-3 key aspects of the wedding at a time for a month. Start a Shared Wedding folder with your partner where you have tabs for the guest lists, to-do list, budget, inspiration and timeline. This way you’re keeping track of all the important elements of your wedding. It has helped some of my couples to create a WhatsApp group for the couple where all messages related to the 
Remember, this is your special day, and it should be enjoyable. Hiring a wedding planner can significantly reduce stress, as we handle the details and logistics, allowing you to focus on the joy of your upcoming marriage.

9. How do you help couples personalize their wedding to reflect their unique style and story?

I believe every wedding should be a reflection of the couple's journey together. I get to know them personally, learn about their story, and incorporate elements that are meaningful to them. Whether it’s through custom décor, unique ceremony rituals, or personalised favours, I ensure each wedding is a true reflection of the couple’s individuality. Our speciality lies in envisioning their entire day based on just one sample picture, their favourite colour, or even their love story. 

10. Can you share any creative ideas or themes that have stood out in the weddings you’ve planned?

One theme that has stood out is timeless romance. For a truly classic and elegant wedding, we installed the Poruwa ceremony on a pool, creating the enchanting illusion of a floating ceremony. 

Another memorable idea was a garden wedding inspired by the couple's love for nature, featuring lush floral arrangements, fairy lights, and an outdoor dance floor under the stars. These elements created an atmosphere of enduring love and romance that felt both intimate and grand.

11. How do you handle unexpected issues or emergencies that arise on the wedding day?

Preparation is key. I always have an emergency kit and a detailed contingency plan, especially for outdoor weddings or ceremonies. On the day of the wedding, I stay in constant communication with vendors and the wedding party to address any issues immediately. My goal is to ensure that the couple remains stress-free and unaware of any behind-the-scenes hiccups.

12. How do you build trust and rapport with your client?
Building trust starts with open and honest communication. I listen carefully to my client’s needs and keep them informed throughout the planning process. Being reliable, transparent, and showing genuine care and dedication helps in building a strong rapport. Many of my clients become friends, which speaks to the personal connections we establish.

13. What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone considering a career in wedding planning?

Passion and patience are essential. This career requires a love for creativity and a calm demeanour under pressure. It’s important to gain experience through internships or working with established planners but it’s also important that you have some level of experience in other fields. For me, I’ve learnt time management, calendar management, project management and different organisational software during my role as an EA but when running your own business you also have to have some level of knowledge in Sales & Marketing as well as admin & finance. Building a strong network is also crucial within the industry and outside of the industry.