Planning Tips :: Why You Should Hire a Wedding Planner

Most couples realize that planning a wedding requires a huge amount of time and work, but don't realize what that entails until the planning process actually begins. One of the best steps a couple can take to ensure nothing is overlooked, missed or wasted is to hire a wedding planner. Most couples who work full time find they don't have the necessary time to devote to researching the details - - perfect candidate for a wedding planner. If you live in one state and are getting married in another and need someone to handle the necessary tasks - - perfect candidate for a wedding planner. Or if you're just feeling overwhelmed by everything that's needed to completely plan a wedding - - perfect candidate for a wedding planner!

Wedding planners are no longer just for the well to do. We can provide comprehensive services to any couple with any budget and are well worth the expense! In all honesty, what you spend on your planner can be saved by discounts or savings your planner provides to you in other areas with other vendors, so it can be included without being an extreme "added expense" like some anticipate. 

We can assist in any capacity needed, from small individual services to full service wedding planning and coordination. A planner can start with you from the beginning to find out how you envision your wedding; everything from color, theme and what's most important to you (food, music, flowers, cake, etc...). We'll go over how many guests you anticipate, establish a budget to follow, connect you with the appropriate vendors and a location that will fit within your budget, double check vendor contracts and booking details, provide etiquette advisement, establish a schedule and timeline, coordinate with all vendors, and handle everything down to the smallest detail. 

Being in the industry, we develop relationships with vendors and know who would be best for what you need. We can make suggestions to you based on what you need, but always leaving the final decision up to you. Keep in mind that while we're there to help, all decisions are up to the bride and groom...we just provide the necessary information so you can make educated and informed decisions.

Most importantly, your planner will schedule and orchestrate the entire wedding day, making sure everything you envisioned and planned for is carried out. No photos or people needed for photos will be missed, no guests meal will be overlooked, your special dedications won't be missed, etc... Having someone to oversee the events of the day and make sure each details is carried out is by far a very important detail! Plus, it's something the couple themselves shouldn't be tasked with doing. They should just be enjoying the day!

Here's some great information on the subject from Martha Stewart Weddings:

To make sure your planner will meet your expectations, be careful about whom you hire. Though there are many planners advertising their services, locating one through a friend or colleague is preferable. It's wise to interview several planners in person to see if there's a good rapport. "You need a high level of comfort and trust," says Nicky Reinhard, who runs David Reinhard Events in New York City with partner Ann David. Find out how long the planner has been in the business, how she got started, and why; it will help you gauge her level of enthusiasm for the job. Ask how many events she does each month -- you'll want to be sure she has enough time for you. Ask what kinds of weddings she has planned and where they were held. If you want to hold your reception on a yacht, for instance, it makes sense to work with someone familiar with that type of setting. Look at her portfolio, focusing on how much attention was paid to detail, rather than whether the style matches yours. Finally, ask for references.

Remember that the planner will be working for you -- she should listen to your ideas and concerns, not make proclamations about what to do. She should also be upfront about whether your budget is in line with your vision. You want someone who will be honest about what you can afford and who can find less-expensive alternatives you'll be happy with.

As for a planner's fees, they depend on the extent of services you'd like. Before hiring anyone, ask not only how much she charges but what exactly it covers. Some planners charge a flat rate; others charge per hour. Still others charge a percentage of your wedding budget, usually 10 to 15 percent. Most will create a proposal for you to approve and will then draw up a letter of commitment or a contract. While you can expect to pay at least several thousand dollars for "full service" (meaning the planner works with you to put together your wedding from beginning to end), you may ultimately save money.

"There are places to spend and not to, where it will show and not show," says Schuster. For example, if your reception site is a gorgeous room with a breathtaking view, your planner might suggest cutting back on floral arrangements. If you feel, however, that you can't afford a planner's full-service fees or don't need someone there for the entire process, you can cut costs by hiring a consultant to help only during the last few weeks leading up to your wedding or during the wedding weekend itself.