The Indecisive Bride’s Guide to Finding a Wedding Planner
Whether you’ve been visualizing your wedding since the age of 10, or you’re clueless about the whole affair, planning your nuptials is no joke – it’s a big occasion and one that tends to overwhelm. Most couples would be wise to call in a planner to help run the show!
But before you choose a planner, there is a whole gamete of decisions to make. In a nutshell, you can hire a) a full-service planner who is responsible for everything and anything, b) a wedding coordinator who is involved, but leaves the bulk of the decisions up to you, or c) a “day-of” coordinator who is there to run logistics and cover details on the actual wedding day.
Obviously pricing and packages are important concerns when vetting your planner, but above all, you need to make sure you gel with this person and trust them entirely. Do they understand bizarre family dynamics? Will they help suppress your inner Bridezilla? Consider these questions, and the following before making any calls:
Trust the recommendations and reviews
Like any client service company, the good organizations will have stellar reviews and testimonials from past work. Be sure to ask friends and family for referrals and when in doubt, there’s always Google! Check out their social media presence – do they spend the time to market themselves accurately? Do they engage with followers? What type of clients are they working with?
Do you dig them?
Planning a wedding is stressful, no matter which way you stack it. Your planner should be supportive and compassionate, but also forthright about the process and how things are progressing. You should feel comfortable spilling your guts to them. A good planner will make you feel relaxed, but also jazzed about your special day.
Problem solving skills
A seasoned planner will handle issues like a pro, and do their best to prevent the problem in the first place. Ask them if they’ve had to mediate between vendors and venue, or if they have experience dealing with difficult mother-of-the-brides. How do they cope in a high-stress situation? Can they problem solve on-the-fly? Don’t be afraid to ask them anything!
You want your wedding to be epic, but also comfortable and stress-free, with no distractions. Hiring a planner ensures your day is delightful, relaxed and on budget. Creating a flawless event is an investment – take the time to choose the right planner for you!