A complete guide to wedding planners
Everything you need to know about hiring a wedding planner
A wedding planner is a professional who assists couples in planning and organising their wedding. They can help with a wide range of tasks, including budgeting, supplier selection, curation of timelines, and of course logistics. They can also offer creative ideas for making the wedding unique and personalised.
Wedding planners can work with couples from the beginning of the planning process all the way through to the day of the wedding, handling everything from creating a budget and helping to select suppliers to coordinating the any pre or post wedding celebrations and overseeing setup on the day of the wedding. They are experts in the field of event planning and have the experience and connections to help make your wedding day as perfect as possible.
Image and cover image by Jo Cunningham
Relieve stress
Wedding planners can relieve stress in a number of ways and ensure you have an enjoyable run-up to the big day, here’s some examples on how they do this:
Organising and coordinating: A wedding planner can handle the logistics and coordination of absolutely all aspects of the wedding - this can take a lot of the stress off of you, allowing you to focus on other things.
Budget management: A wedding planner can help create a budget and stick to it, which can alleviate stress associated with finances.
Supplier management: A wedding planner can handle communication and coordination with all suppliers, ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the day of the wedding.
Problem-solving: A wedding planner is experienced in handling unexpected issues and can find solutions quickly, which can prevent stress from escalating.
Time management: A wedding planner can help you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively, allowing you to focus on enjoying the planning process.
Day-of coordination: A wedding planner can be in charge of overseeing setup and coordinating the wedding day timeline, which can help to alleviate stress on you, your families and bridal party.
Support: A wedding planner is a source of support, guidance and advice throughout the planning process.
Image by Bridger Films
IS IT JUST AN EXPENSIVE LUXURY?
Hiring a wedding planner can be an additional cost to the overall budget of a wedding. The cost of a wedding planner can vary depending on the level of service provided, the location of the wedding, and the experience and reputation of the planner. Some wedding planners may charge based on a percentage of the total wedding budget, while others charge a flat fee or hourly rate.
It's worth noting that hiring a wedding planner can also save you money by helping you stay within your budget, negotiating vendor contracts, and suggesting cost-effective alternatives for certain aspects of the wedding. They may also have established relationships with suppliers and can leverage these relationships to secure discounts or special deals. Additionally, a wedding planner can help you avoid costly mistakes that could add up over time.
Whether hiring a wedding planner is considered an expensive luxury depends on your perspective, some couples may see it as an essential service that helps them create the wedding of their dreams, while others may see it as an unnecessary expense. Ultimately, it's a personal decision and should be based on your own needs, preferences and budget.
SAVE MONEY!
A wedding planner can potentially save you money, as touched on above. Their supplier relationships may also work in your favour and a wedding planner definitely helps you to avoid costly mistakes that could add up over time.
However, it's worth noting that hiring a wedding planner can also add to the overall cost of the wedding.
Image by Bridger Films
FEES
Wedding planners typically charge their clients in one of three ways:
Percentage-based: A percentage-based wedding planner charges a percentage of the total wedding budget, typically around 10-15%. This type of pricing structure can be beneficial for couples with a larger wedding budget.
Flat fee: A flat fee wedding planner charges a one-time, upfront fee for their services. This type of pricing is typically based on the level of service provided, such as full-service planning, day-of coordination, or bespoke services.
Hourly rate: An hourly rate wedding planner charges for their time, usually around £50 to £300 per hour. This pricing structure can be beneficial for couples who only need a wedding planner for a specific aspect of the planning process.
Some wedding planners may also offer customised packages that combine different elements of the above pricing structures. It's worth noting that in addition to their fees, wedding planners may also charge additional fees such as expenses and travel costs. It is important to have a clear understanding of the costs and what is included before signing your contract.
WHAT BUDGET DO I NEED?
Most wedding planners are willing to work with couples on a variety of budgets. However, it's important to keep in mind that a wedding planner's fees are typically based on the size and complexity of the wedding, so a couple with a smaller budget may not be able to afford the same level of service as a couple with a larger budget.
Some wedding planners may have a minimum budget requirement and may not take on clients whose budgets fall below a certain threshold. It's also worth noting that while a wedding planner can help you stay within your budget, they may not be able to accommodate all of your requests if the budget is very limited.
It's important for you to be transparent about your budget when meeting with a wedding planner, so that the planner can understand your limitations and work with you to create a wedding that fits both your budget and needs.
Image by Rebecca Kerr
Aesthetically driven
Each wedding planner will have their own specialist skill-set - it is becoming increasingly popular to combine the skills of both stylist and planner, resulting in an aesthetically driven wedding planner.
An aesthetically driven wedding planner is a professional who focuses on creating a visually stunning and cohesive design aesthetic for the wedding day alongside the usual wedding planning service. They pay attention to details, colour palettes, lighting, and flower arrangements, as well as other design elements that can help to create a memorable and beautiful event. They have a keen eye for design and a deep understanding of how to create an overall aesthetic that is cohesive and visually pleasing.
They work closely with the couple to understand their style and preferences, and then use that information to create a design concept that reflects their personal taste. They will help with selecting everything from the flowers, linens, table settings, lighting, and decor. They may also be able to provide rental items or even create custom pieces to achieve the desired look.
Aesthetically driven wedding planners are perfect for couples who want their wedding to be visually stunning, are looking for a unique and personalised design, and want a professional who can help them execute their vision and wedding perfectly.
Local vs Out of town
It is not necessary for your wedding planner to be from the area where you are getting married, but it can be helpful. A local wedding planner will have in-depth knowledge of the area and may have established relationships with local suppliers. They will also be familiar with the local laws, regulations, and permits that might be required to host the event.
However, a wedding planner who is not from the area where you are getting married can still plan a successful event. They can conduct research and get to know the area, and may also have a network of trusted suppliers and industry contacts that they can work with already in that area.
It's important for you to find a wedding planner who you feel comfortable working with and who can understand your vision for the wedding. If you are considering hiring a wedding planner who is not from the area, it's a good idea to ask about their experience planning events in that location, and if they have a network of trusted suppliers.
DO IT
To hire a wedding planner, you can start by researching and making a list of potential planners in your area, the area you are getting married or planners who are happy to work anywhere in the world. Look at their websites and social media profiles to get an idea of their style and services offered. Once you have narrowed down your list, schedule calls with the planners to discuss your specific needs and budget. This will give you an opportunity to get to know the planner and see if they are a good fit for you. After the consultation, consider the availability, price, and level of comfort with the planner, then make a decision and sign a contract!
To contact Rebecca and talk about how she may be able to help you with planning your wedding click below.