Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbie Bythewood
Hi Abbie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a part of some unforgettable celebrations — from flower girl, to standing next to my best friends on their wedding days as their maid of honor, to creating weekend trip itineraries, hosting family holidays, showers, birthdays and every occasion in between. After years of festivities, I’ve learned that hosting doesn’t have to be stressful— it should be fun, personal and filled with memories that last a lifetime.
In the last few years specifically, I noticed I was entering into that season of celebration. Friends were getting engaged, having babies, my family members are hitting milestone birthdays, and honestly I found myself acquiring a LOT of balloon arches. What originally sparked the idea was when my sister was asked to be a maid of honor in her long0time friend’s destination wedding last year; I remember her coming to me asking “what are maid-of-honors even supposed to do?” As someone who has been in her 27 Dresses era for quite some time, and already having the zeal for decorating and hosting, I realized my experiences could become a helpful resource for others who may be planning something for the very first time – which brings us to The Host’s Guide!
My hope is The Host’s Guide will cultivate a community where anyone hosting a celebration can find advice, personalized gifts and creative ideas to help make their event flawless. Weekend getaways, galentines, dinner parties, bachelorettes, (or it’s your first time being in a wedding party), my goal is to provide every resource one may need to host with confidence and make it memorable.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Surprisingly, it’s been such a natural next step. I have been blown away to have received such immediate support from my community. Only struggle is not having enough hours in the day or days in the month to do it all! And finding a way to create content from the information living in my head.
I never expected such encouragement and celebration of a small hobby. My intention was to never monetize The Host’s Guide, but for it to exist as a platform for me to share all of the random resources I found myself constantly using (and all of the photos of themed decor, because that’s really the best part.) But since launching this small outlet, it has opened a door to now being hired to coordinate weddings, plan and execute bridal luncheons, creating trip itineraries for stay-cations and organizing surprise birthday parties.
I really just like hosting big themed parties for my people, and now that joy gets to expand by doing it for others!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I truly would call myself a jack of all trades. I currently work a full-time corporate role for an incredible company, but I also am a professional photographer, Airbnb host/present day landlord, and now essentially a party planner!
I find the most honor in being trusted with such special moments. When friends call me to tell me they are pregnant and want me to photograph their growing family, to friends planning weddings or parties and want my advice on how to make it perfect — one of my favorite moments was being able to help one of my best friend’s execute the perfect surprise proposal at the Braves stadium and a surprise engagement party right after! I later then was her co-maid of honor, planned a full bachelorette weekend in Nashville, hosted a going-away party/couple’s wedding shower for over 50 people, and stood by her side for the most beautiful Florida wedding.
I am definitely known for having a connection for anything and everything. Growing up, my parents would say they couldn’t take me anywhere where I wouldn’t know someone. Living in Atlanta, I am surrounded by many talented professionals which has only propelled my creativity. My dream would be to develop digital how-to guides for every occasion, with a specific focus on bridal-party roles.
The Host’s Guide is still very much in its infancy, but I am only motivated to continue to develop resources based off my experiences in hosting and the continued privilege of being a part of the most spectacular weddings.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Go outside! It sounds simple, but I truly find my most productive days are fueled by being surrounded by others. Working from coffee shops, walking down the beltline, finding an activity/sport to pick up – heck, I am in a book club and I have yet to finish one book yet, but it’s about the community. What has worked for me is surrounding myself with people who know more than me and investing the time in those relationships. It may be uncomfortable at the start, but I think we often surprise ourselves with the connections made from the simplest encounters.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thehostsguide
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbie.bythewood
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/thehostsguide
