What Do You Want in a Wedding Planner?

The right wedding planner will help you out wherever you need it most--details, vision, etc. Is it worth it to get one? (expert advice)

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A wedding planner was put on this earth to make the lives of married couples-to-be much easier during their journey to the altar. They are well versed in the ways of haggling a good price with vendors and handling all of the details that go into planning a wedding ceremony and reception. He or she will speak with caterers, juggle menus, locate flowers, and sometimes interview photographers for their clients.

A wedding planner lifts a great deal of stress off of the shoulders of engaged couples and nowadays, they are more affordable than before. With a range of services available, what do you want in a wedding planner? Hopefully, the following factors will help make your decision less of a hassle:

Open Up
When interviewing a potential wedding planner, it is important to open up a bit. When a wedding planner knows the likes and dislikes of a couple, they can use even the simplest of details to mold the ceremony and reception of your dreams. If you are unable to open up to the wedding planner you are interviewing, this isn’t a good sign. Choose someone that makes you feel comfortable.

Don’t Be Shy About Your Budget
Wedding planners come across brides and grooms with all sorts of limitations and restrictions regarding their budget. If you don’t give an honest price range, you'll waste a great deal of precious time. Wedding planners are trained to work within the budget of a couple, weeding out vendors that do not satisfy their financial circumstances. For couples in need of budget help, your wedding planner should also be able to assist you in creating a realistic budget that incorporates the most important aspects of your wedding.

Organized
A wedding planner should propose a timeline for newly engaged couples, which illustrates the appropriate sequence of events. They will come up with suggestions on how to handle important decisions and stay on top of significant dates. He or she should work within the established timeline, and always keep you in the loop.

Effective Negotiating Skills
You want a wedding planner who knows how to get the best deal. They can find discounts where it seems none exist or make arrangements for complimentary services. You want the lowest prices and your wedding planner should be able to deliver the results.

Friendly Reminders
Payments to vendors usually arrive quicker than expected, so your wedding planner should alert you when these dates and costs are near.

Knowledgeable and Well-Connected
When you need help on locating the tastiest cakes that fit within your budget, or selecting a menu that will accommodate all of your guests – you want a wedding planner that is knowledgeable and familiar with the many different vendors in your region.

Photographs by Little White Dress
Coordination by Alison Events

Member Comments

11 10 2 FutureMrsCar..

09/13/2009 at 12:45 pm I'd say you were dooped. If she's under contract you can always sue her for breach of that contract in order to get that deposit back. Good luck.

1 0 2 lindeshetler

01/22/2009 at 10:38 pm What if your wedding planner keeps telling you for the past 7 months since you signed the contract with her one year prior to your wedding date that there is plenty of time and ask you (the couple) what your timeline is?  And then she avoids all communication with you and runs off with your deposit?