A Wedding Planner: Support, Not Superheroics

Wedding planners are lifesavers when it comes to organising your big day. They can help you save money, time, energy and stress. However, it's important to note that wedding planners are not miracle workers and there are some things they don't do. For example, they won't be able to read your mind and know exactly what you want without clear communication. They also won't be able to please everyone involved in the wedding planning process, as it's impossible to make everyone happy. Additionally, they won't be able to completely eliminate stress from the wedding planning process, but they can certainly help to minimise it.

Wedding planners do not usually handle design details, which are left to wedding designers

Wedding planners are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from budgeting and scheduling to coordinating with vendors and managing logistics on the big day. However, design details are typically left to wedding designers.

Wedding designers are specialists who focus on the aesthetic aspects of the wedding, such as the colour scheme, decor, style, lighting, and floor plan. They are similar to art directors on a movie set, curating every visual element to create a cohesive and memorable event. Wedding designers may also offer wedding planning services, but their primary role is to transform the couple's vision into a reality by overseeing the overall design concept and working closely with other vendors to execute it.

Wedding designers possess a unique set of skills, including an eye for design, fashion sense, and exquisite taste. They collaborate with a team of artists, fashion designers, florists, caterers, and other professionals to bring the couple's dreams to life. From selecting the right flowers to designing the wedding gown and bridesmaids' dresses, wedding designers pay attention to the smallest details. They may also provide props such as trees, foliage, statues, sculptures, and water fountains to create a magical atmosphere.

In addition to the visual elements, wedding designers play a crucial role in setting the mood and ambiance of the wedding. They create elegant entryways and ceiling treatments, design unique head tables and backdrops, and arrange meals, music, and decorations at the reception. Their expertise lies in their ability to combine the couple's wishes with their creative vision to craft a wedding that is not only visually stunning but also emotionally impactful.

While wedding planners may offer some design input, they typically do not handle the intricate design details that fall under the purview of a dedicated wedding designer. Wedding planners focus more on the logistical and organisational aspects, ensuring that the event runs smoothly and stays within the specified budget. They act as the couple's representative, connecting them with the right vendors, reviewing contracts, and managing the timeline and budget.

Wedding planners do not create the wedding's design concept or provide colour palette guidance

Wedding planners do not create the wedding design concept or provide colour palette guidance. While they can help you find and hire vendors, handle invitations, sketch out a floor plan and schedule, and direct everything and everyone on the wedding day, they are not responsible for the creative aspects of the event.

The design concept and colour palette are essential elements of your wedding day, helping to set the tone and style of the celebration. As such, these are decisions that should be made by the couple, as they are deeply personal choices. Wedding planners are there to execute your vision and bring it to life, not to create the vision for you.

The design concept will guide the overall aesthetic of the wedding, including the colour palette, decor, lighting, and floor plan. It is important to have a solid design concept before choosing your colours, as this will ensure a cohesive and natural palette. Play around with different combinations and consider how they make you feel and whether they align with your wedding style.

The colour palette you choose will depend on the season, your personal style, and the overall vision for your wedding. For example, soft, blush shades create a romantic atmosphere, while strong jewel tones are perfect for a bold and vibrant celebration. Consider the colours that exist within your venue, and select a palette that complements them to create a harmonious setting.

While wedding planners are experts in logistics and execution, they are not typically involved in the creative process. Their role is to bring your ideas to life and ensure your wedding day runs smoothly, not to create the design concept or choose the colour palette.

Wedding planners do not oversee the décor budget and vendors

A wedding planner is a professional who helps couples plan their wedding day and ensures that the event runs smoothly. However, their role does not include overseeing the décor budget and vendors. Here are some paragraphs explaining this in more detail:

Wedding Planners Do Not Manage the Décor Budget

Wedding planners are often involved in developing a realistic wedding budget for their clients, but this does not include managing the décor budget specifically. The décor budget covers items such as flowers, bouquets, centrepieces, and other decorative elements. While a wedding planner may provide guidance and suggestions, it is ultimately the couple's responsibility to manage their décor budget.

Wedding Planners Do Not Select Décor Vendors

Although wedding planners typically connect couples with top vendors within their price range, this usually pertains to essential services such as catering, photography, and entertainment. When it comes to décor vendors, the couple is responsible for selecting and hiring these professionals. This includes florists, rental companies for décor items, and any other specialists involved in creating the desired aesthetic for the wedding.

Wedding Planners Do Not Oversee Décor Setup and Breakdown

While wedding planners coordinate with vendors and manage the overall logistics of the wedding day, they do not typically oversee the setup and breakdown of décor. This task falls to the décor vendors themselves or a separate wedding designer if one has been hired. The wedding planner's role is to ensure that the vendors have the information and access they need to perform their duties, but they do not manage the specific details of décor setup and breakdown.

Wedding Planners Do Not Handle Last-Minute Décor Changes or Emergencies

Despite their expertise in handling wedding-day emergencies, wedding planners are not responsible for addressing last-minute changes or issues specifically related to décor. If a couple encounters a problem with their chosen décor or needs to make unexpected changes, it is their responsibility to communicate these adjustments to the relevant vendors. The wedding planner can provide support and guidance, but the couple takes the lead in managing these décor-related concerns.

Wedding planners do not source special props and equipment

Wedding planners help couples to develop a realistic wedding budget, select a venue, and connect them with vendors such as caterers, florists, photographers, bands, and DJs. They also handle invitation details, seating charts, and timelines for the wedding weekend. Additionally, they act as a point of contact for vendors and as a spokesperson for the couple, fielding requests and answering questions.

While wedding planners are involved in many aspects of planning and coordinating a wedding, they typically do not create or source special props and equipment. This task is usually handled by the couple or a separate wedding designer or stylist who focuses on the aesthetic aspects of the wedding, such as the colour scheme, decor, style, lighting, and floor plan.

In some cases, a wedding planner may offer additional services or packages that include assistance with wedding props and equipment. However, this is not a standard service provided by all wedding planners. It is important for couples to carefully review the contract and package details offered by their wedding planner to understand the specific duties and services included.

Wedding planners do not handle every last-minute decision on the day of the wedding

Wedding planners are there to make your life easier and ensure your big day goes off without a hitch. However, it's important to remember that they don't handle every last-minute decision on the day of the wedding.

A wedding planner's role is to coordinate and manage the various elements of your wedding, from finding and hiring vendors to creating a timeline for the day. They will be the point of contact for your vendors and will handle any issues that may arise.

However, there are some decisions and tasks that you, as the couple, will need to take care of. For example, it's essential to confirm that all your vendors have the necessary information, such as exact directions and a contact person's phone number. It's also a good idea to prepare final payments for your vendors and create tip envelopes for anyone you plan on tipping, such as the banquet captain or wait staff.

Additionally, there may be personal items you want to bring on the day, such as your marriage license, wedding rings, a change of clothes, and an emergency kit. While your wedding planner will handle many of the logistics, it's still important for you to stay organised and ensure that nothing is forgotten.

So, while your wedding planner will take care of most things, there will likely be some last-minute decisions and tasks that you'll need to handle yourself to ensure your special day goes smoothly.

Frequently asked questions