Tips for Planning a Manhattan Wedding

From the best wedding planner and designer in New York (yes, really)

Kim Espinosa Photography

Planning a wedding in Manhattan is not for the faint of heart. It’s high-energy, fast-paced, and filled with a thousand decisions that all matter. But done right? It’s iconic. And no one does iconic quite like New York.

As the best wedding planner and designer in New York, we know the city inside and out. From loading dock drama to the best-kept secrets in skyline views. Whether you’re local or planning from afar, here’s how to navigate planning a Manhattan wedding with confidence and clarity.

Secure the Venue First and Fast

There is no such thing as too early in New York. Venues book out quickly and most require multiple site visits, permits, and production meetings. You are not just renting a space. You are coordinating with internal staff, navigating union rules, and building out every single detail.

Think of the venue as your anchor. Once it is locked, the rest of your decisions will follow. From Tribeca rooftops to Fifth Avenue ballrooms to tucked-away garden courtyards, the right space will dictate everything from your guest count to your transportation plan.

Fun fact

Irene + Co Events started right here in New York 10 years ago with our first office based in Astoria. We quickly found ourselves planning weddings at venues like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Brooklyn Boathouse. Fast forward a decade and we’re now designing events at iconic spaces like 620 Loft and Garden and the Fifth Avenue Hotel. New York is where we started and it’s still one of our favorite places to plan and execute luxury events that make a statement.

Do Not Underestimate Load-In and Access Rules

This is a big one. Most Manhattan venues have very specific rules about when and how vendors can load in and out. Many require COIs from every single vendor, scheduled elevator times, or exact freight access plans. Some do not allow early drop-offs or late-night pickups which can impact everything from rentals to florals.

We have worked with almost every kind of setup. From 5 am elevator windows to security-cleared load-ins through back alleys. You want a planner who has been here before. Because in Manhattan, execution is everything and there is no room for guessing.

Build In More Time Than You Think

Traffic is real. Parking is impossible. Elevators are slow. And timelines need buffers.

Whether it is hair and makeup delays or a forgotten pair of shoes that needs to be Ubered across the island, we always plan extra time. You can never be too prepared in a city where one blocked avenue can derail a schedule. The good news is we have built timelines that still flow no matter what the city throws at us.

Design for the Space, Not Just the Vibe

New York venues are full of character. Brick walls, high ceilings, grand staircases, windowless ballrooms with million-dollar lighting systems. The best designs work with the space, not against it.

We always take the bones of the building into account. Where the light hits. How the space sounds. Where the guests will gather and flow. As New York wedding designers, we do not just make it pretty. We make it make sense. Your ideas, but next level.

Think Logistics Before Romance

We know. Not the most romantic tip. But it is the one that makes all the difference.

In Manhattan, romance only happens when logistics are handled. That means buses or black cars. That means communication with every single vendor, double-confirmed guest lists, backup plans, and a day-of team who can pivot fast and stay calm when the lights flicker or the kitchen runs behind.

We have done rooftop weddings in the rain, black-tie galas on Broadway, and cozy dinners in hidden townhouses. And the reason they worked is because every moment was planned and protected by people who knew how to make it happen.

TLDR

Planning a Manhattan wedding means moving fast, planning smart, and designing with purpose. Your venue comes first. Your logistics need to be locked. Your planner must understand New York’s rhythm. And your design should feel intentional. Irene + Co started right here in New York 10 years ago, and we have built a decade of expertise in navigating this city with precision. We do not just plan weddings in Manhattan. We thrive in the chaos and turn it into something beautiful. Let’s plan your perfect day.