How A Wedding Planner Made Our Day

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and time-consuming process. Wedding planners can help ease the burden by taking on a variety of tasks, from negotiating contracts to designing the space and creating seating charts. They can also provide valuable expertise and insider knowledge, saving couples time and money. However, hiring a wedding planner may not be necessary or worth the cost for everyone. Some couples may prefer to handle the planning themselves, especially if they have a tight budget or enjoy the DIY aspect. Ultimately, the decision to hire a wedding planner depends on individual needs and preferences.

Full-service planners

Full-service wedding planners are involved in the wedding ceremony and celebrations from start to finish. They are usually hired many months in advance and are focused on delivering and exceeding the couple's expectations.

Full-service wedding planning packages include assistance with:

• Wedding planning timeline preparation and checklist creation
• Budget development and tracking
• Venue scouting
• Vendor recommendations, negotiations, and bookings
• Design scheme creation and execution
• Managing save-the-dates, wedding invitations, and printed materials
• Tracking RSVPs
• Wedding favours and accessories
• Coordinating accommodations, transportation, and childcare
• Providing welcome bags
• Etiquette information
• General advice and consultation
• Unlimited meetings and coordination time
• Attendance at vendor meetings
• Confirming details with vendors prior to the wedding
• Facilitating the ceremony rehearsal
• Unlimited time on-site with the coordinator and assistants
• Directing the ceremony processional
• Coordinating and assisting with the setup of the ceremony and reception
• Setup of wedding accessories
• Coordinating the pinning of boutonnieres and ensuring VIPs receive flowers
• Acting as the point of contact for all vendors
• Assisting the family, wedding party, and guests as needed
• Distributing final payments and gratuities to vendors
• Providing a stocked emergency kit
• Dealing with unforeseen issues
• Coordinating load-out

Full-service wedding planners also help with additional celebrations, such as bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and honeymoons. They work with a team of experts in areas like food and beverage, service, decor, and transportation.

One of the most important roles of a full-service wedding planner is managing the financial investment. They help develop the budget, manage the payment schedule, and protect the couple's investment. They also negotiate contracts, review the fine print, and ensure their clients are legally protected.

Full-service wedding planners also provide expert advice, ensuring that all the details, from table settings to music and stationery, come together to create a cohesive look and a memorable experience for the couple, their family, and their guests.

Partial-service planners

Partial-service wedding planners, also known as "month-of" planners, are an ideal option for couples who have already completed most of their wedding planning and only require assistance in the month leading up to their wedding day. This service typically begins four to six weeks before the wedding and includes tasks such as confirming logistics, arranging timetables, and handling last-minute details.

One of the key roles of a partial-service planner is to act as the point of contact for all vendors and to confirm final details with them. They will also create a detailed wedding day timeline, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Other tasks may include facilitating the ceremony rehearsal, coordinating the setup of the ceremony and reception, and assisting the wedding party and guests as needed.

Pricing for partial-service planners can vary, with some charging an average of $1,055, while others may charge anywhere from $1,250 to $6,000, depending on the specific services provided and the planner's experience.

Day-of coordinators

Responsibilities and Benefits

Cost

The cost of hiring a day-of coordinator can vary. In 2020, the average cost was $825, but rates can range from $1,250 to $3,395 for more experienced professionals.

Finding the Right Coordinator

When choosing a day-of coordinator, it's important to select someone who aligns with your values and understands your vision for the wedding. They should be experienced, organised, and able to offer creative solutions to any problems that may arise. It's also beneficial to choose a coordinator with extensive knowledge of your wedding location, as they are more likely to have established relationships with local vendors.

Packages

Testimonials

When deciding on a day-of coordinator, it's always a good idea to read testimonials and reviews from previous clients. Many couples have shared their positive experiences, highlighting the stress relief, attention to detail, and overall support provided by their coordinators.

In conclusion, hiring a day-of coordinator can transform your wedding planning experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day while they handle the logistics and troubleshooting. With their expertise and dedication, you can rest assured that your wedding will be an unforgettable and elegant celebration.

Wedding designer

A wedding designer, or "design and decor" consultant, is a wedding planning professional who focuses on the aesthetic aspects of the wedding, such as the colour scheme, decor, style, lighting, and floor plan. They engage and interact with vendors, overseeing the setup and breakdown, but do not get involved with the non-aesthetic aspects of the wedding or the overall schedule.

The average cost of a wedding planner in the US is $2,300, but this can vary depending on the planner's level of experience and the services provided.

Month-of coordinators

Month-of wedding coordinators are a great option for couples who are extremely hands-on and don't want or need outside input. They are also a good choice for couples who have a modest budget, as they cost more than day-of coordination but less than full-service packages.

• Pre-wedding consultations
• Seating chart assistance
• A wedding-day timeline
• Vendor communication
• Vendor contract assistance
• Rehearsal management
• Help with any last-minute issues

A month-of coordinator can be especially useful if your venue is relatively bare-bones and doesn't offer many services. They can help you source items and vendors that you may not know you need, such as lighting, tableware, restrooms, and cleaning crews.

If you have a flexible schedule and can make appointments, then you may not need a coordinator in the early stages of your wedding planning process. However, if you have a busy schedule and don't have much time to commit to planning, you may want to hire a more full-service wedding planner.

Keep in mind that a month-of coordinator will not be involved in the creative aspects of your wedding, such as designing a mood board or arranging rentals. They are more focused on coordination and logistics.

The cost of a month-of coordinator typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500, but it can vary depending on the specific services provided and the experience of the coordinator.

Frequently asked questions