We all dream of elegant Pinterest-inspired bouquets, décor and venues, and then we start to get a little stressed… But don’t fear, your perfect wedding planner is out there to help! Whether you want a simple ceremony on the beach, or the party of the year at the yacht club, there is a wedding planner out there for you. Here are a few tips on how to find your perfect match (and I’m not just talking about your fiancé)!
BUDGET
First things first, we all want the most experienced and famous wedding planner out there because, let’s be honest, you’re trusting a stranger with the biggest day of your life. However, you can’t spend your whole wedding budget on your planner, as much as you might want to. Therefore, your planner’s fee must fit proportionally within your budget. With that being said, make sure you choose a Certified Wedding Planner – and I cannot stress this enough. If we compare this to, lets say, a Doctor. Would you want Joe-Schmo operating on you, or would you prefer the Board Certified Surgeon? Although a little dramatic of an example, a Master Certified Wedding Planner, like medical professionals, have had to go through extensive training to receive their credentials, so why not work with the best?
Couples, time and time again, try to negotiate package prices with planners, but let me tell you a secret. If you make the right choice, your planner is going to be able to save you the amount that you paid for their services. When everything is said and done, you’ll think they’re worth double! When planners find their perfect teams of preferred vendors, these vendors sometimes will even extend discounts to planners and their clients. What’s even better, is a lot of the time when you book said vendor through your planner, the vendors waive certain fees and sometimes even deposits since your planner has proven their loyalty.
Also, keep in mind that you get what you pay for in the wedding industry. If you find a planner whose day-of coordination package is only $250, while a respected planner in the area charges $2,000, there will be a drastic difference in the level of support and guidance provided. The amount of time and effort put into your wedding by each professional is reflected in the package price, as well as their experience and credentials.
PROFESSIONALISM
This should probably go without mention, but you want to hire a professional. Whether your planner is a newly launched entrepreneur or settled into a dolled-up downtown wedding studio, make sure your prospective planner is prepared, on time, and dressed to impressed! At your meetings, a well-trained professional will be fully focused on you without any distractions. They will ask lots of questions, listen thoughtfully to your ideas and take careful notes.
PERSONALITY
As we all know, not all personalities work well together. Before you even start discussing your wedding, try to get to know your wedding planner (as they should also be trying to get to know you). Ask about their background, education, previous experience, and strengths and weaknesses as a planner. Make sure to research online reviews, either on their website, Google, or wedding sites such as The Knot or WeddingWire. Also, keep in mind that a planner doesn’t have to have planned 500 weddings to be exceptional at their job… They just need to make you feel comfortable with their knowledge of the industry and to make your special day unforgettable. For instance, your planner might say that one of their strengths is organization, and you might be more of a messy/ laid back person. Meaning, that you might be on the right track to the perfect planner match! Opposites attract, right?
STYLE
Along the lines of your planner’s personality, you want to make sure that your style is some-what on the same page. The planner doesn’t have to be as obsessed with baby blue hydrangeas as you are, but they need to be able to see your vision and bring it to life. If you don’t know exactly what your design theme will be just yet, your planner should be able to discuss a multitude of options with you to narrow it down. Remember that your planner should be confident that they can accomplish everything that you are wanting. If they can’t, they should be professional enough to tell you their hesitations.
A planner’s ultimate goal is that you will look back on your wedding day and planning experience feeling grateful that you choose us. Towards that aim, we will organize professional appointments which will leave you feeling relaxed, excited and confident about your wedding plans. Your trust in us to help you plan a magical day for you and your loved ones is well-founded. We want you to have the most incredible wedding you could ever imagine!
Happy Planning!
Courtney
