“What does a wedding planner do?” ‘Do you really need a wedding planner’? ‘How much will a wedding planner cost me?’ If you’re asking yourself any of these questions it’s a sign you’re deep in thought about how to create and execute the perfect dream wedding. If you’re detail oriented and hate the thought of ‘going with the flow’ then you might have already realised that you need some expert help. So what does a wedding planner actually do and how do I even know if I need one?
As wedding and design aficionados we see the value in painstakingly planning everything from invitations and speeches to choosing the right vendors; but before we sing from the rooftops about hiring a wedding planner we want you to know this. A planner cannot give you a vision but they execute it; the vision must come from you. Being brutally honest from the start about your wants, needs, expectations and limitations is fundamental for making sure you and your planner are on the same page. Your wedding is the biggest special event you will plan in your lifetime, it’s 20 times the details of a themed birthday party or an annual girls trip. Simply put, if you do choose to hire a wedding expert, forget everything you know and be open to letting a wedding planner help you plan your dream wedding.
Ever heard the saying ‘you’re only as good as your team’? Most couples who consider a wedding planner have busy personal and professional lives but what really drives them to make the commitment is understanding that a great team will always win.
What Services Will My Wedding Planner Provide?
1. Create design elements:
When you hear the phrase “wedding planner” the first thing that comes to mind is logistics and planning, but what you might not realize is that design is just as important as all those things. Most full-service wedding planners will offer design services to assist with selecting color schemes, floor layouts, decor, rentals, lighting, and creating the overall style that carries throughout the entire event. A wedding planner serves as a bridge between the bride and groom, vendor team and guests making implementation of design ideas more efficient and cost effective.
2. Planning Checklist & Schedule:
We call it the double checklist, like a checklist within a checklist which goes hand in hand with a tight schedule and contingency plan because we DON’T come to play! When it comes to timing, a wedding planner can really help you save those minutes by noticing the little things you may have missed. When it comes to weddings we’ve seen it all and more… the fact that your wedding planner deals with these challenges every day means you don’t have to worry about all the things you thought you did but actually forgot to.
3. Provide fashion advice and knowledge:
Wedding planners usually have a good eye for styling and know a thing or two about wedding worthy dress codes. A good planner can provide constructive honest feedback, act as a sounding board and present options you may not have even considered.
4. Solving Problems:
Putting out fires and troubleshooting problems weeks before and during the wedding is part of the job. Thinking on your feet, anticipating issues on the day and just generally being hyper aware is all part of the package. Whether champagne runs out at the bar or the marriage license has been forgotten; this person knows what to do and who to call, all while keeping everything behind-the-scenes without causing mass panic.
5. Tracking RSVPs:
A wedding planner can help you keep track of your guests’ RSVPs, something a lot of bride-to-bes find dreadfully time-consuming. From organizing meal choices and seating assignments to monitoring guest count. Keeping an eye on how things are progressing is the key to staying on top of things.
In addition, a great wedding planner will also do a lot of the things listed below:
- Scheduling appointments with top-tier vendors and making recommendations in your favor.
- Scouting locations for the wedding ceremony and reception.
- Assisting you in deciding where to spend your money e.g. on things that make a big impact for you and your guests.
- Managing and tracking wedding expenses
- Reviewing your signed contracts, creating preliminary itinerary, production schedule, timelines and more.
- Getting the best deals from the most reputable vendors.
- Helping you with the copy for your wedding day stationery: invitations, thank you cards, menus, place cards, seating charts, and thank you notes.
- Assuring the availability and or reservation of rare or hard-to-find goods.
- Execution of setup and breakdown of design elements.
- Making sure you understand the protocol and flow for the big day.
An amazing wedding planner doesn’t just do a list of things. The company vendor you choose should be a great communicator, credible, honest and be dedicated to helping you achieve your dream wedding experience.