One thing I've noticed consistently in my brides over the years is this: a bride always has a better, more joyful time at her own wedding when she has a Wedding Coordinator. Always.
I say this not because I want you to hire some coordinator that I know -- I'm not even going to recommend anyone in particular. It's just that I've seen it so frequently: when I see a bride can sit and smile and laugh with her bridesmaids and relatives before the wedding, and happily greet guests during the reception, I know she has a professional coordinator.
Think about it -- you don't want to be the hostess of your wedding, you want to be the princess at your wedding. No matter what your budget is, you are spending a good deal of money (and time!) planning your wedding day. So there's no reason that you should be worrying about what time the florist gets there, if the staffing is right for the catering, if your groom's friends will stop cutting up and get in their tuxes, and a thousand other details that someone needs to handle.
Let a planner worry about it.
"Sounds good, John, but how much does it cost?"
Price ranges are wide, as are the amount of time and services provided to you. What I'd like to suggest is that the minimum service of a coordinator will get you a happy relaxing wedding day -- this is often called a "day of" package. Meaning instead of working with you doing all the advance planning and work choosing vendors, themes, decorating, and so on, the Planner is just there for your wedding day. This sometimes includes the Planner running the Rehearsal the night before. A package like this can be had for $500 -- $600 in many cases.
"Yeah, but can't I have my Mom, or sister, or friend from college do it?"
Yes, you can. And for a back yard wedding, or when there is just no money available, that is the route you will take. The upside is that this choice is free. Free is good. The downside is that, however much this volunteer coordinator loves you, they are "doing you a favor." You won't feel permission to be as specific and, if necessary, demanding of what you want. Even though your relative or friend may have been a part of numerous weddings, they don't have the same knowledge, contacts, systems, and confidence that a professional planner does.
I'm not saying you can't have an enjoyable wedding if you don't have a Coordinator. But I am saying to use one if at all possible.
blessings,
John
Well said, John! As a planner myself, I can't tell you how many times I have heard "this is the best wedding I have ever been to because it is so well-organized", or "I wish I would have hired a planner for my daughter's wedding". In fact, a lot my of my clients were told to get a planner because of issues that happened at their friends' weddings.
ReplyDeleteIn many cases, a planner can save his/her clients up to and more the cost of the planning fee in vendor incentives or upgrades. Take it from a professional...planning a wedding is stressful and there are so many details that a new bride has no idea about, let alone how to deal with them when they pop up.
Hire a planner and save yourself money and stress. You deserve to enjoy both the dream (planning process)and the real thing (your wedding)!