By Ciara Daykin
Having a new baby certainly puts things into perspective. I’m 2 weeks into motherhood and baby Declan is taking up a lot of my time but my wedding planning business hasn’t shut its 
doors. On the contrary, we’re busier than ever! But I want to spend time with Declan so it means that I have to make the most of the tools I have available to me so that I can maximize my time with my son but make quick efficient decisions when it comes to the business. And when I’m working I want it to be fun and comfortable so there are just certain things I need.
It really has gotten me thinking about the things that I just can’t live without as a wedding planner. Here are 9 of my favorite things as a wedding planner:
1. My IPhone- I am a recent convert to the IPhone. I used to have a Blackberry and I think having either of the 2 smart phones is an absolute MUST as a wedding planner. I love that I don’t have to sit down at my computer to review emails and websites, I can do it on the go or with my little bambina in my lap!
2. Metal Water Bottle- It sounds so simple but when you’re at a wedding there’s nothing worse than trying to track down a glass of water. Keeping yourself hydrated at a wedding is absolutely key.
3. Flat Shoes- When I first started out I tried to be chic in high heels but I’ve never been good in heels at the best of times let along 10 hours into a wedding. My new shoe love is Kenneth Cole Gentle Souls.
4. My 1-800 Number- Love having a 1-800 number so the world doesn’t have my cell phone! I love even more that I can forward it anywhere, set the hours when it rings and I had Simon record the message and well, his English accent is just awesome. We use grasshopper.com for our 1-800 number
5. Cherry Blaster Sour Candy- Okay so this is my fav candy and I think you need to have a little fun sweet treat once in awhile to keep yourself sane.
6. Goddess Guidance Cards by Doreen Virtue- I love gaining inspiration from these cards by Doreen Virtue. They’re all good cards and each offers a different powerful goddess story. I also have her Saints and Angels cards which I also love and use often. I find these cards really center me especially during an event. They really ground me and always tell me what I need to hear. You can get them here.
7. My journal- Being a wedding planner, a wife, a Mom, a friend, a daughter, a CEO is just a wee bit stressful and sometimes overwhelming. I love sitting down and writing in my 
journal all the things that I’ve been bottling up inside and sometimes I can’t share with anyone else. Here is my fav brand of journals: https://www.papayaart.com/
8. Virtual Assistant- Most of you know Jessica my virtual assistant. I have to give her a shout out in this list as I really couldn’t do this job without her. I love that I can just drop her an email with a task and know that it’s going to get done. It’s hard to do it all yourself and a virtual assistant is a perfect way to start getting help until you’re able to have an in person team.
9. Support- I really truly could not do what I do without the support of my husband and my family. It’s key that when you’re making big leaps in your business and in your life that you have a strong support team behind you. The support I have from all my staff is super key as well- I have to be able to rely on them. I also have the support of my mastermind group. That group of ladies is always inspiring me to dream bigger.
Ciara’s Rockstar Advice
Don’t tolerate not having the tools you need to make your life easier and more comfortable. Being a wedding planner is a busy job and you need to surround yourself with your favorite things, the practical and the fun!
