When it comes to planning a wedding, no bride wants to run up any additional expenses, but what if the single add-on of a wedding planner could point you in the right direction for everything from florists to photographers?
Hiring a wedding planner is one of the smartest things you can do especially if you’re planning a destination wedding. They ensure all the loose ends are tied up, work out any complications that may arise, follow up with all the vendors you’ve hired – and all this while you’re enjoying the most important day of your life. As you should be!
Here are 5 quick reasons to hire a Wedding Planner;
- Saves Time
- Offers Advice
- Creates Schedules
- Handles Crisis
- Acts as the ‘Go To Person’
So what happens after you decide to hire a Wedding Planner – the next logical question is ‘Who Should You Hire?’ With new wedding planners popping up on the scene every season, experience and reliability are two important traits to look for.
What to expect from your wedding planner
The wedding planner will:
- Establish a timeline of tasks.
- Help manage your budget and keep track of all spending.
- Helps with the legal paperwork
- Set up dress fittings and alterations.
- Recommend vendors and set up appointments with them.
- Give her honest opinion.
- Return your calls and emails.
- Coordinate set-up and clean up at the event.
- Keep the ceremony and the reception running smoothly and according to schedule.
- Make sure you get a plate of the food you so dearly paid for.
Some wedding planners only handle day-of arrangements. Others are a one-stop shop. Whatever the case, its always important to read your planner’s list of services and contract before you assume it will fall within his/her responsibility.
Wedding Planner vs. On-Site Venue Coordinator
Chances are that most hotels have their own on-site coordinator who can be entrusted to make sure things go smoothly while at the venue. While that’s certainly a huge weight off of your shoulders, there is a BIG difference between an on-site coordinator and a wedding planner.
An on-site coordinator is there to represent the property, but not necessarily the bride and groom themselves. Rather than managing your every wish for your wedding day, they may be there to make sure you’re getting what you were promised in your venue’s contract, to make sure the kitchen is staffed, and that they’re sound system is working properly.
A wedding planner will be there every step of the way, making sure you’re getting not only what your venue’s contract states, but what all of your vendors’ contracts state. They’ll get to know you and your soon-to-be spouse, and will represent you and your wishes, not just the property.
Bottom line, an on-site coordinator works for the venue and the wedding planner works for you. This does not mean that the role of on-site venue coordinators is not important, but it’s important that couples understand what they are getting into to avoid frustration and disappointment come crunch time!
