For some couples, the stress of planning a wedding can be too much to handle. Thankfully, there are wedding planners available who can help take away this pressure by planning the wedding to the last detail. The question is, therefore, how do you choose a wedding planner?
- Find out all about wedding planners
- Before you hire a planner, get to know what exactly they do. Will this individual/company handle all aspects of your wedding? Are there some wedding arrangements that you would prefer to take care of yourself? Also, get to know the general price range for wedding planning services in your hometown.
- Ask to see a portfolio
- When you finally settle on a wedding planner, ask all the necessary questions. You should also ask to see a portfolio of past weddings that the planner has done. If possible, get a few contacts from previous clients who you can call to find out how good the planner is.
- Compatibility
- Are you and the planner able to get along? How does he/she react when you give suggestions on how things should go? Ideally, you should be able to develop a good working relationship during the planning period. If you feel, therefore, that you cannot get along with a particular planner, look for someone else.
- Recommendations and reviews
- It is very important to find out how people out there feel about the wedding planner you have chosen. Once you settle on two or three planners, visit their social media pages and websites to see what reviews have been posted there. You can also ask your friends, especially those who have used planners before, for their recommendations. Do not make a firm decision before you know how the planner is viewed in the public arena.
- Communication
- For the wedding to go well, you and the planner have to be in constant contact during the planning process. The planner, therefore, has to make every effort to be available for meetings, site visits, and phone calls, as well as be flexible enough to make any changes you request. In addition, the planner should ensure that everything you agree on is put in writing.
- Pricing
- Wedding planning is usually not a free service, and as such, you need to prepare yourself to meet the necessary costs. The planner must, however, be clear about the charges for the services he or she is providing. Also, the services must be listed precisely to avoid any misunderstanding on the wedding day. By the way- if you can get a planner whose rates are fair and negotiable, take advantage!
- Scheduling
- Before you finally settle on a planner, find out how his or her schedule looks. Are they booked for other events on the same day as your wedding? Is it a busy season for them? The planner must show you where you will fit into their schedule for the month/year before you sign any agreement. If you find that the planner you have chosen appears to be too busy to meet your needs, find another one.
- Does the planner understand your vision?
- Every couple has a vision for their big day, however simple. A good planner will embrace this idea and make it their own, so that the wedding is a success, as well as make suggestions that are compatible with this vision. If you find such a planner, do not hesitate to hire him or her!
Selecting a wedding planner is a task that you must get right so that you get value for your money and a stress-free wedding! Take your time, however, so that you find the right person. Good luck!