In this exclusive Writers & Authors interview, we sit down with Author & Wedding Planner Shari Zatman to discuss her insightful and heartfelt book, From Behind the Clipboard: Lessons From a Wedding Planner. With decades of experience and hundreds of weddings under her belt, Shari shares the real stories, practical wisdom, and emotional truths behind one of life’s most meaningful celebrations.
📘 Purchase the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48WC8GK
🌐 Learn more: www.perfectlyplannedbyshari.com
✨ ABOUT THE BOOK & INSPIRATION
Writers & Authors: From Behind the Clipboard offers a behind-the-scenes look into wedding planning. What inspired you to finally put your decades of experience into a book?
Shari Zatman: Writing this book has felt like a very long birth that began about ten years ago. I realized I had so many stories—both entertaining and educational—to share. This book brings together my experiences, pro tips, and lessons into something that readers can both enjoy and learn from.
Writers & Authors: What was the moment you knew this book needed to exist?
Shari Zatman: Weddings are often expected to look perfect—but the truth is, they’re “perfectly imperfect.” My role is to manage the unexpected with grace. Especially after navigating the COVID pandemic, I realized how much practical knowledge I could share. People learn just as much from what goes wrong as from what goes right.
Writers & Authors: How would you describe the heart of the book?
Shari Zatman: It goes beyond a “how-to” guide. I explore decision-making, stress, finances, and relationship dynamics. I share real stories—both successes and mistakes—to help couples understand that it’s okay for their wedding to be imperfectly perfect.
Writers & Authors: What does “imperfectly perfect” mean to you?
Shari Zatman: Something will always go differently than planned. Weddings are like live productions—so many moving parts. As long as nothing catastrophic happens, those little hiccups often become the stories people cherish most.
🎤 THE WEDDING PLANNER EXPERIENCE
Writers & Authors: What’s the biggest misconception about wedding planners?
Shari Zatman: That it’s all glamour. What people see is the finished product—but not the intense work, coordination, and problem-solving behind the scenes.
Writers & Authors: Which “hat” do you wear most on wedding days?
Shari Zatman: Director and crisis manager. I’m constantly guiding vendors, answering questions, and solving problems in real time.
Writers & Authors: What’s a common hurdle couples face?
Shari Zatman: Decision-making together. How couples communicate during planning often reflects their relationship. I love helping guide them through that process.
Writers & Authors: Can you share a memorable challenge?
Shari Zatman: A venue once set a table with two missing seats due to a misread diagram. My team quickly found extra chairs and fixed it before it became an issue—problem solved quietly and efficiently.
💞 FAMILY, EMOTIONS & DRAMA
Writers & Authors: How do you handle family conflict?
Shari Zatman: Listening is key. Most people just want to feel heard. Once I understand their perspective, I can help guide everyone toward resolution.
Writers & Authors: What’s a surprising personality clash you’ve seen?
Shari Zatman: Stepparents sometimes feel excluded if they don’t have a defined role. These emotional dynamics can be delicate and require thoughtful navigation.
Writers & Authors: How can couples set healthy boundaries?
Shari Zatman: Make sure the stress comes from excitement—not distress. If it doesn’t feel joyful underneath it all, it’s important to step back and reassess.
💡 INSIGHTS, PRO TIPS & WISDOM
Writers & Authors: What’s one piece of advice every couple should know?
Shari Zatman: Work big to small. Break tasks into manageable pieces—it makes everything feel less overwhelming.
Writers & Authors: What’s a common early mistake?
Shari Zatman: Not setting a realistic budget. Expectations and finances must align from the start to avoid disappointment later.
Writers & Authors: One piece of advice for newly engaged couples?
Shari Zatman: The wedding is one day. Don’t compromise your relationship for it—the real goal is your life together.
Writers & Authors: What trends are you seeing?
Shari Zatman: More digital elements—like online RSVPs and Save the Dates. But I still appreciate beautifully printed invitations for luxury weddings.
💖 THE HUMAN SIDE OF WEDDINGS
Writers & Authors: What still surprises you after all these years?
Shari Zatman: Sometimes how undertrained event coordinators can be. There’s so much to learn in this industry, and I often find myself stepping into an educator role.
Writers & Authors: Does wedding planning teach couples about themselves?
Shari Zatman: Absolutely. It reveals how they communicate, collaborate, and handle pressure together.
Writers & Authors: What does it mean to “embrace the process”?
Shari Zatman: Enjoy it! When couples have fun and stay present, the experience becomes just as meaningful as the day itself.
✍️ AUTHORSHIP & WRITING PROCESS
Writers & Authors: What was writing like compared to planning weddings?
Shari Zatman: Very different—quiet and reflective. It gave me time to process decades of experiences and lessons.
Writers & Authors: Were there emotional stories to include?
Shari Zatman: Yes—especially the ones where things didn’t go as planned. Those often teach the most valuable lessons.
Writers & Authors: How did you choose which stories to include?
Shari Zatman: I started by writing everything I could remember, then shaped the book around themes and selected stories that best illustrated those lessons.
🎬 BEHIND THE SCENES
Writers & Authors: What do you do that couples don’t notice?
Shari Zatman: I cue everything—music, catering, timing—so the day flows seamlessly. It’s all happening quietly “behind the clipboard.”
Writers & Authors: Most unexpected request?
Shari Zatman: A bride once asked me to cut the train off her dress—definitely a “hard no!”
Writers & Authors: A moment that stayed with you?
Shari Zatman: A bride surprised her grandmother by wearing her wedding dress. They captured beautiful photos together—her grandmother passed shortly after. That moment was incredibly meaningful.
🌟 IMPACT & TAKEAWAYS
Writers & Authors: What do you hope readers take away?
Shari Zatman: Practical advice, relatable stories, and the confidence to navigate the process with clarity and joy.
Writers & Authors: How might the book inspire new planners?
Shari Zatman: It shows the reality of the profession—the hard work behind the dream—and what it takes to succeed long-term.
Writers & Authors: One lesson you hope readers remember?
Shari Zatman: “Remember the good stuff.” Be present, enjoy the day, and hold onto the moments that matter most.
🔮 LOOKING FORWARD
Writers & Authors: Has writing this book changed your perspective?
Shari Zatman: It’s made me reflect on the incredible people I’ve worked with—many of whom have become lifelong friends.
Writers & Authors: What’s next?
Shari Zatman: I’d love to write a fictional novel about a wedding planner—filled with all the drama, humor, and chaos of real wedding days.
💐 Final Thoughts
From Behind the Clipboard is more than a wedding guide—it’s a heartfelt, honest look at love, relationships, and the beauty of imperfection. Whether you’re planning a wedding or simply love a great behind-the-scenes story, Shari Zatman’s wisdom is both practical and deeply human.
📘 Purchase the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48WC8GK
🌐 Learn more: www.perfectlyplannedbyshari.com
