Welcome to our “Day in the Life” series! We feature wedding and event planners from around the world with many different levels of experience. If you would like to be featured, download our questionnaire here and email your responses and photos to info@plannerslounge.com. We are excited to feature Neha Chopra a wedding planner from Ontario.

Name: Neha Chopra

Business Name & Location: SAWC Planners Inc., Oakville, Ontario Canada

Years Working in the Event Industry: 15 Years

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 12 Years

Website: www.sawcplanners.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawcplanners

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawcplanners/

What is your typical day like?

I try to start my day between 6am and begin with a self care routine of exercising, meditating and learning. However, most days I end up dreaming about waking up early rather than actually making it happen(lol). I begin Mommy duties at 8am as I have 3 girls and two of them need to leave for school by 9am. My toddler goes to daycare three times a week, Mon- Wed and that is when I go to my office and get time to answer most emails, schedule appointments, meet clients/vendors and run errands. Thursday and Friday, I usually work from home as I also have to take care of my toddler and my couples at the same time. My afternoon lunch is usually on the road or at home depending on the day. My kids return home by 4pm and after that the evening is usually making dinner, watching movies and spending time with them. However, Thursday and Friday evenings are allocated to virtual meetings in case couples are unable to meet during the day. I schedule some meetings after dinner until 10pm and I read a book until 10:30pm and end the night.

How did you get started in the industry?

I completed my high school diploma in Delhi and moved to Canada as I turned 17. I come from a family of business background and always had an interest in marketing and management which is why I earned a degree in Business Management from York University. I was hired as a Client Services Manager at Zurich Insurance and had a fulfilling 9-5 job. In 2008 I got married and that is when I discovered my passion for planning events and weddings. Back in the day, wedding planners were considered a luxury service and not a necessity so I began selling decor and asked couples to hire me as a coordinator on their wedding day. A year later, I was hired by a wedding planning company to lead their South Asian wedding department and I was thrilled at the opportunity. Fast forward 15 years, we planned and coordinated 82 events in 2022 and are considered as one of the top wedding planners in the leading south asian industry. There’s just so much to be grateful for!

What inspires you?

Personally I am inspired by the ethics and advice from Robin Sharma and Lilly Singh’s Books. Professionally I am inspired by the rich heritage and beauty of Interfaith Weddings. Being in Canada, we plan and coordinate fusion weddings where two cultures are amalgamated together with different ceremonies. I am intrigued by the rituals and how each couple personalized them in their own way. 

I love following blogs on Eventsource, Withjoy.com and Wedmegood. For the most part, my biggest inspiration comes from Bollywood and Hollywood Celebrity Weddings.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

Maeandcomonthly- https://www.instagram.com/maeandcomonthly/ 

Canva 

17hats.com 

Withjoy.com 

Planners Lounge is my absolute favorite and I love the monthly social media calendars that are sent.

Aside from wedding and event planning, how do you spend your time?

I love to read inspirational books each year during the months of January to March. Our busy season usually begins in April and I do not have much time for hobbies or any other activities since we are busy planning events. I love hot destinations for vacations and I absolutely enjoy cruising and have been on 7 cruises to date. 

Neha, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story and a day in your life. If you are a wedding or an event planner and would like to be featured, download our questionnaire today and email it to us along with a photo. If you aren’t sure about being featured, take a few minutes to read how it can help your business.