It takes a special kind of crazy to take on the responsibility of someone else’s wedding day. Fortunately, Meghan Farrar of Farraver After Events is just that type of crazy.
This North Virginia native started out working as an in-house wedding coordinator and sales director for a local events venue. Within her first year, she’d done 100 events! Talk about a crash course. By the end of 2019, she had started her own independent wedding coordinating business where she offers month-of and day-of services.
Being an independent business owner can be a challenge—especially when you open up shop right before a global pandemic! Rescheduling and renegotiating contracts with clients was a major challenge, and as a solopreneur, it was all on Meghan to have those uncomfortable conversations. But she pulled through, and is back with a packed schedule of happy couples.
So what’s special about Meghan? You’ll probably get a sense of it as you read some of her own words down below. Consider her the “no bullshit” wedding coordinator. She knows what’s worth the splurge, and what’s a waste of your time and money. She knows all the best wedding vendors (heyyyyy!) and she’ll never steer you wrong. Think of Meghan as your sassy BFF who will keep everyone from the caterers to the flower girl on-point during your day.
Meghan took a few minutes out of her packed schedule to share what she loves about weddings with us. Check out her thoughts below.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
What’s your favorite venue and why?
Oh man, I can't pick just one. I work part-time for Sweeney Barn and Kentlands Mansion so I'm always hyping them up. They're really unique spaces with incredible management which is something that's personally so important to me. I also love some all-inclusive venues: Rust Manor, Airlie, Clydes at Willow Creek, Mandarin Oriental. They make my job as a coordinator easier.
Rust Manor House. Leesburg, Virginia
Photo by Corrin Jasinksi Photography
What’s your favorite thing about weddings?
Can I say the food? Haha but really I love seeing my clients’ vision come to life after they've planned this idea for such a long time. Having it become a tangible experience that becomes one of the best days of their lives is really rewarding and cool to experience.
What’s the wildest thing a couple has ever asked for?
Probably a wedding that had centerpieces with live goldfish in them. I had to scoop them out of their bag and put them in vases and it was a bit extra. I just hope they went to homes and not down the toilet at the end of the night!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen a member of the wedding party do?
I've had a bride try to beat me up in a closet because her DJ blew out the circuits of the venue (I fixed it within 5 mins). Alcohol + stress is a wild combination for some people.
Note: Maryland’s DJ asks that all couples please refrain from attacking wedding vendors. Please and thank you.
What’s the best “little kid moment” you’ve seen at a wedding?
I'm going to get hate for this but I'm a pro-no-kid wedding. They're always a wild card when they're asked to be in the wedding ceremony. There’s about a 50/50 chance that they actually make it down the aisle. But I love when couples consider that and put them in those remote control cars and zoom them down the aisle. I always think that's hilarious and fun.
Dogs are equally as cute. Maybe cuter.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about working at weddings?
That it is exhausting. Your vendors are human. We have feelings and we're doing our best for you, so if something goes awry (which it ALWAYS does) just view it with grace and treat us with respect. We will fix it.
What’s the best speech you’ve ever heard?
I don't have one that stands out but I'm always a fan of roast-type toasts. Those usually end up coming from the best man.
What’s your favorite wedding movie and why?
Bride Wars and Wedding Crashers. They're comedies and are more about their relationship with their best friends vs a cheesy happy ending.
What’s your best marriage advice?
I'm single as a pringle so I'm probably not the best person to give marriage advice LOL.
But I'd say remember to prioritize each other, keep dating even when life gets crazy. Always strive to create the best version of yourself so you can nourish your relationship and grow as individuals and as a couple.
To work with Meghan, you can email her at farreverafterevents@gmail.com, or reach out through her website. And when you’re ready to book your DJ, we’d love to hear from you! Fill out our online form to check availability and reserve your date.
Published on:
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
