How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Planner
You’re probably a new bride-to be and have already learned that wedding planning requires a lot of organization. For the average wedding, it takes over 100 hours to plan. It’s likely that this is a lot more than you expected. After the excitement of your Perfect Wedding Planner engagement wears off, it can be overwhelming to organize your dream day.
Starting with creating your wedding budget and sticking to it! From creating your wedding budget (and sticking to it!) to sourcing quotes and liaising directly with vendors, to creating your seating plan. It’s not easy to plan your wedding.
Let’s not forget the big day. Who will set up your furniture and meet with suppliers? And who will be available to handle any last-minute emergencies? Are you feeling a bit anxious about the weather, last-minute guests, and power outages? !
Are you looking for a wedding planner to help you plan your big day?
Do you still have doubts about whether you need a wedding coordinator? Wedding planners are expensive so you don’t need to add another expense on your big day.
You might dismiss the idea that a wedding planner is an unnecessary luxury. You might feel that you are capable of managing the wedding planning process on your own. You could be right if you have a lot of experience and unlimited time planning events.
Think about how you would like to feel the morning of your wedding. Are you looking to relax, with champagne in hand, as you get ready to marry your love? Do you prefer to deal with an urgent phone call because the cake isn’t yet here?
They’ve had to deal with last-minute venue changes, family members going missing and family members becoming unwell. They’ve dealt with unexpected guest arrivals, missing rings, and lost suppliers on their way to the venue.
Wedding planners have seen it all before, and they take it all in stride.
You won’t regret spending the initial cost of hiring a wedding planner. The stress it will save you is worth the investment. They are experts in maximising budgets, and can help you to delegate your finances accordingly.
Selecting the right service
Once you have decided to hire a wedding planner to help you plan your big day, it is important to take some time to consider all of your requirements.
You might need someone to handle every detail, or just a few extra hands. To be there on the day.
Many wedding planners offer two options. These services include both full wedding planning and day of coordination.
While both services can make a huge difference in bringing your dreams to life, the inclusions of each service are quite different. Before making a decision, you should carefully consider what you need.
Complete wedding planning
If you feel overwhelmed by everything, full wedding planning might be the right choice for you. This is a huge task that you can’t imagine yourself being able do on your own.
If you have a lot of commitments, such as work or family, it’s the best choice. A full wedding planning service can be a great investment if you’re planning your wedding overseas or in another country.
What’s Included
At the beginning of your wedding planning process, a full-time wedding planner will be available. They can help you with all the details, such as creating your budget, managing your guest list, organizing your invitations, and tracking your RSVPs.
The wedding planner will conduct a detailed consultation with you to determine how you want your day to look and feel. They make it happen!
You’ll be able communicate clearly your vision to your wedding planner, and you can make sure that you are on the same page.
After you have defined your vision for your wedding, your wedding planner will start to research on your behalf. This involves sourcing all quotes and liaising directly with vendors according to your needs and budget.
What is not included
A full wedding planner does not mean that you can rely on them for everything. Your wedding planner may not be able to handle certain tasks.
Many brides believe that wedding planners are also stylists. Styling a wedding is a completely different skill than planning one.
Remember that wedding planners can handle the entire logistics of your big day.
They are great communicators, organizers, and delegators. They are good at numbers and can be trusted to use spreadsheets and timetables. This is not the case when it comes down to creating a color palette, creating a vision board, or crafting DIY favors.
Many wedding planners offer a styling service, or can recommend someone to you. If you require assistance from a stylist, make sure to ask them upfront.
Day-of coordination
Maybe you’ve done all the work. You have secured your suppliers and created your budget. It is now that you feel comfortable with the way things are going. Have you ever thought about how you will set up everything on the day?
What’s Included
If you have a plan for the day and know what you need, a “day-of” coordination company is the best solution. You can have it all put together for you.
Be aware that wedding planning is a time-consuming and physically demanding job that requires a lot of coordination. This is a lot to ask of someone who should be celebrating the day with you.
A day-of coordinator can take the stress off you and your loved ones on your big day.
If you don’t have the budget for a full wedding planner, this is a cost-effective option. Day-of coordination packages come at a lower price and are suitable for DIY brides.
Typically, a day-of coordinator is assigned around four weeks before your big day. You will meet with your coordinator to go over all aspects of your wedding plans.
What is not included
Day-of coordination can be considered a separate service. It’s quite different from hiring a full-service wedding planner. Make sure you have realistic expectations.
The coordinators will handle all details of the day. Don’t expect your coordinator not to help you with budgeting, sourcing photographers, and finding the right photographer.
It doesn’t have to do with the time and place of your wedding.
Another task that may not be included in your package is packing up after the wedding. After all guests have left the venue, a day-of coordinator will usually leave. Your coordinator might not be responsible for clearing up or packing away any items.
Your coordinator may not be able help with styling tasks. Before the big day, make sure you have all your styling supplies and crafty tasks ready.
