Tips on Hiring a Wedding Planner

If you're starting the process of planning your wedding then you're finding out that it's a lot more work than you had in mind. Many newly engaged couples are already experiencing the emotional and financial stress of a wedding therefore they can't handle any of the added drama associated with planning the big event. That's when they call in a professional. Like any large project, it's most wise to bring in someone that can manage the situation and bring all the different parts together for one beautiful event. Hiring a wedding planner will remove the burden of many mindless details and allow you to gear up for that special day. Here are a few tips to hiring a wedding planner.

Ask for recommendations and start interviewing.

Start your search process by asking friends and family members for recommendations on wedding planners that were easy and great to work with. It's so much better to have a referral from a friend than being forced to open up a phone book and select one from there. Once you have a list of names, immediately schedule interviews with several wedding planners. Most wedding planners are booked well in advance so practice haste when making appointments to be sure you find someone that has availability on your wedding date.

During the interview you should ask the planner how many wedding they have worked in the past and find out a detailed list of the services they offer, as well as the things they won't do. The wedding planner should provide a list of references and be sure to call the references for a follow up consultation. Evaluate the planner's personality. Do they seem energetic and excited to do your wedding? Also, pay close attention to their organization and professional skills, because that will probably be a good indicator as to the type of job they'll do for you.

Don't be afraid to start talking about fees up front. Like any professional, the cost of wedding planner's varies tremendously from place to place, and especially the size of your guest list. Some planners may charge a flat fee, while others will charge you on an hourly basis. Personally, I prefer a flat fee so that I can incorporate it into the costs well ahead of time.

Make sure you're on the same page.

Be sure to sit down with the wedding planner and describe the style of wedding you have in mind. The clearer the picture you can paint for the planner, the happier you will be with the results because they can envision what you're trying to accomplish. These details should include guest size, cake type, bridal gowns, color schemes, and any other detail that will make your wedding distinctive. For instance, state whether you want your wedding to be elegant or casual. Money and budgets should also be discussed, and you'll need to pinpoint a price range for the wedding planner so they'll know exactly what they're working with.

The reason it's important to discuss the price range you want to spend is because the planner will have close connections with wedding vendors and they could get special discounts. A wedding planner, most of the time, has been in the business for years and have done dozens of wedding so they will only hire the best vendors.

The role of wedding planners.

What exactly does a coordinator do, you may ask? Well, mostly everything. The planner serves as the manager of your wedding, facilitating the process by doing the booking, hiring, and contracting of different wedding vendors. This includes lots of phone calls, lots of negotiating, and lots of stressful moments. In addition to this work, they'll serve as a counselor to the bride and make sure they're following along tradition. They'll also manage the events of the wedding and reception, including running the rehearsal and making sure everything is in place on the big day.

They are experts in their field, just like you are at your job. When a question comes up regarding any wedding issue they'll have the answer. Wedding coordinators are great because it allows the bride and groom to be stress free while the planner gets to work making sure all tasks are done properly. If you're thinking about using a wedding planner, then let me assure you that they are well worth the money!