You may have a clear picture of what you would like your wedding day to look like. Maybe you don’t have a clue, and the whole idea of planning a wedding is sending you into a tizzy. Either way, hiring a wedding planner could save your special day, or at least save your nerves. So how do you choose the best one for what you have in mind or don’t yet have in mind?
Look for confidence and efficiency
You want to choose a wedding planner who is efficient and in control. If they are good at what they do, they will be more than happy to show you a portfolio of their work. It’s also important to know whether or not previous clients were satisfied with their services. Refer to testimonials on the planner’s website. The wedding planner is responsible for tying up loose ends. Find someone who will streamline ideas and possibilities for you.
Budgets in the balance
What budget is your wedding planner used to working with. Hire someone who is used to working below your wedding budget. It’s best not to cut corners; however, if you need to meet a specific budget, it’s important to know that the wedding planner that you’ve chosen is able to pull off the big day with the budget you’ve given them.
Chemistry is key
There needs to be a close rapport between you and the wedding planner. You’ll be spending a lot of time with this person in the weeks leading up to the wedding, so your personalities need to be compatible. There should also be a mutual trust between you. Find someone who is openminded and who listens well. You need to feel free to express yourself and your whacky ideas. Their job is to make you feel at ease.
Meet face-to-face and come loaded with plenty of questions. Fire away, you’re allowed to be picky because it’s your day ultimately. Speak with various potential wedding planners before choosing the one for you.
Clarity and transparency
Clear Communication is vital. Make sure you know exactly what his/her services include. You will need to clarify the specific scope of their services and whether or not they include both the design and coordination of your wedding. It’s also important to find out how the services and vendors that you contract will be charged. You’ll need to find out if the wedding planner is responsible for the cleaning up operations, and if they’ll make sure that the wedding gifts get from the wedding venue to the couple after the wedding. Be specific about what is included and what isn’t included in the estimate. Go through the contract pedantically – in person preferably. Leave no stone unturned. It’s important to understand each other’s expectations too. Clear expectations need to be set on either side. You should have regular meetings and a checklist to ensure that operations are going along as planned.
Give the girls a break
Employing a wedding planner will take pressure off your bridesmaids, which means they can spend more time looking after you and organizing your pre-wedding party/parties. The wedding planner can handle the clean-up operations after the party. He/ she is also responsible for making sure that all the vendors are paid and tipped.
A wedding planner is a wonderful asset to have as part of your wedding day. If the two of you click, and you’re able to work together well, then you’re going to enjoy planning your wedding.
