How to find the perfect wedding planner.
If you think making the decision to get married was a tough one, well… think again ‘cause it’s only going to get harder from here. Planning a wedding is all about making choices, so how do you know you’re making the right ones? Many people avoid this struggle by hiring a wedding planner, but one must keep in mind that wedding planning can be an utter bliss or a year of stress. That all depends on whether you chose to work with the right professional. I’m not talking about some planners being better than others; a wedding expert and their clients are not only engaging in a business relationship, but in somewhat of a personal one as well. Your wedding is a momentous event in your life and inevitably you will have many discussions with your planner about a variety of things including some personal topics. The behind-the-scenes of any wedding is personal… period. Here is my advice on how to select the perfect match for your big day.
Establish what you need from your planner. Are you willing to do some of the work? People often don’t realize that planning a wedding takes hundreds of hours. If you are not willing to do the work, or if your career is too demanding, it may be best to leave it to someone else. Furthermore, decide how big of a wedding you want and set a realistic budget. If you have a budget of $30 000 for your big day, and your planner’s minimum fee is $10 000, they may not be the best match for you.
Do your research. Look for planners in and outside your city as many planners travel for their clients. Look through their portfolio to see if you like their previous work. Don’t contact a planner if you do not like their portfolio! If none of their work speaks to you, don’t speak to them! Style is personal to each planner, you have to work with someone that shares your aesthetic. If a planner specializes in boho weddings, you shouldn’t hire them to plan a huge glamorous party, it simply is not part of their expertise. Also, pay attention to their services: many wedding professionals only offer either full planning or day-of coordination and that may not be what you need.
Once step one and two have been completed, send emails and get on the phone. The best strategy after an introductory email is to schedule a call. A telephone call will give you a good indication whether or not you want to meet in person. You can discuss your general idea of what you want for your big day, and see if they have the right services for you. Furthermore, this may be a good time to discuss price just to get an approximate figure or at least have the planner send you something in writing after your call.
Now that you have spoken to a few planners and made a short list, email them to ask for a blank copy of their contract.
Next, have a meeting in person. This will allow you to get more information on how your big day will unfold, but, more importantly, it will give you the opportunity to see if you really like this person and if you can work with them for the next year. Personality is an important factor when selecting your wedding planner. It is crucial to like the person you are working with, because when you like someone, you are more inclined to trust them and feel reassured that they will execute an amazing wedding. Moreover, when you are more alike than different, you and your planner are more likely to share the same vison for your big day, and thus have less misunderstandings.
Finally, once all the boxes are checked - style, service and personality, and price - It’s time for you to make the decision. Don’t let price get in the way of making the right decision. If the planner you like the most is more expensive than the others, do not let that dissuade you. Each business knows its own worth. And, as I like to say, a planner is not an expense, it’s an investment.
Happy planning!
xoxoxo
Jenn
