Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be stressful, so hiring a wedding planner can be a great way to ease the burden. Wedding planners can help you coordinate, access exclusive vendors, manage your budget, and save you money in the long run. But how do you find the right one?
First, consider your wedding vision and priorities. Do you want a traditional, religious wedding or a destination wedding? Knowing what you want will help you find a planner who specializes in your desired style. You should also think about your budget and the level of involvement you need from your planner. Do you want full-service planning, partial planning, or day-of coordination?
Next, start your search by asking friends and family for recommendations, checking with your venue for suggested vendors, and using online resources like wedding planning websites and social media. When evaluating potential planners, look for transparency in their planning process, compatibility in communication styles, and a clear understanding of your wedding vision and budget.
Finally, don't forget to read reviews, interview your top choices, and trust your gut when making your final decision. Remember, you'll be working closely with your wedding planner, so it's important to find someone you connect with and who understands your needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning style | Flexible weekend and/or weeknight schedule to accommodate meetings outside of work hours |
| Planning process | Efficient collaboration, great communication, easy-to-follow organisation, and transparency |
| Specialisation | Traditional, religious, or destination weddings |
| Fee structure | Fixed package price, hourly work, or a percentage of the final budget |
| Communication | Zoom, email, text, or phone call |
| Involvement | Full-service, partial planning, or day-of coordination |
| Compatibility | Someone you could get along with in real life |
| Source of referral | Friends, family, wedding venues, social media, magazines, websites, events, Google, Yelp, The Knot, Zola, Reddit, Thumbtack, Instagram, Facebook |
What You'll Learn
Ask your wedding venue for suggestions
Asking your wedding venue for suggestions is one of the best ways to find a wedding planner. It is one of the first things you should do after booking your venue, as it can help you start planning other aspects of your celebration.
Ask the venue's personnel if they know of or have worked with any wedding planners they loved working with. Some venues have a helpful approved vendor list they can give you, which is perfect for couples who want vendors who are familiar with the venue.
If you've already chosen your venue, ask the coordinator or director of sales if they have a shortlist of excellent wedding planners who know the venue inside out. This is a great way to find a planner who can offer suggestions and has specific ideas from working in the space before. They may even have photos of weddings they've planned at the venue, so you can start to visualise what your big day might look like.
If you're still deciding on a venue, it's worth considering a full-service wedding planner who can help with the venue search. Interview them on how they will help with this process, whether it's an add-on service, and what the timeline will look like for securing the venue and mutually agreeing on a wedding date.
Remember, it's important to find a wedding planner who you connect with and who understands your vision.
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Ask your loved ones for referrals
Asking your loved ones for referrals is a great way to find a wedding planner. Friends, family, or coworkers who have recently married can give you quality recommendations. If you attended the wedding and enjoyed the execution of the day, be sure to ask the couple for their planner's details.
It is beneficial to ask the person giving the referral if they highly recommend the planner and if they can spare some time to answer any follow-up questions. This will give you a clearer picture of the planner's suitability and whether they are worth pursuing for a consultation.
If you don't know anyone who has recently been married, you could try asking other vendors, such as photographers, for recommendations. Vendors often work together and may be able to suggest planners they have enjoyed working with in the past.
Online groups and forums, such as Facebook groups or Reddit, can also be a good source of referrals and recommendations. Many people are happy to share their experiences and offer advice to those who are planning their weddings.
While referrals are a great starting point, it is important to remember that every wedding is unique, and a planner who worked well for someone else may not be the right fit for you. Be sure to do your research, ask lots of questions, and trust your instincts when deciding whether to hire a particular wedding planner.
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Search wedding planning sites
Wedding planning sites are a great way to find a wedding planner, with many offering vendor databases and search functions to help you find the right one for you.
The Knot
The Knot is a popular wedding planning site, with a vendor database and search function. It also has a marketplace where you can find the best-rated vendors across the US. It's a great starting point for vetting vendors and narrowing down a large pool. The site also has a helpful approved vendor list for couples who want vendors who are familiar with their chosen venue.
WeddingWire
WeddingWire is another wedding planning site with a large searchable database of local wedding professionals. It also has additional tools like a wedding planner and active wedding forums with Q&As from other couples.
Carats & Cake
Carats & Cake is a wedding planning site that provides inspiration for lavish weddings of all types. It includes a searchable database of venues and vendors and lets you create a wedding website. It also provides a rundown of all the vendors used in its real weddings.
The Venue Report
If you're looking for an unusual wedding venue, The Venue Report is a great site to search. It's not exclusively a wedding venue website, but it gives you access to extraordinary destinations around the globe. You can filter results by region, price, and capacity, and contact venues directly.
WeddingHappy
WeddingHappy is a mobile wedding planner app that's easy to use and helps you stay on track with your tasks and payments. It's free and acts as your personal assistant, alerting you as you approach deadlines. You can also share your event with your fiancé, parents, or maid-of-honor so everyone has access to the same information.
Zola
Zola is another wedding planning site that offers a wide range of wedding planning services. It's a great option for creating a wedding registry, with a wide array of products and services, including cash funds for your honeymoon. You can also request specialty goods and set up a group gifting option for pricier items.
Other Wedding Planning Sites
Other wedding planning sites to check out include Mint, Riley & Grey, WedSites, Bliss & Bone, and Wix. These sites offer various features, such as wedding website building, RSVP management, budget tracking, and more.
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Look at social media
Social media is a great way to find a wedding planner. Here are some tips on how to use it:
Check out Instagram and Facebook
Instagram and Facebook are popular platforms for wedding planners to showcase their work. When searching for a wedding planner, you can browse these platforms to get a sense of their style and personality. Look for planners who post regularly and have a strong presence on these sites, as this indicates they are active and engaged in the wedding industry.
Utilize hashtags
Hashtags can be a powerful tool for finding wedding planners. Search for relevant hashtags such as "#weddingplanner" or "#weddingplanning" to discover planners in your area. You can also use hashtags to search for specific styles or themes that match your vision. For example, try "#rusticwedding" or "#destinationwedding" to find planners who specialize in those types of events.
Engage with their content
Don't be afraid to like, comment, and share their posts. This will not only help you stay up-to-date with their latest work but also show your support and interest in their services. It can also be a way to start a conversation and build a connection with the planner, which is important when choosing someone to work closely with.
Read reviews
Social media platforms often have review sections, where clients can leave feedback about their experience with the wedding planner. Reading these reviews can give you valuable insights into the planner's work ethic, communication style, and overall satisfaction of their clients. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded idea of their services.
Connect with other couples
Social media can be a great way to connect with other couples who have recently gotten married or are also in the process of planning their wedding. Join groups or follow hashtags related to weddings in your area, and don't be afraid to reach out and ask for recommendations. Many couples are happy to share their experiences and offer advice to those who are planning their own special day.
Check out their website
Most wedding planners will have a website linked in their social media bios. Clicking through to their website can give you a more comprehensive overview of their services, portfolio, and testimonials. It also shows that they are serious about their business and are invested in providing a professional service.
Remember, when using social media to find a wedding planner, it's important to trust your instincts. If something feels off or you don't feel a connection with a particular planner, keep looking until you find someone who aligns with your vision and values.
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Check magazines, websites and events
There are many magazines, websites, and events that can help you find a wedding planner.
Magazines such as Martha Stewart Weddings, MunaLuchi Brides, Bridal Guide, The Pretty Pear Bride, The Knot, World Bride Magazine, Sophisticated Weddings, Inside Weddings, and Southern Bride are all great sources of inspiration and practical tips for planning your wedding. These magazines often feature real wedding stories, pictures, and lists of reputable vendors, which can help you find a wedding planner that suits your needs and budget.
Websites like Zola, The Knot, and WeddingWire are also excellent resources for finding wedding planners and other vendors. These sites offer free wedding websites, guest list management tools, and personalized recommendations for venues and vendors based on your style and budget. You can also use social media platforms like Instagram to search for and connect with wedding planners in your area.
Additionally, attending wedding planning events, such as wedding expos or bridal fairs, can be a great way to meet and interact with potential wedding planners. These events often feature a variety of vendors, including wedding planners, photographers, caterers, and more. By attending these events, you can gather information, compare services and prices, and even book consultations with potential wedding planners.
When searching for a wedding planner, it is essential to do your research, read reviews, and connect with multiple vendors to find the one that best understands your vision and suits your personality and planning needs.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find a wedding planner through referrals from friends and family, or by searching on sites like The Knot, Zola, Thumbtack, Yelp, and Instagram. You can also try Facebook groups, bridal shows, and wedding magazines.
Ask about their planning style, process, and fees. You should also discuss your wedding vision, budget, and level of involvement expected. It's important to have a consultation call, Zoom, or in-person meeting to see if you connect with the planner and ensure your communication styles align.
It is recommended to hire a wedding planner as soon as possible, ideally at least 12 months before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to work together to create your dream wedding.
The cost of hiring a wedding planner can vary depending on factors such as the location and scope of the wedding. On average, the cost of a wedding planner is $1,900, but it can range from $2,500 to $12,000 or more.
