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Every unforgettable wedding starts with a solid plan, and behind every seamless celebration is a dedicated planner making sure every detail comes together flawlessly.
At THE 101 in Seattle, the in-house planning team is passionate about curating events that reflect each couple’s unique love story—whether at THE 101 or another stunning venue in the city.
We sat down with Ali, a seasoned wedding planner at 828 Planning and THE 101, to discuss the ins and outs of wedding planning, the magic of Seattle weddings, and expert advice for couples preparing for their big day.
Q: What inspired you to become a wedding planner?
A: Ever since I was a kid, I have loved weddings and dreamed about being a wedding planner. I found myself very detail oriented and organized, and felt this job was the perfect fit for me with the combination of my passion for weddings and attention to detail.
Q: Can you walk us through a typical day as a wedding planner?
A: First, coffee! Every day is different, which I love! On weekdays it tends to be a mix of meetings with couples, building diagrams, chatting with upcoming vendors, or building out timelines. Event days are always exciting and busy. The day starts running around doing set up, perfecting decor details, and welcoming vendors as they arrive. Once the event kicks off there is a lot of touching base with the DJ to make sure we are on track, and then saying goodbye to our newlyweds! I love seeing their special day come to light.
Q: What makes Seattle unique for weddings?
A: I love Seattle for weddings mostly because of the overall city vibe it gives! Each wedding’s different decor vibe always mixes well with the industrial and historic Pioneer Square. Historic wood, classic brick, exposed beams, cement, and close to the waterfront?? What more could you ask for!!
Q: What do you love the most about planning events at THE 101?
A: I love how customizable our space is! You can truly make the space your own, I feel like I haven’t done the same wedding twice. I also love the photo options you get by being so close Occidental Square.
Q: If you could plan your own wedding at THE 101, what sort of design would you create?
A: Oooo how fun! I would definitely go with a lot of color and installations. A big hanging floral install in the glass corner is always my favorite! Also a million disco balls hanging above the dance floor, bud vases on all the tables, and sooooo many candles lining the aisle. A floral install on the bar would be gorgeous too. And I would die for some hot pink velvet table linens for the cocktail tables. Pink is my favorite color, and I always think the pops of color look so great in the space.
Q: Do you have any advice for couples planning their wedding in 2025/2026?
A: I always advise that couples book their vendors earlier rather than later, that way you can ensure that your favorite vendors have you on their calendars, and you can also then take a bit of a “planning break” once you have all the big stuff booked. It’s nice to dive into the small details after a little lull of booking all your vendors.
Why THE 101 is a Top Choice for Seattle Weddings
At THE 101, wedding planning is about creating a day that’s as effortless as it is beautiful. The team works closely with couples to bring their vision to life in a space that’s modern, versatile, and located in the heart of Seattle. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, THE 101 ensures that every detail is perfectly executed, allowing you to focus on what really matters—celebrating with your loved ones.
Thinking about saying “I do” at THE 101? Get in touch today to learn more about our planning services and schedule a tour of the venue!
