A wedding planner typically starts by meeting with the couple for a consultation. This is an opportunity for the planner to understand the couple’s needs and desires, including any related events such as the rehearsal dinner and brunch. The planner will also ask about the couple’s budget and explain what services they can expect for that amount.
It’s important for the planner to have a clear understanding of the couple’s taste and vision. This is where excellent listening skills come into play. A wedding planner should be able to take the couple’s ideas and turn them into reality.
On the day of the wedding, a planner will ensure that all key moments are not missed. From speeches to cutting the cake and the first dance, they will make sure your family is present every step of the way.
But what does a wedding planner NOT do? Wedding planners work hard during the planning process to make your life easier and stress-free, so you can really enjoy your engagement time. They do all the research and communication for you, schedule consultations, and coordinate the wedding day so that you have no problems or stress.
The main tasks of a wedding planner include understanding the needs and desires of the bride and groom and making their dreams come true. They can offer several packages that represent different levels of participation in wedding planning. For example, a coordination package may include managing logistics details only on the actual day of the wedding, while full-service planning includes months of coordinating details such as budget, vendors, and venue.
Wedding Planner Duties
- Provides vendor referrals and negotiates contracts; schedules and attends all vendor meetings.
- Makes sure that your loved ones don't miss key moments.
- Sets a planning schedule and works with the bride and groom to choose everything from attire to ceremony and reception venues.
- Ensures that everything meets the needs of customers.
- Offers design services to help couples select color palettes, create floor plans, choose decor, rentals, lighting, etc.
- Manages sound setup on the day of the event.
- Makes sure that cake table is filled with all necessary plates and cutlery.
- Saves top tier of cake if desired.
A full-service wedding planner typically accounts for 15-20% of total wedding cost based on their experience in that region. It’s important for couples to have a clear idea of what their planner offers in each package so there are no surprises down the line.
Working with a wedding planner can be difficult because it’s hard to meet everyone’s expectations with limited resources. But most planners do their best to make their customers satisfied with their experience.
Unless you’re an experienced event planner, chances are your wedding will be one of the biggest parties you’ve ever thrown. When looking for a wedding planner, it’s important to feel comfortable with them so you can ask questions without hesitation. If you don’t feel confident in your choice, it may be time to look elsewhere.
At the end of the day, hiring a wedding planner can help make your special day run smoothly. They will take care of all the details so you can focus on enjoying your engagement time and celebrating with family and friends.
