The Art of Hiring a Wedding Planner

What are the benefits of using a professional wedding planner? Key things to consider when hiring a wedding planner!

Well, you’ve done it – you have made the momentous decision to get married – what now?  Planning your big day can seem to be as significant as the decision to marry!

Creating a memorable day shouldn't be a daunting task, but one that is enjoyed and celebrated. Depending on the scope of your “dream day” and the amount of free time you have to spend on planning that day, you may discover that hiring a wedding consultant/planner is the path for you.

Much of the general perception about hiring a professional to assist with planning a wedding comes from the television shows made popular by the “over-the-top” weddings and the planners that produce them; or the emotional bride paired with an overpowering and bossy planner – it makes for good television. Although a planner would almost always be absolutely necessary in those “big production” instances, a wedding planner can be of great assistance for even the most intimate of celebrations. Deciding whether to utilize the services of a planner, or not, is a personal one – one that can be better made after you research real life facts.

The Benefits

There are many benefits to hiring a professional wedding planner and things that you can do to ensure you hire the very best planner that fits your personal style, budget and needs. There are many professionals to select from – varying experience levels, differing styles and pricing, and many personalities. Just by virtue of their chosen career, one common thread that would be apparent is that these professional pay acute attention to detail!
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Hiring a planner can happen at any point during the planning process: if you just got engaged and want to enjoy the “full experience” of the journey without having to attend to the littlest details; you have a handle on some of the details, but need assistance with the specific task of finding a venue, and all that pertains to the ceremony and reception; you are a planner by nature and really would like the help of a professional planner the "Day Of" to oversee all your hard work. A good planner is there to walk you through the process and to cover your back at every turn – ensuring that your vision is realized no matter when they entered the scene. Whether you are definitely hiring a wedding planner or you are still unsure, it could be very beneficial to interview one or two planners to hear firsthand how they would personally assist you. Bottom line, you decide what formula works best for you!
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One of the overwhelming benefits of utilizing the services of a professional wedding planner is that you get to tap into all of their experience and knowledge base – built over years of service. It is like searching the internet for wedding ideas and the latest and greatest wedding design – a planner acts as your personal database and resource offering suggestions and ideas on the newest trends. This can be invaluable to a bride and groom in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. How much is your personal time worth to you? Other top benefits include their ability to maximize your wedding budget by often times securing better vendor pricing; they can be a life and money saver when it comes to savvy contract negotiations with venues and other vendors – making sense of the “fine print”. A professional planner has a “Big Picture” vision of the process and your wedding day, which is key to an overall successful and memorable event.

The Interview

When hiring a professional wedding planner, first and foremost, you must feel at ease and comfortable with the person you are considering. It is important to have a good relationship with your planner – you will be spending a fair amount of time with this person throughout the planning process. A good planner is someone who knows when to lead and when to listen – a balance of guidance and yielding. According to Gina Leslie of "A Walk Down the Aisle", a long-experienced Palm Springs area planner, "when interviewing a potential planner, whether in person or over the phone, there are certain questions that are key. Leslie suggests, "ask about their specific experience and how long they have been a wedding planner; how does the planning process work with them – does it match your style and needs; how do they charge for their services; can they provide references – including industry professionals, as well as other clients; and what makes them stand out from other planners. One question that doesn't seem to get asked, and I think it should, is two-fold: what made you want to become a planner – what do you enjoy the most about being a wedding planner? Some of us have jobs and some of us have careers we are passionate about. I think it would be important for the planner you select to be passionate about their work – not view it as just another job". A planner that is passionate about their work brings an elevated touch to a wedding – it is evident in the details.

The Costs

The cost of hiring a professional planner varies widely from experience, region or location, and personal business practices. Typically a planner may charge a percentage of your wedding budget, which often times ranges from 10% - 15%. Many planners have generalized package pricing for various service level plans. Additionally, there are those services that may be charged on an hourly or flat fee basis for individual tasks and projects. It is important to have any planner you are considering provide you with detail of what services are covered under their plan and fee schedule – every planner is different and their services will vary.

The Bottom Line
For many, the benefit of hiring a professional wedding planner far outweighs the cost. You have this one day to get it right – there are no “do over’s”. You or your family are investing hard earned dollars to create a one-of-a-kind memory, using the services of a skilled wedding professional can save you time, money and the stress of juggling all the wedding details along with your regular life demands.
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