The expense of a wedding can be a little daunting, and not hiring a wedding planner might seem like an easy choice to cut costs. But, the right wedding planner can save you money and can certainly save you a lot of stress on your big day.
A wedding planner has done it all before
The first benefit of a wedding planner is that they’ve been through this whole process more often than you have. Even if you’re getting help from other people who recently got married, unless you want a carbon copy of your older sister’s wedding then their experience might not be applicable to your wedding.
A wedding planner does this for a living. They know all the pitfalls that are between you and your perfect day. They’ll have a long checklist of everything that needs to be done months ahead of the wedding and won’t rest until all of those tasks are checked off.
While your planner is still human and can make mistakes, their expertise and experience certainly reduces the odds that something important will be forgotten. Not having that experience on hand could result in a sudden last-minute expense or a potentially embarrassing disaster on your wedding day.
Industry insider perks
A professional wedding planner’s experience also means they’re well versed in dealing with vendors on your behalf. Not only does this take the strain off your shoulders, but it means they've built relationships with vendors they use regularly and might end up with you getting a great deal.
Your wedding planner is certainly going to look out for your best interests and make sure you don’t get ripped off. They've been through this more often than you so they know what prices you should be paying for those services. They’re also going to be able to spot ridiculous conditions in contracts so you’re not taken for a ride.
A weight off your shoulders
You’re busy. You have a life, probably a job, maybe kids. Your future spouse probably has a job. It’s likely neither of you have the time or energy to be chasing vendors, reading through contracts, or repeatedly phoning around caterers. This is where a wedding planner really comes into their own. It’s the wedding planner’s job to do all the planning. They are being paid by you to chase vendors, read contracts, phone caterers, double-check the floral arrangements, and follow up with the dress-makers about minor alterations.
Also, this is another place the planner’s professionalism and experience come in; they’ll know not to assume anything and will check. Your planner will also know that if something does go wrong, it’s their professional reputation on the line.
Getting you what you really want
The first thing the wedding planner will do is to get to know you and listen to your dreams for your wedding. Their experience will mean they have insights into what each element of your wedding will cost, and they can discuss with you whether your budget is realistic.
Just because part of your wedding might be unaffordable, it doesn’t mean that your plans are ruined. The wedding planner will be able to discuss with you possible alternatives focusing on what will make your special day most special for you.
Making sure everything goes smoothly on the day
Managing the actual event is something that you’re going to be too busy to do yourself. After all, you’re going to be getting married.
Checking that the caterers have turned up and have the right menu. Making sure the band is set up on time. Ensuring the right decorations are laid out. You need to make sure all these things are done, but you won’t have time to do it yourself.
Your wedding planner will have intimate knowledge of the plan for the big day, after all, they helped you make it. They’ll know how long it will take to do the setup, they’ll know if something is wrong and what it will take to make it right.