Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting times of your life. However the process can be time consuming, financially straining, and so stressful that it serves as a true test to the strength of your relationship. Some couples can do it on their own, and others may need some major help. Many weddings are so extravagant that help is essential, while the simpler ones (DIY Weddings) can be done just with the help of your family and friends. So how do you know if you need the help? Do you need a wedding planner?
Wedding planners are some of the most organized and stylish professionals. They combine your ideas and dreams with their expertise, to pull together a team of vendors, and choreograph every moment of your event. The wedding planner will really get to know you and your spouse in order to create an event that really represents your relationship.
Depending on the consultant, services range from complete planning consultation too day-of-planning services. Of course complete services are the most expensive and they include budget management, color-scheme coordination, and some may even provide wedding favor services (help putting them together). Day-of-services, which are much less expensive, consists of the wedding consultant guiding the special day, making sure everything that has been planned by the couple runs smoothly.
Here are my top ten reasons to hire a wedding planner (If you answer yes to any of these then you probably need some help):
10. A consultant will help you save money - Your wedding planner may not help get discounts, but they have many connections with vendors they've previously worked with. They will know who to refer you too within your budget and vision. Also, they can help you avoid spending money where it's unnecessary, and making decisions that will cost you big bucks in the end.
09. You can hire a scapegoat - the person you hire will resolve conflicts between you and the world while planning your day. Some might even let you say "My wedding planner said I should do it this way", in order to get what you want done.
08. They will save you time - If your life is so hectic that you forget to even take a sip of water from time to time, then i can tell you right now, if you're planning a wedding, you need a wedding planner. They can be places when you can't, make decisions when your busy, and write up paper work while you're in a meeting. They are like your own personal wedding assistant.
07. Can show you how to do it properly - these professionals are trained in wedding etiquette, in case you are worried about implementing traditions into your ceremony, or just making sure your parent are happy. They can help you avoid offending anyone.
06. Destination Weddings - many people are getting married in cities far from home, and are not able to handle the planning process, while still maintaining life at home. This is where a wedding planner would come in. Hiring a planner in the vicinity of the destination, or even a planner who is able to visit that destination multiple times during the process, will help maintain these plans
05. Help with design elements - one skill that consultant have is the ability to bring your vision to life by paying attention to every little detail, and design element (such as color, size, formal, non-formal)
04. Knowledgeable about current trends - whether you wish you have the trendiest wedding, or stay clear of every trend possible, a consultant stays on top of the changes and innovations in wedding style.
03. Enjoy your day, and then entire experience - Why stress yourself out about every little detail, when you can hire someone else to do that, while enjoying the time you have as fiances, and newlyweds?
02. Legal matter and paper work - Many people don't truly read the fine print, let alone even sign a contract with their vendors. A consultant will make sure you know what you're signing, and what you're getting yourself into. This way if a problem arises, your consultant can guide you through getting you out of a tough spot as well.
01. Wedding Therapist - consultant become the experts on emotions that appear, or might appear during this hectic period of time. So, they also become the experts on how to put the fire out before it burns the whole house down.
If you're going to hire a Wedding Planner then this decision should be the very second decision you make (after spending limit/budget). This is because they are the experts in all things wedding, and if they don't know something, then they know the expert who does. If you have any question at all, they can find the answer. If you're planning to hire a consultant just for their Day-Of services, it is still wise to contact them in the beginning so you know who you're working with. Who knows you may need them during the planning, and many will help you here and there.
BUT WAIT! don't go hiring just anyone, trusting them with your perfect day. There are some things you need to know about them first, and questions you should ask.
On the Initial Phone Call: Be sure to ask the consultant what they charge for the initial consultation and services you need. Also, try to feel them out over the phone to see if you like their personality. If neither of these match up them there is no need to make an appointment.
During the Initial Consultation: Ask the following questions (you should know what you want the answer to be ahead of time)
- How long have you been a wedding planner
- What organization do you belong to and are you certified
- What type of training have you had
- How do you charge (percentage, package rate, hourly)
- How much will our needs cost
- How often will we meet
- How long will the meetings be
- Will you meet with vendors and look over contracts
- In case of emergency who will be your stand in
- What does your team wear
- Will you help us stick to our budget, is it realistic
- Is your business licensed or registered
- (If you already have vendors lined up) Have you worked with these vendors before
- Is there an extra charge for phone calls and e-mails
- Do you have a preferred vendors list
- Do you work well under pressure (how will you handle this scenario...)
- What is the deposit
- If we cancel our contract will we get any of our deposit back
- What is your itinerary on wedding day?
- Will you pass on payments and tips to our vendors
- Are you discreet
- What terms are described in your contract, does in include the following:
- How you will charge, and estimated cost
- Number of meetings
- Number and type of vendor meetings
- Description of services
- Your contact information
- The wedding date
- Signatures of Planner and Couple
- The deposit, amount still owed, due date for last payment, payment schedule, and any possible changes
- Cancellation policy for couple
- Cancellation policy for consultant
- No show policy for the consultant
Finally, take your time, meet with more than one consultant before signing any contracts. Make sure you and your consultant will have chemistry.
