Ten Things to Consider Before You Nix the Idea of a Wedding Planner Completely
By Sarah Cronin
Is hiring a wedding planner the last item on your wedding budget? Just an extra if there is money left over? I’m here to tell you that enlisting professional help can be more affordable than you would think!
Are you sure you have considered everything about that very important day before you completely go it on your own? Having someone coordinate every detail of your wedding can be a life-saver and worth every penny. Read on for ten reasons to visit with a wedding planner before deciding to do without.
Discounts and extras. Are you comfortable negotiating prices with your vendors? It is your wedding planner’s job, and a reflection of their worth, to get you the best possible price. Wedding planners can often get you significant cost savings and/or special perks through negotiations or through special relationships with certain vendors.
Insider Knowledge. Do you want the low-down on which caterer makes the most delicious food? Which hair stylist always shows up on time? The photographer who can wrangle all your nieces and nephews without a fuss? Your wedding planner has worked with them all and is the ultimate resource for who to call and who to steer clear of in order to make your day a hit.
Who Hates Decorating? Picking out centerpieces and a theme for your event can be great fun. But, maybe it’s not your thing. Or maybe, after you pick everything out, you don’t want to spend hours comparing prices, paying for them, assembling them and then showing up to the venue super early to decorate - when you should be getting beautiful for that walk down the aisle. Let your coordinator take your vision and execute it for you! A wedding planner normally has an inventory of centerpieces and decorations that can be included in the package price. Almost always, there is a package available that includes the set up (and tear down) of decorations for you.
Pacifying the Mother-in-Law. Need we say more? Although she is loved dearly, nobody wants to tell her that she’s not in charge because it’s your day. But your wedding planner will!
The Bad Guy. Do you really want to have to worry about all of the day’s details? Track down the accompanist? Yell at the kitchen staff when they have five minutes left to get the meal out? Call the DJ to see where he or she is and why the dance floor isn’t down yet? You’ll be enjoying the company of your guests. Let the wedding planner be the bad guy, to make sure everything runs as smooth as possible. You have enough to worry about.
Groomsmen Wrangling. Let’s face it, these guys are not going to make sure they are dressed and ready to go on time, without a little help. Your wedding coordinator can be on-site all day to make sure everything is happening behind the scenes as it should. While you are enjoying the most important day of your life, your planner will make sure everyone is where they are supposed to be for pictures and are lined up properly for the ceremony. They will be the keeper of the schedule to make sure everyone (DJ, wedding officiant, caterers, family and friends ) know when and where they need to be at all times.
Your Time is Valuable. You can’t be expected to be every place at all times. This goes for before, during and after your wedding day. While it would be nice to take six months to a year off from work to plan, this is not an option for most people. While you are handling your day-to-day, your planner’s job is to plan your event. He or she will communicate with vendors, line up appointments and even stand in for you at appointments you don’t want to attend.
Enjoy Your Day. Your wedding day only happens once. It is your day to enjoy your family, friends and most of all, the love of your life. This day is about celebrating the love you have for each other and nothing else. It is not the day to impress your mother, show off to your high school friends or worst of all, work! And while the day is about you, you don’t want to turn it into a day of stress for your family, either. Your aunt isn’t a housekeeper (okay, maybe she is, but not today). Let your coordinator worry about setting up, cleaning up and everything in between.
The After-Wedding Funk. And then there’s the details to take care of after the reception. Who will return the cake stand to the baker? Who’s paying the DJ? You now own 25 glass vases to stash in your home or sell on consignment or photograph and post on ebay...or have your wedding planner take care of it all!
Budget-Friendly Options. This all sounds great! But it’s expensive, right? Did you know that most wedding planners have payment plans? They also have a variety of packages that range from just meeting with you to help you put together a plan to taking everything on from day one through the end of your night. Before you nix the idea of a wedding planner completely, meet with one to check out all your options. Most likely you can find one that fits your comfort level, personality and budget.
Don’t let your biggest day turn into your biggest frustration. If this means hiring some help along the way, please do it in whatever capacity fits you.
Did we already talk about how this is YOUR day? This cannot be stressed enough. You are a princess celebrating with your prince on your wedding day. You deserve it and girl, enjoy it!
