Vendor Feature: Kara Patten - Maine Wedding Planner

When it comes to creating a wedding day that's not just memorable but truly yours, it takes someone who goes beyond logistics and design. It takes someone who gets to know you, your love story, and what makes your hearts light up. That’s why we adore working with Kara Patten. Kara has a gift for connecting with her couples in a way that transforms a beautiful event into a deeply personal celebration. In this Q&A, we’re pulling back the curtain on what drives her creativity and how she ensures every wedding she plans is as unique as the couple saying "I do."

Q: Tell us a little bit about you & your business: 

A: I have been planning weddings for about 10 years, but in the event industry for nearly 25. My summer job throughout high school and college was working for a local Maine clambake catering company, starting as a server and then making my way up to a lead. After college I worked for a rental company handling sales, marketing, and social media, and quickly realized that I wanted to seriously pursue a career in events. I got myself a job in Washington, DC at a large planning and catering firm. During my time in DC, I found myself in a very fast paced environment planning and executing large scale events at venues such as the Smithsonian Museums (Air+Space, Natural History, American History, National Zoo, etc.), on the National Mall, and with guests of honors such as the then President, Barack Obama, and First Lady Michelle Obama. After my whirlwind time in DC, I relocated to California to spend a year as an Event Manager at UC Berkeley's esteemed International House. The west coast proved itself to be a little too far away from my home state of Maine, and upon moving back to Maine is when I decided to take my wealth of experience in different aspects of event planning and using the perspective from each vendor as a way to expertly plan and execute weddings in the Seacoast area. Being from Southern Maine, I find my time in DC and CA intensified my love for the Seacoast area and had a new appreciation and love for weddings. 

Q: Can you tell us more about the services you offer?

A:  I only offer Event Management, which is also known as Partial Planning. I find this is a unique and needed planning service as it’s perfect for the couple who are excited and interested in planning their wedding - but know they need expert guidance throughout the process. They know the vision but do not have the time to figure out how to execute it. Being from the Seacoast area, and with my experience, I have an acute understanding of how to plan and execute weddings, the best vendors to partner with, and how to handle logistics. 

Q: How would you best describe your style and what sets you apart in the industry?

A: My personal attention and way of connecting with couples, I believe, sets me apart. I take pride in what I do. I am selective in the weddings I take on, both location and quantities. I promise to be available for my couples at all times and know in order to do that, I must keep a reasonable schedule. I believe the extra time in meeting with couples, and getting to know them, helps me execute their wedding perfectly. After 12+ months of working together, by the time their wedding arrives, I know how they want everything handled and understand all of the emotional and personal ways to make it seamless and keep them calm and present. 

Q: How far in advance do you recommend couples reach out to you to begin planning?

A: I typically prefer a 18 month planning experience. It gives us enough time to work with the vendors we prefer, get the planning off on the right path to then communicate in Save the Dates, websites, etc. and keep the couples from feeling overwhelmed and behind in the process. It also gives us a lot of time to get to know each other well and become invested in each other. 

Q: Where do you pull your design inspiration from?

A: Pinterest and Instagram will always be my go to when starting to think through a design. But instead of looking at past wedding inspo, I look at exterior and interior design, nature, and travel visuals. 

Q: What are your favorite ways to personalize a wedding?

A: Menu. I love when the menu is designed just for the couple. Even if no one notices, I always promote selecting items that mean something to them. Maybe the specialty cocktail pays homage to their first date, the appetizers reflect their first vacation, or dinner is what they first cooked for each other, etc. I think it’s a really sweet way to make it your own. Dessert, too! I always tell my couples, what is your absolute favorite dessert - whatever that is, is what you should eat on your wedding day. 

Q: What is something you wish more couples knew when planning their wedding?

A: It does go by really fast. Even when the planning stage is slow, or building up, try to enjoy every second because it comes and goes in a flash. 

Q: What’s one detail or service that couples often overlook but makes a big impact?

A: I don’t think it’s overlooked but florals make the biggest impact. It’s the cherry on top. It brings it all together and what guests really take in first. They don’t always notice or understand the speciality napkins, glassware, or fancy backbars - but they know enough when seeing florals to be wowed. 

Q: Any design or style trends you’re looking forward to in 2025?

A: I am absolutely loving the modern/contemporary floral trend I am seeing. More artful and out of the box centerpieces. It really makes you stop and marvel. I also will forever love intimate weddings in settings such as boutique hotels, etc. Thinking bigger on the overall experience but for a smaller number of guests, it’s a wonderful way to have a luxury wedding and more direct connection with each guests. 

Q: Is there a design or location that’s on your bucket list? 

A: I’ve been loving venues that offer a really unique Maine experience such as Aragosta, The Squire Box Inn, and The ViewPoint. 

This or That

1. Preferred Color Palette: Soft Neutrals or Bold Colors

   Ah! I can’t decide. It all depends!

2. Wedding Weekend: One Day Celebration or Multi-Day Festivities

   Multi-Day always feel like a summer camp weekend kind of fun - all the guests feel so comfortable and connected. 

3. Guest Experience: Fun & Interactive or Relaxes & Refined

   Fun and Interactive

4. Ceremony Setting: Beachfront Views or Garden Oasis

   Can’t decide!

5. Favorite Wedding Moment: First Look or Speeches

   Golden Hour or Vows for me!

Connect with Kara:

• Website: https://www.karapatten.com/

• Instagram: @kara_patten

• Email: kara@karapatten.com