Things to Consider When Hiring a Wedding Planner
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
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
About The Author
Elisa
The perennial planner... that’s me! I remember planning birthday parties for my younger siblings and surprise anniversary parties for my parents. 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 Please visit my website: www.aflairforaffairs.com
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Author this web sitehttp://www.aflairforaffairs.com
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
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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
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Such a nice compliment – Thank you! Best to you too!
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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.
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Great post!
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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.
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Thanks for sharing this great post…
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Thank you! Stay tuned for more great posts!
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Wonderful post, thank you.
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