Things to Consider When Hiring a Wedding Planner

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Earlier today I came across this quote on the BrideTide Blog:

“You don’t hire a wedding planner for what they do, you hire them for what they know. Most brides only plan one wedding their entire lives while a wedding planner has the experience and understanding of coordinating numerous celebrations for each diverse individual client. Relying on a professional wedding planner to refine the details of the biggest day of your life is not only practical, it’s an intelligent way of minimizing the opportunities for ineffectively handling any unforeseen situations that may arise.”   Rudy, Founder of BrideTide

It’s difficult for wedding planners to make statements like this without sounding like we’re “tooting our own horn”.  But I felt that Rudy’s point was presented well, and I am very pleased to share it.  Additionally, I feel that it’s hugely beneficial for brides and grooms to hear someone else’s perspective.

photo by Kevin Keelan

photo by Kevin Keelan

The experience and expertise that we bring to the table can be priceless throughout the planning process as well as on the wedding day.  I know that we have ‘saved the day’ many times and in many different ways. Sometimes it seems that clients see the value of our services most clearly on the day of the event.   Our finely tuned organizational skills, natural ability to multitask and intuitive improvisation allows us to direct the event as if we are conducting an orchestra.  After the event, we always receive glowing compliments about how well everything turned out.  Recently at one of our weddings, we were quite surprised when the Minister led off the dinner prayer by saying “Let us all thank the Wedding Planner for putting together this beautiful event”.

But, I must add that what we ‘do’ is equally valuable. I think a simple clarification to Rudy’s message can be made to say that the bride & groom should have realistic expectations and/or a mutual understanding of what their chosen planner will do for them (as per their service agreement, which can vary widely). Truth be told, there’s a lot we can do and amazing magic we can work – only we don’t have a magic wand, so we need to charge accordingly.

For more insight into the benefits of hiring a wedding planner, be sure to read “Do you REALLY Need a Wedding Planner”

© 2009 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved

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About The Author

Elisa

Planner | Designer | Speaker I've been planning for as long as I can remember! When I was younger, I planned birthday parties for my siblings and surprise anniversary parties for my parents. I spent many years in the Hospitality industry and also studied Interior Design. I couldn’t have guessed that my creative and organizational talents would lead me to a career in event planning...seriously! "To love what you do and feel that it matters - how could anything be more fun?" - Katherine Graham

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11 Comments Add Yours ↓

The upper is the most recent comment

  1. 1

    I am NOT a wedding planner but grew up with a mom who has planned large events for three decades now. My husband and I feel we experienced “wedding lite” because my mom was our wedding planner. I had no stress, not a single worry about anything that went awry (and as you know it is IMPOSSIBLE for things to be 100% perfect.)

    My hope is to write a fantastic endorsement on my website for all wedding planners. The biggest thing a wedding coordinator does is manage the FLOW. Large, small, expensive or budget, weddings can be ruined by bad flow! Wedding coordinators do all that and more. :)

    Elizabeth
    twitter: thefirstdance

  2. 2

    Well said Elisa, I’ve seen you do some amazing things at some wonderful events. “Intuitive improvisation” I love it! Are you sure you don’t have a magic wand?
    My best,
    Kev

  3. 3

    Such a nice compliment – Thank you! Best to you too!

  4. Elegant Occasions #
    4

    I couldn’t agree more! We have to educate the clients to understand that Wedding Planners and Coordinators are not “personal assistants”. We are professionals who offer a service and our time and efforts need to be compensated.

  5. Jaime #
    5

    Great post!

  6. 6

    I think having a wedding planner is extremely important. Make sure they know what they are doing too; I’ve been to weddings where the planner was horrible and the reception moved so slowly and disorganized, and I’ve been to weddings that were unforgettable due to the efficiency of the wedding planner.

  7. 7

    Thanks for sharing this great post…

  8. 8

    Thank you! Stay tuned for more great posts! :)

  9. 9

    Wonderful post, thank you.

  10. 10

    Elisa-
    I think that your point is well spoken. Event coordinators are providing a service in which they are experts. They are not there to run the show, but rather coordinate the flow of events and help lessen the stress of putting on a (generally larger) scale event. In an article I read on lovetoknow.com they mentioned several of the points that you did in this article. The link for that article is http://weddings.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Hiring_a_Wedding_Planner

    I thought that these pointers when hiring a planner were points of interest to note:

    a wedding planner will:

    1.Work according to an established timeline and let you know what should be done, at what time.
    2.Assist you in establishing a realistic budget that is tailored to meet your most important aspects of your special date.
    3.Haggle over prices and negotiate discounts so you can have what you want at the lowest price.
    4.Advise you when payments are due to each vendor.
    5.Help you select a menu that works for you as well as your guests. She or he wil see that there are special foods for special diets, which cater to all age groups. She or he will also make sure that all food and drink items are of the very best quality for your budget.
    6.Help to select a tasteful wedding cake, within your price range.
    7.Handle decorations, table linens, flowers and favors to make sure all components are properly coordinated.
    8.Ensure that everything is orchestrated smoothly from the walk down the aisle to the tossing of the bouquet.

    Thanks again for writing such a great article encouraging event planners about why clients should choose our help!
    Heather

  11. 11

    Thank you for your comments Heather.

    Just recently the topic of hiring a wedding planner was blogged about by a local magazine. There are some interesting comments posted regarding wedding planner pricing.

    Hopefully consumers (brides) are paying attention to these tips. Selecting a bridal consultant or wedding planning professional requires careful consideration.

    ~ Elisa


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