Meet Katie Waite | Wedding Consultant & Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Waite and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
From a young age my grandmother introduced me to the world of entertaining. I grew up helping her prepare for elegant dinners, and I was often her plus one at elaborate gatherings where etiquette was expected. She taught me how to set a table properly and how to host graciously.

Years later, a neighbor asked if I would decorate and set up her daughter’s wedding reception. What started as a simple favor quickly turned into me running the entire event. I loved it! Before I knew it, I was building what would become my wedding and event planning business.

What I realized is this allows me to bring together two sides of who I am: the artist and the problem-solver. I get to create moments that feel beautiful and intentional while also working out the logistics: how to make something work, how to make it affordable, and how to stretch a budget without losing the magic.

I come alive when I can take someone’s dream, even if it feels out of reach, and say, ‘We can do this and here’s how.’ That blend of creativity and strategy is what built my business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After all these years, I really still love what I do. I love helping people while creating beautiful moments. Yet for more than 15 years in the wedding industry, I saw too many couples being funneled into a one-size-fits-all formula: book the venue, pick the package, follow the checklist. It works for some, but for many, it leaves stressful and expensive gaps in planning.

I decided to do things differently. Instead of continuing down the traditional wedding planner path, I crafted a new service, Wedding Consulting and Advocacy, designed to give couples options, clarity, and confidence no matter their budget or vision.

As a wedding consultant, I guide couples through any part of planning they need from logistics, design recommendations, venue and vendor selection along with invitation timing, RSVP management and budgeting. Some come to me for just one or two areas, while others want guidance from start to finish. Either way, we create a plan that fits them not a template, so they can hand it off to a day-of coordinator or carry it out themselves (DIY) with confidence.

As a wedding advocate, I act on behalf of the needs of the couple. I teach them how to navigate overall expectations and make informed decisions while building confidence and knowledge about the wedding planning process. My services are intentionally affordable and can begin at any stage of the process, but the earlier we connect, the more I can help couples avoid costly mistakes and maximize their budget. My goal is to reduce stress and offer clarity.

My business has given me the freedom to care for my special needs daughter while staying creative and connected to others. What I’m most proud of is the chance to give back. Each year, I donate my planning services to a couple in need. Last year, I partnered with Wish Upon a Wedding to create a meaningful event for a couple facing a life-altering health circumstance. With the help of talented and generous vendors, we created a beautiful, heartfelt experience for their family. Moments like these inspire me!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are a few things I always suggest: Garden of the Gods is a must-see, no matter how many times you’ve been. Some of the most interesting things I recommend are the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Denver Art Museum, or the Molly Brown House. From there, I tailor everything. Maybe it’s a tour of mountain towns, outdoor concerts, a lunch on my deck from Oliver’s Deli, or maybe it’s a quiet dinner at one of my favorite local spots, maybe it’s a scenic drive through the mountains. I want them to leave feeling like they had a vacation, not just a trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There is a group of people that I would like to thank for their support and encouragement. First, Anna Smith of Jack Rabbit Florals, her positivity, talent, and the joy of our recent collaborations have truly inspired me. I’m also thankful for the expert friends who show up for me daily, especially Shauna Arrington, a trusted advisor and sounding board who brings insight and helps me look tech-savvy, and Justina Baker, a total powerhouse who’s always in my corner. A special shoutout goes to my husband and children who support and motivate me!

Website: https://katiewaiteevents.com

Instagram: @katiewaiteevents

Image Credits
Alicia Faye Photography
Katie Blondin Photography
Olivia Sanchez Photography