Why Hire a Wedding Planner?
Photo: Julie Cate
You’re engaged and so excited about planning your big day. However, through the excitement, you start to get overwhelmed by all the details. What’s my budget? What’s the best venue? What are my colors? What kind of flowers and décor do I want? Should I hire a band or a DJ? Do I need to do a table layout for guests? Do I need ushers? What if it rains? What if my venue gets double-booked? AAHHHHH! So many details!
Breathe, it’s okay. That’s why you hire a wedding planner. An experienced wedding planner can help you think through all these details and all the possible “what-ifs,” so you are well prepared to have the wedding of your dreams.
Photo: Sarah Marie
Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator
First, let’s answer a question we hear often: What’s the difference between a wedding planning and a wedding coordinator? An easy way to describe the difference between a wedding planner and wedding coordinator is that a wedding planner will be your best friend through the whole planning process, and a wedding coordinator will be your best friend on your wedding day only.
A wedding planner is someone who will help you identify and execute all aspects of your wedding vision. They are the ones you call before you begin your planning. From creating a budget, to searching for the perfect location, to reviewing vendor contracts and planning all the other event details, your planner will ensure your day is perfect.
Photo: Keren Trevino
Why Do I Need a Planner?
Whether you are the bride that thinks every detail is already planned because you have been planning your big day since you were a child (Monica Geller, we’re looking at you), or you’re the bride that simply wants to show up to the wedding, you need a planner. Besides thinking through every possible detail and scenario, a planner will ensure you are able to enjoy the process – and most importantly – your wedding day. Your wedding planner will, also, help be the liaison between you, your family, your guests, and all of your vendors. Your wedding planner will know what you, as a couple, want most out of your wedding, and can help make tough decisions during the planning process, whereas, a coordinator has little insight into the engagement and what matters to you, and cannot assist you as well on the wedding day. This is one of the biggest days of your life, so you shouldn’t be stressed out about event details!
Photo: Keren Trevino
Is Hiring a Wedding Planner Expensive?
The cost of hiring a wedding planner can vary. Some planners charge a flat fee, an hourly rate or a percentage of the overall wedding budget. If a planner doesn’t charge a flat fee, prepare to set aside 10 to 20 percent of your overall budget for full-service planning services. While this may sound expensive, it’s buying your piece of mind.
Hiring a planner can often actually save you money in many areas, as experienced planners have relationships with other vendors and can often score discounts that you wouldn’t receive on your own. Planners also can advise you on the best places to spend your money for the most impact on your big day. Want proof? Check out my feature in Budget Savvy Bride!
Photo: Taylor English
Most Importantly, Enjoy the Process!
Your wedding planner will serve in a variety of roles during the process (legal counsel, therapist, bestie, whatever you need) all while helping you plan all the details of your day. No matter if you are a hands-on or hands-off bride, hiring a wedding planner can truly help you make the best decisions for your wedding to ensure the day lives up to what you’ve always dreamed about.
Ready to Hire a Wedding Planner?
Contact me! I offer a variety of planning packages to make planning your Chattanooga wedding affordable and fun. I’ve got you, and I’ll handle the details, so you can enjoy your special day!
Photo: Rafferty Photo