The Wedding Planner
Shirley Velasquez
Planning your dream wedding requires countless hours of detailed thinking and planning. Naturally, it also requires a lot of money. So, how does a couple justify adding the cost of a wedding planner to their budget? By understanding that the amount of stress and time a planner will save you is priceless. A dependable planner will assist with the plethora of decisions you must make on your wedding day, allowing you and your fiancé to relax and enjoy your engagement.
In the past, wedding consultants were considered a luxury that only the elite could afford, but now they’re considered an important source of help and information. “Hiring a wedding planner is the closest a couple comes to wedding day insurance,” says Beverly Dembo, of Dembo Productions in Northbrook, Illinois. “Choosing the right planner is essential.”
Think about recent weddings you’ve attended that have inspired you. Chances are that a wedding planner was on hand and behind the scenes coordinating last minute details. If you are thinking about hiring a planner, go about it like you would any research project – with practicality and time.
First, get referrals from friends, newlyweds, co-workers, and neighbors. Calling the Association of Bridal Consultants is another option. Then schedule interviews with several different planners. Most will meet with you for an initial consultation at no extra cost.
Next, prepare a list of questions. Ask as many questions as you need to get an understanding of how the planner thinks and works.
The idea is to communicate your needs and ideas clearly and effectively. Inquire how long the planner has been in the business and how many weddings she or he has coordinated. Ask to see a portfolio and check references from recent brides with whom the planner has worked. You may even ask why and how they became involved in wedding planning. The answer may reveal the planner’s background, experience, and fortes that they bring to wedding planning. The answer may also reveal a lot about their personality and how their mind works.
“This is probably a good time to reveal any special requirements you would like to incorporate into your wedding day,” says Dembo. During your consultation, keep in mind if the planner listens when you speak. Does she pick up on your cues? Ask yourself if the planner is bringing ideas that enhance and support the type of wedding you want. Finally, is this someone who understands your style and is sensitive to your needs?
Think about how involved the coordinator will be. Will they plan the entire wedding or just certain elements of it? Some of the responsibilities a planner can take on include:
1. Helping to select your venue, color scheme, invitations, food, flowers
2. Arranging the wedding rehearsal
3. Suggesting and choosing vendors that fit your budget, ideas, and those that have a history of quality work
4. Finding hotel accommodations for out-of-town guests
5. Creating a wedding planning schedule that lists which tasks need to be done and when
6. Expertise on wedding etiquette, so whenever you have a question about what is “right” your wedding planner will have the answer
7. Helping you to review and negotiate contracts with all vendors. “A professional planner won’t allow you to sign any proposal until it’s 100% right, particularly when it concerns the venue and caterers,” says Dembo.
8. Keeping you within your budget and finding the best value for your money.
Once you’ve chosen the right planner, establish payment, which is often commensurate to experience, the level of involvement in the wedding, as well as the overall size of the wedding. A planner usually charges in three different ways: by a percentage of the total wedding costs, by the hour, or a flat fee, which is generally ideal because you’ll immediately know the total cost.
Clarify the planning process and be clear about when and how many times you will need to meet and how they want to meet (via email, phone, or in person). The planner must feel that your wedding budget is something they can work with. Get everything in writing with a letter of agreement signed by both of you that clearly states what each of you will do.
Your wedding planner is there to help you through every single detail and becomes an important member of the wedding, so be sure to choose someone you can work in sync with. Make sure to remember your planner when you are purchasing gifts for your special guests.