Jared Seligman Shares the Challenges of Choosing the Right Wedding Planner for an Unforgettable Celebration

Everyone dreams of utter perfection on their wedding day, and Jared Seligman is no exception. Seligman is an associate real estate broker with The Corcoran Group in New York City, dealing with historic and architecturally significant properties — so he expected his nuptials to be chic and stylish. He proposed to his fiancé, investment banker Max Schapiro, in August 2018. Originally, the couple wanted to elope with a small ceremony, inviting only very close family members and friends. However, those plans changed as the two realized just how many people they wanted to include in their celebration. Unfortunately, COVID-19 had other plans for them. When those plans began exponentially expanding, Seligman and Schapiro knew they needed expert assistance from a wedding planner.

Jared Seligman’s Take on Finding a Wedding Planner and COVID-19

After an extensive search, Seligman and Schapiro found the firm that could make the magic happen. But it wasn’t easy. Seligman jokes: “It was the longest process of my life, picking my potential mate and then the wedding planner. I would say each was just as time-consuming.”

Ultimately, the couple decided to go with Fête, a full-service event planning firm featured in the New York Times, Vanity Fair, and more. What sealed the deal was that Seligman and Schapiro had attended a few weddings Fête had done for friends.

Seligman emphasized that he valued the firm’s ability to be versatile. Fête can not only deliver high-quality events, but it does it in a way that truly reflects the style and values of the couple. Seligman noted that guests wouldn’t see huge logos or pictures of the Fête’s design team on its products—it’s all about the happy pair.

Because of COVID-19, being versatile also needs to take on another tone. Seligman states: “This is an ever-changing time. You can send a save-the-date and have no idea what’s going to happen.” Having a wedding planner that can adjust as needed professionally and efficiently could help the couple make changes to their big day if COVID-19 — or something even more unexpected — threw more curveballs.

Striking the Right Balance in Planning a Wedding

Seligman and Schapiro have lived together for over six years now. During that time, they took on a substantial renovation of their home, allowing them to grow closer as a couple — all during a worldwide pandemic. After tackling a renovation in one of the most unique times in recent history, Seligman states that planning the wedding felt like an “easier situation.”

Seligman has over two decades of interior design experience on top of his outstanding real estate career. As a result, he had a real vision for what he wanted guests (and his groom) to experience on the big day. For Seligman, it’s been a balancing act. He notes: “It’s been a useful exercise in learning the word ‘no.’ I’m someone who comes from a place of ‘yes’ and wants to do everything as much as possible, but I think in this next chapter of my life, ‘no’ is a full sentence that can really happen, too.”

Working with a team that clearly knew what they were doing while incorporating their client’s sense of style put Seligman at ease during the planning process. He stated: “Fête is run by a woman named Jung Lee, a Korean immigrant. She and her team have been incredibly amazing to work with. It’s been a pleasure to work with people who represent the best of what they do.”