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Weddings

About

Essential Wedding and Event Planner is a wedding planning business based in Houston, Texas. Their belief is that every wedding should be special making sure everything is done in decency and in order so that every detail matters. We'll be in contact with you from the moment you reach out to us. We will then make sure your special day turns out to be a memorable one.

Experience

Gayla Grant, the founder and lead planner, has been a Professional Wedding Coordinator since 2002. She is also a member of The Association of Bridal Consultants, is Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission certified, and was on the board of The NAPW Woodlands Chapter. She has many years of experience in organizing both religious and non-religious weddings, as well as other events.

Services Offered

Wedding events serviced by Essential Wedding and Event Planner includes: rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and receptions. Their services include full or partial planning, budget analysis, event designer, vendor referrals, guest list creation, to-do lists, timeline creation, and day-of coordination.

Other Services

In addition to weddings, Essential Wedding and Event Planner is available to plan and manage other special events and celebrations. These include marriage proposals, baby showers, birthday parties, corporate luncheons, graduation parties, and other events on request.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the starting price for day-of wedding coordination?

$1,000

What is the starting price for partial wedding planning?

$1,600

What is the starting price for full wedding planning?

$2,500

Do you offer an hourly rate?

No

What is the hourly rate?

$50

What wedding events do you provide services for?

Ceremony
Reception
Rehearsal Dinner

What wedding planning services do you offer?

Day-of Coordination
Full Planning
Partial Planning

What weddings do you have experience planning?

Cultural
Destination
Double Weddings
Elopement
Eco-Friendly
Non-Religious
Religious

Reviews of Essential Wedding and Event Planner

M
Miss Sent on 02/28/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Awesome Turnout

From the very first conversation to the final send-off, working with our wedding planner was one of the best decisions we made. She didn’t just plan an event — she created an experience that felt effortless, elegant, and completely reflective of who we are.

Her attention to detail was unmatched. Every floral arrangement, every timeline cue, every vendor coordination moment was handled with precision and professionalism. What truly set her apart, though, was her ability to stay calm and solution-focused no matter what came up. I never once felt stressed — and that is priceless on your wedding day.

She listened. She understood our vision. And then she elevated it beyond what we imagined possible. Our guests are still talking about how seamless and beautiful everything felt. That doesn’t happen by accident — that’s expert planning.

If you’re looking for someone who is organized, creative, responsive, and genuinely invested in making your day extraordinary, look no further. She is worth every penny and then some. I would recommend her a thousand times over.

Thank you for turning our dream into a flawless reality.
Hannah
Hannah Sent on 07/08/2025
5 out of 5 rating

They made my wedding happen!

Gayla and her team were the backbone of the wedding! I didn't think that I needed a wedding coordinator, you do! Her team was very attentive and made sure everything was running smoothly. Her assistant Dorian was amazing! He made sure me, my husband, wedding party and family had everything we needed. He solved problems and really shined that night. Gayla offers great services at a great price. Book her!
S
Susan Sent on 01/27/2025
5 out of 5 rating

My wedding day

Ms Gayla and her team were amazing. They handled the setup, timeline and cleanup at our venue. I did not have to do nothing at all. I really felt like a guest at my own wedding. I would highly recommend Ms Gayla for all your wedding plans. 10 across the board. Thank you again!
V
Vergie Sent on 07/06/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Outstanding

I had the privilege of working with Essential Wedding for my 60th wedding anniversary. Ms Gayla was very professional and her staff was very compassionate towards our needs and helpful with the guests. I gave her 5 stars. Thank you Ms Gayla for everything!
K
Kathrine Sent on 10/18/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Exceptional

The team was very attentive to me and my now husband needs every step of the way. I didn't have to concern myself with anything. I would recommend them for sure.
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Awards

5

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