10 Questions with Haylie Scherr

At Heirloom Event Company, transparency isn’t just a value—it’s the foundation of everything we do. Whether you’ve read one of my venue reviews, browsed a behind-the-scenes wedding recap, or just landed here for the first time, you’ll notice something quickly: we believe couples deserve honest, experienced guidance while planning one of the most meaningful days of their lives.

But what’s behind the scenes at Heirloom? Who’s the person fielding your timeline questions, decoding vendor contracts, and reminding you that your wedding doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s template?

Hi, I’m Haylie. I’ve planned hundreds of weddings across the country and have had a front-row seat to just about every emotion and unexpected twist that comes with planning. So today, I thought I’d answer a few of the questions I get asked most often, and then give you the chance to ask your own questions, too.

Ask Me Anything with Haylie Scherr

1. What inspired you to start Heirloom Event Company?

I moved to Los Angeles in 2012 knowing no one. Even as an outgoing extrovert, those first few months were incredibly lonely. Once I found my footing, I never wanted anyone else to feel that way.

So I started hosting monthly event groups—Dodgers games, wine tastings, horseback riding, paintball, archery, dodgeball—anything that could bring coworkers, neighbors, and total strangers together to build real community.

I loved creating those shared experiences: the themes, the logistics, the little details that made people feel connected. Eventually, people started asking me to help with their weddings. Once I said yes, everything took off.

That sense of connection, belonging, and joy became the foundation of Heirloom Event Company—and it still guides everything we do today.

2. How did your background shape the way you approach planning?

I am naturally an extremely organized person. I love lists, systems, goals, and checking things off—even my Cheez-Its in the pantry are labeled (and they already say Cheez-Its).

What I love about wedding planning is that there is always something purposeful to work on—whether we’re planning a 250-guest wedding in six weeks or supporting a two-year engagement.

Organization is the backbone of how we serve our couples.

Before every email, call, or meeting, you’ll always receive a clear update:

• where things stand

• what your homework is

• what mine is

• and what’s coming next

That structure and clarity removes guesswork, reduces stress, and allows couples to actually enjoy the planning process.

3. What’s one myth about weddings you wish couples could unlearn?

That every tiny detail matters. Some details absolutely matter—like getting the wedding date or attire correct on the invitation. But Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok have created a culture of obsessive detail overload.

Couples stress about things like bows on every champagne glass or folding napkins a certain way so they match the exact placement of a maraschino cherry in a cake photo. That might look cute in a styled shoot, but in real life it often becomes clutter, stress, and chaos.

Your guests are not tracking micro-details. They’re paying attention to conversation, atmosphere, connection, and how the day feels.

Focus on what impacts the experience—not what adds unnecessary pressure.

4. What should couples pay closer attention to when booking vendors?

Read the contract. Many times couples remember a verbal conversation, but it never made it into the written agreement. We are always happy to sit down with you, walk through the contract, translate the language, revise unclear sections, and make sure both sides are aligned.

If you need different payment terms, ask! If something feels confusing, ask! Clear communication upfront sets you up for a smooth planning journey.

And beyond the contract, make sure you genuinely connect with your vendors. You don’t have to be best friends, but the chemistry should be there. On the wedding day, you’ll be with your photographer, videographer, and DJ far more than your planners.

You want people who make you feel comfortable, understood, and excited—not just someone who checks a box.

5. What’s a detail that gets overlooked but makes a big difference?

The bar.

Most couples see a venue’s bar package—$40, $50, even $55 per person—and assume it’s fixed and boring. But the bar is one of the most creative and impactful areas of the entire wedding.

You can:
• Break up the experience with an espresso martini bar
• Jump behind the bar and shake a cocktail for a fun moment
• Add colorful garnishes or edible flowers to water or cocktails
• Use bar elements to replace or minimize décor costs

Also: don’t waste bar time during dinner when most guests are seated. Encourage everyone to grab a drink before dinner begins, and save the bar hours for when the dance floor is packed. Most couples don’t fully utilize what’s included in their bar package—but when you do, it becomes an experience, not just a line item.

6. What’s your favorite moment on a wedding day?

I have two.

First: the parent first look—especially between the groom and his mom. Moms often get overlooked, and this moment gives her a meaningful, emotional pause before the ceremony. The photos become treasured keepsakes for years to come.

Second: the moment right after the ceremony. When the couple walks away, closes the door, exhales, and realizes—we did it. Seeing them hug, smile uncontrollably, kiss, and soak in the joy of marrying their favorite person… that is my favorite moment. It’s real, it’s unperformed, and it’s pure love.

7. What do couples ask you about the most?

The budget. Every single time.

Most couples don’t know what things realistically cost—and that’s completely normal. That’s why our Wedding Planning AMA Sessions are so valuable.

We share real numbers from real weddings we’ve planned, tracked by guest count, location, service style, transportation, and more. That context gives couples a grounding point before they ever talk to a vendor.

Our goal is for you to walk into conversations confident—not confused, pressured, or blindsided.

Budget clarity is the #1 question we get, and we love giving honest, practical guidance.

Who Is This Session For?

This session is perfect for:

• Couples planning their wedding without a full-service planner

• Brides or grooms feeling overwhelmed by options or costs

• Parents contributing financially who want to understand what’s realistic

• Couples comparing venues or deciding between planning paths

• Those planning in Chicago, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Northwest Arkansas, or destination weddings

If you’ve ever thought, “I just wish someone would tell me the truth,”—this is that moment.

What Couples Are Saying

“We had a 1:1 Wedding AMA Session with Haylie via Zoom—it was so incredibly helpful. We were feeling really overwhelmed with all of the costs piling up and Haylie helped us understand industry ranges for things like DJs, photographers, hair and makeup artists. This allowed us to reframe our thinking on our budget—keeping it at our goal instead of figuring out how to afford everything. Haylie was incredibly generous sharing resources and ideas as well as her expertise. We are so grateful for Haylie's assistance! Reach out to Heirloom if you feel overwhelmed with your wedding planning, they can help.”
Jessica M.

Want to Ask Your Own Questions?

If you're in the thick of planning and need honest guidance, the Wedding Planning AMA Session might be the best starting point. It's a pressure-free, no-strings meeting where we talk through your ideas, your worries, and how to make this whole process feel less like a chore—and more like the joyful beginning it’s meant to be.