Hiring A Wedding Planner

Preparing for a wedding can be overwhelming for some couples. It requires time, careful planning, attention to detail, organization, and execution. If you already have a busy lifestyle, you may find it particularly challenging and even stressful at times. For some, a wedding planner is the best solution. Wedding planners are equipped with the special expertise necessary to ensure you stay within budget and on target. Essentially, they help with all the important details of the wedding planning process.

While some couples find this process to be an exciting prelude to their wedding day, not everyone is cut out to handle this complex task on their own. Consider your personality, your strengths, and also the things you find challenging. Here are a few questions to ask yourselves:

• Are you detail oriented?
• Are you a multitasker?
• Are you organized?
• Are you decisive?
• Do you have solid negotiation skills?
• Do you have experience with contractual agreements?
• Do you have instant rapport with others?
• Can you perform math calculations in your head?
• Do you have a flexible schedule?
• Do you have the resources to find the best vendors and venues for your wedding? In other words, do you have the necessary connections?
• Are you familiar with the timeline requirements and deadlines for each step of the wedding planning process?
• Are you budget minded?
• Are you able to deal with a last minute crisis with a cool head?

An experienced wedding planner can answer "yes" to all of these questions. So you now have one more question to ask yourself. If you choose to plan your own wedding, would all of these details spoil your enjoyment of your own wedding? Before you answer that, please keep in mind that the planning process may be over a timeframe of 12 to 16 months, which is the typical timeframe between the engagement and the wedding day.

The purpose here is not to discourage you from planning your own wedding. I've worked with several couples who embraced the challenge and thoroughly enjoyed the journey together. Only you can determine which choice is in your best interest.

Case in point: A friend of mine had set a wedding date for 2 years after the engagement, because they wanted a very specific date. Since they had so much lead time, she actually chose to take a correspondence course in event planning, which cost her around $400. (Please note that, although she took a recognized course, most event planners have substantially more training and, subsequently, much higher tuition fees.) She then took every opportunity to plan, or assist in planning, as many events as possible during that first year. She was involved in planning birthday parties, a wedding, an anniversary, and a few fundraisers. At the end of the first year, she had made valuable connections, gained experience, she was confident in her ability to plan her own wedding and, speaking as one of the guests in attendance, it was outstanding. Although she has no plans to pursue a career as a wedding planner, she continues to utilize and build on her knowledge and experience to assist in planning fundraisers and community events.

Obviously, we aren't all going to run out and take a course in event planning, so let's further explore what a professional wedding planner has to offer. Simply put, a professional wedding planner is an expert in their field. They are calm, level headed, discerning, personable, and knowledgeable. They can help with design, budget, etiquette, venues, vendors, photographers, caterers, legal, and much, much more. Essentially, they will be the glue that holds it all together.

How much does a wedding planner cost?  Since wedding planners provide a very specialized, one on one service, acquiring their services can cost in the thousands of dollars. While you will definitely get good returns on this investment, you can lower this cost by taking on some of the planning process yourselves and hiring a wedding planner to handle the balance. For example, you may choose to make your own arrangements for fittings, invitations, favors, etc., while leaving some of the more complex projects for the wedding planner.

No matter which option you choose, communication is the key. This is true whether you are planning your own wedding or whether you are enlisting the services of a wedding planner. Everyone's tastes, traditions, and budgets are different. If you can express your wishes clearly, you can achieve wonderful results.

Before you even think of discussing anything with a wedding planner or a vendor, sit down as a couple and make a list. My preference would be to start with the budget. One of the biggest challenges, for most couples today, revolves around finances. If one of you is more budget minded than the other, don't stress over it. Many people make the false assumption that you have to have a huge budget, in order to have a beautiful wedding. Discuss the budget and, should there be a difference of opinion, reach a compromise. For example, perhaps the ultimate goal is not to spend all of your savings on an extravagant wedding; but to keep some money stashed away for a fabulous honeymoon or a down payment on a home.

Next would be to make up a list of your likes, dislikes, and some pertinent personal details. Include hobbies, activities, colors, flowers, allergies, culture, music, and anything else that's important to you. Even if you're planning your own wedding, it helps to put things down on paper. Go one step further and paint a visual picture by including photos of the items on the list and perhaps pick up some paint chips of your favorite colors. Things have a tendency to come into focus, when you take the time to do this, which will save you time and money, in the long run.

Still not sure if you need or want a wedding planner? The best way to find out is to schedule meetings with three wedding planners. If you can get a referral or recommendation from another couple, that's even better. I would also recommend that you turn to The Association of Bridal Consultants for your research.  Take your list and photos with you so that the wedding planner has an overview, and you will then learn more about the services they offer and the planning process or stages. Both during and after each meeting, make notes. Are you comfortable with them? Can they work within your budget? Request both references and quotes from each wedding planner you meet with, review your notes, and arrive at your decision.

The best wedding planners are professionals, who are experienced at working with all types of wedding vendors. Based on the budget and list of personal tastes you provide them with, they will make recommendations for caterers, venues, photographers, or any professional wedding service you may need. Their knowledge and expertise will help you to make informed decisions. Here is a partial list of some of the important tasks a wedding planner would assist you with:

• Thoroughly review and evaluate vendor contracts and make recommendations for clarification, where needed, before signing them.
• Make recommendations for venues, dress fittings, officiates, florists, caterers, entertainment, favors, centerpieces, etc.
• Organize the wedding rehearsal and the wedding rehearsal dinner and be in attendance for both
• Support you and provide solutions, should something unexpected occur.
• Finalize the wedding program, invitations, rsvp, seating plan, etc.

Whether you decide to plan your own wedding, consult a wedding planner for the most critical details, or hire a wedding planner to plan your entire wedding, please keep this in mind...

Your wedding day is a celebration to be enjoyed by both you and your guests. You want to look back on it with fond memories. That's priceless.

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Related Links:

Wedding Planning Resource Links

Wedding Day Survival Kit

Your Backyard Wedding

Christmas Weddings

Wedding Guest Favors

Do It Yourself Favors