Community Highlights: Meet Lydia Routhier of LP Planning & Design

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Routhier.

Hi Lydia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
So far, my story is fairly short since I have been officially “launched” less than a year, however, my motivation behind the brand goes back much further than that…I’d say all the way back to high school.

Fun fact about me…I was my high school’s Student Body President! In that role, I fell in LOVE with planning events like prom, homecoming, spirit week, etc. I was also a competitive gymnast my whole life…This sport teaches so much discipline and time management that pairs so well with the event planning process. NOTHING in gymnastics provides instant gratification…It’s months and months of diligent training all for one big competition. Likewise, event planning is weeks or months of detailed planning leading up to one special event or wedding. There are so many parallels and I know that the gymnast in me is going to set me on a path to success in this industry.

When I went off to college (at UNC-Chapel Hill – Go Heels!) I was a college athlete on their gymnastics team my freshman year until I had an injury that caused me to have to medically retire. After that, I stepped into some roles with campus groups, internships, and coursework all of which coincidentally had major event-planning components. This was a little bit of a happy accident, but it translated well into my first full-time job out of college in the Marketing and Communication field…which again, had a huge focus on event planning. While events being such a large part of my professional career has not necessarily been on purpose, it was always SO fun and inspired me to consider other options. I’ve always dreamed of being an entrepreneur, and when I look back on the path that got me here, I know that I am doing exactly what I was meant to do.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’d say some of my biggest challenges so far all relate back to imposter syndrome and my own personal confidence. I could always make more sales or plan more events, but at the end of the day, the success I feel has been a direct reflection of my mindset.

It’s so easy in the wedding industry to look at what others are doing and not feel confident or like I am leveling up, but I have been constantly reminding myself that I am just starting this journey and will continue to grow into my own space in the industry.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
LP Planning and Design is an events and weddings planning and design company that, at this time, plans any and all events. In fact, some of the small, more intimate events have been some of my faves!

We plan anything from showers, birthday parties, corporate events, and dinner parties to weddings. That said, something I am super proud to offer is extremely approachable packages/price points, and my #1 goal is to be extremely transparent. I want each client to know what my process and progress are for their event and to feel like they are getting the most bang for their buck when it comes to investment and the quality of their event.

Something new and exciting I have added to our service offering is Luxury Picnics! These are so fun and trendy and I have been loving getting to host these for clients. They are perfect for date nights, girls’ days, birthday parties, etc. and there are so many different creative ways to make each picnic unique or special. Luxury picnics can be added to other event packages or hosted as a stand-alone event. Right now, we are equipped to host picnics for 2-12 people and each picnic includes all setup, decorations, food, drink, and breakdown. Learn more on this page of my website: https://lpplanninganddesign.square.site/lp-luxury-picnics

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
So far, the best mentors and networking I have been a part of have all been based on proximity. I am a huge proponent of shopping and supporting local and want to include and partner with local vendors as much as I can.

I recently planned a styled shoot with over 15 vendors, all local to the area! Many vendors participating in the photoshoot were new to the industry as well – I have loved being able to build connections with other new and upcoming professionals in the industry.

Pricing:

• Event packages range from $200-$600
• Wedding Packages range from $700-$2,000
• We also have various a la carte options and are always willing to customize a package!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lpplanninganddesign.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lp.planninganddesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lp.planninganddesign

Image Credits
Aimee Sue Photography and Jacqueline Reid Photography