Is Hiring a Planner Right
For You?
No one needs a wedding planner,
but in certain cases the service makes good sense. Larger events automatically
come with a great deal of envelope-stuffing and escort-card calligraphing that
a planner can help with. Anyone having a destination wedding should also
seriously consider professional help, someone who'll check out the location
beforehand and make sure you're getting exactly what you want. And if you're
throwing a last-minute wedding, a planner can be a lifesaver.
Budget Concerns
Find out exactly how much the
wedding coordinator charges, and exactly what services you will be paying for.
Some charge an hourly rate, while others bill a flat fee or percentage of the
overall wedding cost. Most wedding coordinators ask clients to sign contracts;
many also ask for deposits, which may be non-refundable. You and your fiancé
should work with the wedding coordinator to draw up a detailed contract,
specifying what the coordinator's responsibilities will be, to avoid any
last-minute surprises.
Be Realistic
Be honest and realistic about
your budget. Fees for wedding coordinators vary, but in general you can expect
to pay somewhere between 10 and 20 percent of your total wedding cost. That may
seem like a lot of money—money you might prefer to spend on more flowers,
music, and Champagne for the reception.
What Do You Need
Not every bride requires a
full-service planner. If you've already done most of the work yourself, you may
want a "day-of" coordinator who will attend your wedding and resolve
any snafus that may occur. You can also hire someone for the final weeks
leading up to the event.
What Does Your Planner Need?
Before you start your search,
gather a few basic details. The most important, by far, is how much you can
spend. You'll need to relay your budget to potential planners when you first
approach them. If someone is out of your price range, he can tell you so right
away, over the phone, so you don't get your heart set on a person you can't
afford. Planners you interview will also want to get a sense of the framework
within which they'll be working.
Important Details
It's also good to know
approximately how many guests you hope to invite, the general tone of your
wedding, and the approximate date of the event. If you've already chosen a
specific day, that's fine. Just keep in mind that this may narrow down your
choice of planners, as some may be already booked.
Find a Planner
Once you're ready to start
looking for a planner, ask around for referrals. Make a list of everyone you
know who's gotten married in the past five years—especially those whose
weddings you attended and loved—and ask if they used planners. Before you
contact any coordinators, make sure to visit their websites for photo galleries
of past weddings, and narrow your choices to about three favorites.
What Questions Should You
Ask?
Your first meeting with a
planner should take place over the phone. You'll want to ask some basic
questions: How much does she charge? And how does she figure out the amount?
Ask about availability, background, and experience; if she says she's certified
by a professional association, contact the organization to double-check.
Source : www.marthastewartweddings.com
