Wedding Planners: To Speak Or Not To Speak?

Wedding planners are professionals who help orchestrate weddings, either in their entirety or by overseeing specific aspects. They can be involved from start to finish or be hired just for the day to coordinate the event. Wedding planners can be particularly useful for destination weddings, same-sex weddings, or weddings with a tight timeline.

While some brides may opt to leave design details to a wedding designer, some wedding planners also provide design services, helping with the creative specifics of the day and earning them the title of a full-service planner. These planners can help with everything from vendor referrals and contract negotiations to floor plans and seating charts.

However, wedding planners do not typically give speeches at weddings. That honour is usually reserved for the couple, the best man, the maid of honour, or close family members.

Wedding planners can help with speech preparation, but they don't usually make the speech themselves

Wedding planners can be a great help when it comes to preparing for your big day. They can take care of everything from finding and hiring vendors to overseeing the setup and managing any last-minute hiccups. But what about the wedding speeches? Do wedding planners make the speech themselves?

Well, it depends. While wedding planners can certainly help with speech preparation, they don't usually deliver the speech on behalf of the couple or other speakers. Here's a more detailed look at the role of wedding planners in speech preparation:

Speech Preparation Assistance

Wedding planners can provide valuable guidance and support when it comes to preparing for the wedding speeches. They can help you decide on the speech lineup, encouraging a modern and diverse range of speakers beyond the traditional father, groom, and best man trio. Planners can suggest including women speakers, such as the bride, her sister, or another female family member, adding a unique and contemporary twist to the celebrations. They may also recommend involving children or elderly relatives for a touch of cuteness and cynicism.

Additionally, wedding planners can assist in navigating speech politics. They can help the couple determine their dream lineup and consider any potential hurt feelings. Planners may suggest including certain individuals in other ways, such as through readings or short speeches, ensuring that everyone feels included.

For the groom, who typically has the most speech duties, wedding planners can offer valuable advice. They can guide grooms through the process, ensuring they don't resort to dodgy templates or cliché-filled speeches. Planners can provide tips on how to make the speech heartfelt and original, as well as advice on effective delivery.

Beyond Speech Preparation

Wedding planners can also help enhance the overall speech experience for both the speakers and the guests. They may suggest involving the guests by asking for their marriage advice when sending out invitations, providing unique and humorous content for the speeches. Planners can also help with scheduling the speeches throughout the day, avoiding the dreaded 'speech clump' and keeping the energy flowing.

Additionally, wedding planners can ensure the speeches are properly staged by providing microphones and testing the equipment in advance. They can also assist in keeping children occupied during the speeches, minimizing distractions and ensuring the speakers can be heard clearly.

When Wedding Planners May Step In

While it is uncommon for wedding planners to deliver the speech themselves, there may be rare occasions when they step in. For example, if a speaker is unable to attend the wedding due to unforeseen circumstances, the wedding planner might help fill the gap by sharing a few words or coordinating with other speakers to adjust the lineup. However, this would be an exceptional case rather than the norm.

In conclusion, while wedding planners are skilled at organizing and overseeing weddings, their role in speech preparation is typically limited to guidance, support, and ensuring the smooth execution of the speeches. They act as facilitators, helping the couple and speakers feel confident and prepared, but the content and delivery of the speech are usually left to the designated speakers.

Wedding planners can help with the design and aesthetic of the wedding

Wedding planners can be a great help when it comes to the design and aesthetic of your wedding. While some planners also provide design services, you may need to hire a separate wedding designer to create the day you've dreamed of. A wedding designer is purely focused on the aesthetic of your wedding and doesn't get involved in contract negotiations or attending appointments with the couple.

A wedding designer will help you with the overall vision and atmosphere of your wedding. They will help you with the colour scheme and décor choices, and guide you through the creative specifics of your wedding day. They will also create a detailed floor plan and ensure that all the décor elements are in place on the day.

Wedding planners, on the other hand, are more focused on the logistics of your wedding. They can provide vendor referrals and negotiate contracts, as well as handle payments and deposits. They will also create timelines and floor plans, and oversee everything on the wedding day to ensure your vision is executed.

If you want to create a cohesive and stylish event, a wedding designer can help you transform your space. They have an artistic eye and can conceptualize the whole event, from lighting design to furniture and linens.

So, if you're looking for help with the design and aesthetic of your wedding, consider hiring a wedding designer or a full-service wedding planner who provides design services. This will ensure that your wedding vision comes to life and that your special day is stylish and cohesive.

Wedding planners can be hired for the whole process or just for the day

Full-service planners are involved in the wedding ceremony and celebrations from start to finish. They are often employed many months in advance and are responsible for finding and hiring vendors and venues, handling invitations, sketching out a floor plan and schedule, and directing everything and everyone on the wedding day itself. They can also provide design or styling services, helping with the creative specifics of the day and earning them the title of a full-service planner.

The average sum spent on a full-service planner in 2022 was $3,239, with rates ranging from $4,500 to $12,000.

Day-of planners, also known as coordinators, are involved much closer to the main event—usually about a month before. They become the point of contact for the vendors, confirm logistics, arrange timetables, help with seating plans and other last-minute tasks and details, and are on-site to coordinate on the wedding day.

The average cost of a day-of planner in 2020 was $825, with rates ranging from $1,250 to $3,395.

The average cost of a wedding planner in general is $2,300, which is about 8% of the total price tag of a wedding.

Wedding planners can help with the logistics and execution of the wedding

Budget Management:

Wedding planners can help couples determine and manage their wedding budget. They provide guidance on allocating funds effectively and efficiently, ensuring that the couple stays within their financial means. This includes tracking deposits and payments to vendors and providing suggestions for cost-saving measures.

Vendor Management:

Planners have extensive knowledge of vendors in the wedding industry, including florists, caterers, photographers, and entertainment options. They can provide referrals and negotiate contracts on behalf of the couple, ensuring they receive the best services within their budget. Planners also attend vendor meetings, tastings, and site tours, advocating for the couple's interests and ensuring their vision is achieved.

Timeline and Schedule Creation:

Creating a detailed timeline and schedule for the wedding day and the events leading up to it is a critical task that wedding planners handle. They ensure that everything runs smoothly and on time, from the rehearsal to the ceremony and reception. Planners create a schedule for vendor deliveries, setup, and breakdown, as well as coordinate the order of events during the wedding, such as speeches, cake cutting, and first dance.

Design and Aesthetics:

While some couples opt for separate wedding designers, many wedding planners also offer design services. They guide couples through their color schemes, décor choices, lighting, and overall aesthetic of the event. Planners with design expertise will create a cohesive and stylish look for the wedding, transforming the chosen venue into the couple's dream space.

On-Site Execution:

On the wedding day itself, wedding planners are the point of contact for vendors, ensuring they arrive on time and set up according to the plan. They handle any last-minute changes or issues that may arise, allowing the couple and their families to relax and enjoy the day. Planners oversee the execution of the timeline, manage the flow of events, and ensure the couple's vision is brought to life.

Additional Services:

Wedding planners can also assist with other aspects, such as creating hotel room blocks and transportation arrangements for guests, managing the rehearsal, and handling RSVPs and seating charts. They can provide creative input on style and theme ideas, as well as offer advice on wedding traditions and etiquette.

By offering these services, wedding planners play a crucial role in ensuring that the couple's wedding day runs smoothly and that their vision is achieved, allowing them to focus on enjoying their special day.

Wedding planners can be hired for destination weddings

Expertise and Connections:

Destination wedding planners have expertise and connections in the region you've chosen for your wedding. They are familiar with local customs, language nuances, and the unique characteristics of the area. This knowledge ensures they can navigate any cultural differences and provide valuable insights to make your planning smoother.

Logistics and Coordination:

Planning a destination wedding involves more coordination than a local celebration. A wedding planner can help manage the logistics, including finding vendors, creating a realistic budget, and handling time zone differences. They will also assist in planning multiple events and facilitating guest travel arrangements, such as booking accommodations and transportation.

Venue and Vendor Selection:

Destination wedding planners can provide personalized venue recommendations based on your specific requirements, such as guest count, budget, and vision. They have connections with coveted boutique resorts and vendors worldwide, ensuring you find the best options for your special day.

Design and Styling:

Wedding planners can offer event design services, helping you create a cohesive look and feel for your celebration. They will work with you to bring your vision to life, from styling details to creating custom mood boards and sketches.

Peace of Mind:

Hiring a destination wedding planner gives you peace of mind and allows you to fully enjoy your engagement and the lead-up to your wedding. They handle the stress of planning, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a celebration that exceeds your dreams.

Budget Management:

Destination wedding planners can help you create a realistic budget and offer suggestions on where to splurge and where to cut back. They can also negotiate with vendors on your behalf to get the best deals and maximize your budget.

Hiring a wedding planner for your destination wedding can be a valuable investment, ensuring that your special day is well-organized and stress-free, no matter the location. They will take care of the logistics so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories.

Frequently asked questions