Wedding Planners go by a multitude of names; Wedding Planner, Wedding Consultant, Wedding Coordinator, Bridal Consultant... you name it. In addition to assuming a variety of titles Wedding Planners also vary in styles, services, experience, fees, and so forth. For this reason, it's very important to determine what you want from your wedding planner so that you can find the person that's just right for you. Make a list of questions and expectations and bring it with you to your meeting. Here are some things to consider:
1. Is the Wedding Planner tied to a venue: Many wedding planners work for a particular venue. This means that when you book the venue for your reception the wedding planner is typically thrown in as part of the package. This type of planner will be able to help you sort through the logistics of your reception, recommend local vendors (such as DJs, Musicians, Florists, Photographers, etc.), and they will also help with meal selection, wine selection, and generally anything that has to do with the venue. Other wedding planners work independently of a particular venue. This means that they will work with you regardless of the venue you select and will help with all point of your wedding planning (such as the ceremony, reception, invitations, guest list management, budget preparation and management, etc.). It's important for you to determine what you want your wedding planner to do; this will help you determine which type of planner to work with.
2. What will the Wedding Planner do (or more importantly, what will they NOT do): I once heard a wedding planner state that if there are things a Planner is not willing to do for their clients then they are in the wrong profession. I don't believe this to be the case. As with everything in life people set their own boundaries. Some florists will deliver flowers, others will not. Some photographers will provide you with a CD of your photos with full printing rights - others will not. Some Wedding Planners will answer their cell phones at all hours of the day and night - others have business hours and will only answer within those. There's no right or wrong way; just as every couple is unique so is every planner. It's important that you determine your priorities and expectations. Make sure that the person you select is able and willing to meet these expectations.
3. How does the wedding planner determine their fees: There are three popular methods used for determining fees in the wedding planning industry. A planner may charge based on a percentage of the couple's budget (usually 10-15%), others will charge an hourly rate for their services, and others will work based on a flat fee. It's also possible for planners to use a combination of any of the three methods. Make sure that you are comfortable with the pricing methods of the planner you select. If you're not, you may be able to negotiate another method. (Never be afraid to negotiate).
4. How much experience does the planner have? How many weddings do they plan a year? Is this their full-time job?: These are all questions that you should discuss with your planner. Every planner is at a different stage in their career. Typically, you pay more based on the level of experience a planner has and the amount of individual attention they're able to give you. Some planners work on their planning business on a part-time basis while holding down a full-time job. This is not necessarily a bad thing as some planners manage to balance this very well. But it could also mean that you may wait a little longer for responses to calls or emails.
5. Do you feel comfortable with the planner?: This is perhaps one of the most important questions of all. You should always meet with at least 2 or 3 planners and make a note of how you get along with each of them. Do you connect well? Are you looking for a planner who is fun and bubbly, or do you prefer someone who is more business-like? Whatever your personal preference you're usually pretty safe to go with your gut feeling. After all, this is someone you could be working with over the course of a year or more.
Keep in mind that most planners view your initial meeting as a two-sided interview. They're interviewing clients just as much as you're interviewing them. So go in prepared and ask questions.
In addition to these five important points make sure to ask the more technical questions. These include: How many hours will you be available on the wedding day? Do you attend the rehearsal? Do you require a meal at the reception? Most of these questions should be addressed by the planner in your initial consultation. Refer to your list to make sure you've covered all your questions.
What kind of things are you looking for in a wedding planner?
Happy Planning!
Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination
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