Let’s begin with the notion that a wedding planner is an essential that shouldn’t be skipped. Couples often consider leaving the wedding planner off their list – it’s an expense that they think they can do without. Simply put … you can’t.
That might seem less than genuine coming from someone that sits squarely in the wedding planning space, but honestly – you don’t have to look too hard to find a couple that regrets not including a wedding planner in their list of must haves. Consider your wedding planner as your ring master on a day that should be an enjoyable and well-orchestrated series of events. But how do you choose a good one?
There are five key questions to keep in mind as you shop –
- Full Service, Day Of, or something in between?
Think about the level of service that you want before you start shopping.
What’s the difference?
Full Service: When you request a full-service package, your planner will coordinate everything from engaging your venue, your vendors, and your décor and then bringing it all to perfect completion on your wedding day. When you are simply too busy or don’t want to arrange all the little details to achieve your vision on your own or if you are planning a destination wedding, a full-service package is definitely the way to go.
Day Of: Day-Of packages are a perfect option for the couple that wants to do their own planning – with just some consultative oversight – and has family and friends that want to be involved in the planning and execution of DIY elements. The day-of planner will ensure that all of your precious planning and personal details are executed on your day – so you – and your family and friends – can relax and fully enjoy this most special event!
Often planners will also have a mid-range service that offers additional features or a’ la carte options. Prices and services vary – so if you’re looking in this space, be sure you know what services you need so you can compare like-to-like packages.
- Do you click?
You can tell a lot from that first meeting. Do you connect? Or does she remind you of your overbearing family member – that will run roughshod over your plans? Or is she so passionless about your vision that you can’t imagine them getting your special details just right? Or is she immediately like your BFF – grabbing your goals and vision and making them her own. That’s the planner that you want to sign right away – because she’s going to fill her calendar quickly.
- Does she seek to understand?
The number and content of the questions your potential planner asks speaks volumes about their interest in understanding you as a couple and your vision for your day. And, more than just clicking through a list of questions, you should sense a curiosity and intense desire to partner with you to achieve your dreams.
- Does she inspire trust?
Can you see this person effectively – and tactfully – coordinating with venues, vendors, and – most importantly – your mother and future mother-in-law? Did she respond to your query about her services in a timely fashion? Were those emails engaging and on-topic? Does the company website inspire confidence? Is she part of a service that allows customer reviews? – what do those customers have to say?
Bottom line: choose someone that demonstrates the skill and finesse needed to handle all your important details – and people – for your day.
- How much does it cost?
Very few couples have an unlimited budget – so cost is always a factor. Prices of various packages and different planners vary widely – so know what the usual price range is in your area and shop wisely. Remember, price does not always equal ability. That pricey planner might just have higher prices because she’s booking fewer clients – or is pre-selecting her clients based on their ability to pay a higher price-point.
But don’t think you can just skip the professional and have Aunt Jean’s friend that helped at Cousin Freddy’s fabulous circus-themed 4th birthday party step in to manage your day. There are many potential hiccups that can occur on a wedding day that an expert can anticipate and mitigate – and that a friend or family member just cannot.
And beware the photographer or deejay that claims they can act as your wedding planner as well. The additional cost of a planner that is focused only on coordinating details of all the moving parts is simply worth it – you want all your vendors focusing on the areas of their expertise. You only do this once … do it right!
Your wedding planner can also be a great resource when looking for the perfect venue … check back next week for our list of top considerations when choosing your wedding site.
