The Wedding Planner: Knowing When to Hire a Pro
Planning a wedding can quickly become a full time job, infusing stress into a relationship that should otherwise still be basking in its recently engaged glory. For many couples, pulling together all the necessary components of a successful wedding is an overwhelming endeavor. As it should be – most of us simply do not have the experience or resources available to pull off the planning of such a large event on our own.
So the question becomes, when should you begin to seriously consider hiring a wedding planner? The truth is that even for small and intimate weddings, a planner can help to alleviate some of the expected wedding day stress, while also ensuring you are getting the most value for your money. They accomplish this as a result of having “been there and done that” already, spending years building relationships with all the best vendors to prove it. Even more importantly, they know who those best vendors are. While you may be stuck flipping through a phone book trying to decide on a caterer or flower shop to use, arranging countless appointments as you attempt to narrow down the options, your planner has already done that legwork. They can arrange appointments for you with vendors they have already vetted and are sure will meet your needs, drastically cutting down on your own time commitment to this wedding.
Taking the step to hire a professional will also mean you have someone on your team who is ready and willing to take charge on the big day. Not only do they light candles while you greet family, wedding planners are skilled at creating timelines for the day of that will keep events moving along smoothly, with little effort required on your part. They can stay on top of the vendors and are prepared to handle last minute emergencies, allowing you to focus on what is most important: saying your “I Do’s” and smiling pretty for the camera! Not to mention being able to dance with your new husband and enjoy this time with your guests. Your planner is also in the position to save you from buying items which otherwise may be available for rent, and from spending money on anything that doesn’t already fit into your vision of what this wedding should be. They have the knowledge to pull everything together seamlessly, leaving the more enjoyable decisions (like cake selection) for you and your fiancé to make together.
Going with a wedding planner promises to ease some of the stress surrounding your big day. How do you find a good planner? You are welcome to ask me of course! Or ask other wedding professionals you have already hired for their recommendations. It is always nice when your wedding “team” already knows how to work together. Most important however, is to find someone you connect with, a person you feel you can trust to help you accomplish your dream wedding. And then sit back and allow them to do some of the work.
Remember, your wedding is supposed to be one of the best days of your life. Don’t let it to become so stressful, that you forget to enjoy it.
I always like to say: “be a guest at your own wedding”.