Benefits of hiring a wedding planner

A wedding planner or coordinator as some like to be called is a wedding professional for any person who is busy and doesn’t have the time to dedicate to coordinating a wedding/reception. A wedding professional can be beneficial to the couple who needs a little or a lot or full assistance in creating the event she desires. A wedding planner is beneficial when it comes to helping couples through complicated issues like a bride and groom marrying across religious, social, ethnic and racial traditions, just to name a few.

A professional wedding planner is always on top of the newest wedding trends, knowledgeable about the wedding field, has excellent organizational skills and time management skills. There are three ways in which a professional wedding planner can assist a couple in the planning

of their special day. When a couple wants to plan their wedding event themselves and on occasion would like some clarity or direction on their planning process or how to overcome some obstacles they encounter, a planner serves as a consultant only to the couple for a small fee.

Another way in which wedding consultants can help a wedding couple is to take an active role working side by side with the couple offering advice as needed and making suggestions to the couple, but overseeing the wedding timeline, appointments with vendors and making sure that all deadlines are met on time.

Lastly, wedding planners can take full control of the wedding planning process for the bride and groom who trust the planner in making all the important planning decisions on their behalf. A planner who is hired in this capacity will take full control of the planning process but will need to keep the couple informed of the major details such as contract signing, payment deadlines, designing the cake, floral arrangement and catering menu. Overall, the main role of a wedding consultant is to assist the couple in executing their wedding vision.

There is a common misconception that event planners are there to take over, make changes or make the wedding about them, or to boss people around. That is NOT true, a professional wedding planner is there to advise and offer a professional opinion, relieve stress, keep track of deadlines and payments, mediate and advocate for the couple when differences arise between families and is a much needed member of your wedding vendor team. The planner you hire will be your best asset on that magical stress-free day, allowing you the comfort to enjoy your family.

By Juyné L. Clements, IEWP