Less Stress! Why hiring a Wedding Planner can make all the difference
Weddings can be stressful. There are so many elements that go into a wedding that you don’t necessarily think of right off the bat. Sure, it’s fun thinking of the pretty prints to go on invitations, and going to search for your dream dress, but there are also the nitty gritty things that no one really likes to discuss.
The Bottom Line
First off, budget. The most dreaded conversation of all. However, with a wedding planner on your side, they can take that number and work with you to see what is feasible, and how to get the most for your money. Every single decision made, after the budget is established, sets the groundwork for what your day will ultimately look like.
As a young girl, I frequently envisioned my wedding day - from the dress, to the flowers, to the room filled with delicious food and wonderful company. And then, I grew up. I grew up, and realized that all of those elaborate things I once hoped for, may not be in reach. It was time to reel in the expectation, and understand just what I could afford, and how to achieve higher-end versions at a more cost-effective price. Discussing finances is never a fun topic, especially when you feel like your dream wedding is on the line. A conversation about budget can be one of the most difficult conversations to have, but it also one of the most important. After that point, everything has a place - how much can you afford to spend on flowers, the venue, and the food (which might I add, was the main thing I was concerned about when planning my own wedding).
Create the Vision
Once that budget is established, it is time for the Wedding Planner to really hone in on your vision. Now that there is a number to work with, it’s time to see what you want to create, and how you want your day to be remembered. Many brides have their favourite wedding ideas tucked away on a Pinterest Board - but it’s time to take all of those fabulous ideas, and create a theme for the day. Whether it is a summertime barn wedding, or an afternoon ceremony at the Ritz Carlton, your wedding planner is there to make sure that your day is unique to you.
Handling the Nitty-Gritty
It helps to have someone there to guide you through the vendors, the paperwork, and the overall experience. Speaking of the paperwork - that is another crucial benefit of investing in a wedding planner. They are able to handle all of your contracts, be in contact with your vendors, and keep everything organized to minimize any stress. Wedding Planners know the industry - the vendors, the trends, and the faux paus. They are the best resource when it comes to familiarizing yourself with the most current wedding culture. Not only do they know where the cake of your dreams can be made, but they can also ensure it fits within your budget. They can help guide you along the way to help better the experience - from questions you may have in the middle of the night, to listening to your concerns and helping to demolish them, to becoming a friend who you can trust and appreciate.
“But the wedding venue advised they can do the wedding planning for us - it’s a one stop shop.”
And they are certainly not lying. Event coordinators at venues are wonderful - they help with the process and the venue as a whole, but it is the Wedding Planner’s responsibility to be the eyes and ears of the entire process, including the Big Day. They are there to ensure all of the problems that arise, never reach the client. If the florist is running late, the photographer is caught in traffic, or the Best Man forgot his speech in his car across town - these are the problems that the Wedding Planner will take care of. There are so many moving parts to a wedding day, it is important for there to be one point person.
The day of the wedding should be about you, your family and friends, and the person you are choosing to spend the rest of your life with. It shouldn’t be about what time the caterer is coming, or when the cake cutting is going to happen. All of those things are part of the package of hiring a wedding planner. They are there to make sure the day runs seamlessly, and to help alleviate any stress or worry.
It is important to remember that this is YOUR big day - a day to be celebrated, enjoyed, and cherished. Don’t let your day happen without the help of a professional who can delegate tasks, understand the timeline, and ensure the day is one you will never forget.