Many brides want a wedding planner but not sure how to find one, where to find one and when they finally do find one, they are not sure what they are paying for. To help those brides out there who want and/or need a wedding planner, I'm going to give you some pointers on how to choose the right wedding planner and when you do how to choose the right service.
Once you have done your research and you found some wedding planners that you like, make an appointment for a consultation. This is free of charge so it doesn't hurt to meet them. Take your ideas, inspiration and questions with you. The most important thing you are looking for is chemistry. You will be working with your wedding planner more than any of your other vendors. You'll call on them for advice, just to talk and there will be lots of meetings together. You want to make sure you have a connection. Second, you want to get to know their wedding style. A good planner can plan any wedding but it is not just any wedding, it is your wedding. Your wedding has a personality of its own. Your planner's wedding personality should mesh with your wedding's personality.
So you met a wedding planner and you love them. You are ready to sign on the dotted line but first you have to pick which service works best for you. Most planners have three standard packages to choose from; full planning, partial planning or day of coordination. Your trusted planner can guide you on which one is best for you. They are not out to make you book their most expensive package. They want to do what makes sense for your planning needs. Also they will take your budget into account. If you want to go in armed with information, let me help you.
Full service - if you are in the beginning phase of wedding planning, have a busy home life, not really into planning or don't even know where to start then this is your package . Hire a wedding planner from the very beginning will be very helpful. This will save your sanity and save you from costly wedding planning mistakes.
Partial planning - if you enjoy doing the leg work and research, or you have done a lot of the planning yourself already, this is the package for you. A wedding planner can give you guidance and advice to help you make the right choices during the planning process. Having a professional to call on will help you avoid wedding planning mistakes that you can't fix the day of your wedding.
Day of coordination - if all your plans are made but you don't want to worry on the day of your wedding this is the package for you. Now DOC is not literal, your wedding planner will come on board at least eight weeks before your wedding to help you tie up loose ends. This will be your chance to take off your planner hat and be a bride! If you are puzzled as to why this service may cost more than you anticipated, read this article on The Wedding Jeannie Blog explaing what DOC really is.
I hope this was helpful to all the brides out there trying to decide if they need a wedding planner. I am not posting this so you can hire me, I'm doing what I do best and helping couples plan their wedding any way I can. My professional advice of course is to hire a planner! The more professional help you have, the more enjoyable the planning process will be for you. I would love to help every couple plan their wedding and if you think I'm the wedding planner for you, feel free to give me a call so we can have our free consultation!!
Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!
Deniesha Joseph
Wedded Luxe
