The Wedding Planner: What Brides Want

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and hiring a wedding planner can feel like a job in itself. But with the right person by your side, you can create your dream wedding with less stress and maybe even save some money. So, what do brides look for in a wedding planner?

First and foremost, brides want someone who understands their vision and can execute it within their budget. This means finding a planner whose strengths lie in areas where the bride may have weaknesses, such as organisation and scheduling. It's also important that the planner has experience planning weddings with a similar aesthetic to the one desired by the bride.

Brides also want a wedding planner who is easy to communicate with and responsive to their needs and desires. Clear and honest communication is key to ensuring the planner understands the bride's vision and can bring it to life.

Additionally, brides may look for a planner who can offer exclusive access to vendors and help manage the logistics and vendor contracts. A good planner will also be able to handle any issues that arise with vendors and keep the planning process running smoothly.

Finally, it's important that the bride and planner have a good connection and that the planner is someone the bride feels comfortable with and can trust. This person will play a key role in one of the most important days of the bride's life, so it's crucial to find someone who is knowledgeable, experienced, and truly understands what the bride wants.

Budgeting and saving tips

Budgeting and saving are crucial aspects of wedding planning, and here are some tips to help you make the most of your resources:

• Determine your budget and stick to it: Discuss with family members who are contributing and be realistic about your finances. This budget will guide many of your decisions, so it's important to set it early and track your spending.
• Prioritize your wishes: Identify the three most important aspects of your wedding, such as the venue, date, photographer, or band, and allocate your funds accordingly. Be willing to compromise on less important elements.
• Reduce the guest list: The cost of food and drinks per guest can quickly add up, so trimming your guest list is an effective way to cut costs.
• Choose an off-peak date and time: Opting for a weekday wedding, particularly during the morning or winter, can be more affordable than a weekend event.
• Select a dual-purpose venue: Choosing a venue that can accommodate both the ceremony and reception will save you money on transportation and decorations.
• Shop around for vendors: Research and compare multiple vendors before making a decision. This includes photographers, caterers, florists, and entertainment.
• DIY and borrow: Consider doing some things yourself or enlisting the help of talented friends and family. You can also borrow items like decor or jewellery to reduce costs.
• Choose alternative options: Opt for a local restaurant instead of a traditional caterer, buy wholesale flowers and arrange them yourself, or skip the open bar and offer signature cocktails or wine and beer only.
• Repurpose and reuse: Repurpose your flowers by donating them to charities or hospitals after the wedding. You can also reuse wedding decor and choose items that can be resold or repurposed after the event.
• Plan ahead: A longer engagement gives you more time to save money and collect items you need along the way. It also increases your chances of booking your preferred vendors.
• Be mindful of hidden costs: Unexpected costs, such as ribbons for favours, postage for invitations, or tips for vendors, can add up. Build some wiggle room into your budget to account for these extras.
• Ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask family and friends for financial assistance or to contribute their talents to your special day.

Venue selection

• Ask the couple about their preferred wedding date and guest count, as these factors will impact venue availability and options.
• Understand the couple's vision and theme for the wedding. Do they want an "on-site" wedding at a hotel or restaurant, or an "off-site" wedding at a park or beach?
• Research and visit potential venues, considering factors such as guest count, style, and budget.
• Encourage the couple to trust their gut when selecting a venue. How the venue makes them feel is just as important as its practical features.
• Communicate honestly and clearly with the couple about their venue options, being mindful of their priorities and budget.
• Be mindful of the couple's budget and help them navigate any financial decisions related to the venue.
• If the couple has already selected a venue, wedding planners can offer to review contracts and provide insights on restrictions, packages, and pricing.
• Help the couple consider the pros and cons of each venue option and guide them in making a decision that aligns with their vision and priorities.
• If the couple is undecided, suggest creating a vision board or mood board to help clarify their aesthetic preferences and identify venues that match their style.
• Offer to accompany the couple on venue visits and provide objective feedback on the suitability of each location.
• Be transparent about any potential challenges or issues with the venue, such as weather conditions or accessibility, and propose solutions or alternative options.

Vendor selection

A wedding planner should be able to help you select the right vendors for your special day. They should be able to provide you with a list of approved or recommended vendors, and guide you in making decisions that are in line with your vision and budget.

When selecting a wedding planner, it is important to ask the right questions to ensure they are a good fit for you. Ask about their communication style, their problem-solving skills, and their experience in the industry. Inquire about their certifications, education, and whether they are a member of any wedding associations. It is also crucial to discuss their planning process, including how many meetings and phone calls are included, and whether they will be present on the day of the wedding.

A good wedding planner will work closely with you to understand your needs and ensure your vendor team is perfectly curated. They should be able to provide valuable insights and guidance on selecting vendors such as caterers, photographers, bands or DJs, florists, and transportation services.

Additionally, your wedding planner should assist you in reviewing vendor contracts and managing payments. They should also be able to handle any issues that may arise with vendors before, during, or after the wedding.

When selecting vendors, your wedding planner should consider your budget, the number of guests, and your preferred wedding date. They should also take into account your wedding vision, including the theme, style, and any specific requirements you may have.

By asking the right questions and having open communication, you can ensure that your wedding planner helps you select the best vendors to create your dream wedding.

Wedding planner's communication style

Communication is key to a successful wedding planner and client relationship. Brides and grooms-to-be should look for a wedding planner who is an excellent communicator, who listens to their needs and has a compatible working style.

Wedding planners should be responsive and adaptable, and it is important that they are clear about their working hours, availability, and preferred methods of communication. This ensures that the couple knows what to expect and can trust that their planner will be there to support them.

For example, some wedding planners may prefer to keep work and personal life separate and choose not to text their clients. Instead, they may prefer to keep in touch via email or another platform. This should be communicated early on to avoid any confusion or conflict.

A good wedding planner will also be a great listener, ensuring that they understand their client's vision and can convey their needs to vendors and other parties involved. They should be able to provide valuable insights and suggestions while also being open to the couple's ideas and feedback.

Additionally, it is beneficial to find a wedding planner who is organised and can help the couple stay on track. This includes creating and sharing timelines, schedules, and checklists to ensure that everything is completed on time and that the couple can enjoy a stress-free planning process.

Finally, a wedding planner should be transparent about their fees, services, and any limitations. They should provide a clear contract and be willing to answer any questions the couple may have. This ensures that the couple knows exactly what to expect and can trust that their planner is looking out for their best interests.

Wedding planner's experience and credentials

Wedding Planners: Experience and Credentials

When it comes to wedding planners, their experience and credentials are key factors in ensuring a couple's big day is a success. Here are some insights into what brides should look for in a wedding planner's experience and qualifications:

Industry Experience:

• Couples should seek out wedding planners with extensive industry experience. This includes planners who have planned numerous weddings, ideally ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. Such experience ensures they can handle any challenges that may arise.
• It is beneficial to choose a wedding planner who is familiar with the couple's chosen venue. This prior knowledge can enhance the planning process and ensure a smooth execution.
• Planners who have worked with a variety of vendors, from caterers to florists, are advantageous. Their established relationships can provide access to trusted professionals, ensuring a seamless flow on the wedding day.
• Wedding planners should also be well-versed in managing budgets and vendor contracts. This skill set will help couples stay within their financial limits and avoid unexpected costs.

Creative and Design Expertise:

• A wedding planner should possess a creative flair and an eye for design. They should be able to bring the couple's vision to life, enhancing the chosen theme and creating a memorable experience.
• Planners who offer design services can guide the couple in selecting colour palettes, creating mood boards, and curating a cohesive aesthetic for the wedding.
• Some planners specialise in specific styles, such as rustic, elegant, or destination weddings. Choosing a planner whose aesthetic aligns with the couple's desired theme ensures a beautiful and cohesive event.

Organisation and Logistics:

• Wedding planners must be highly organised and adept at logistics. They should be able to create comprehensive timelines, floor plans, and schedules to ensure the day unfolds smoothly.
• Attention to detail is crucial. Planners should meticulously handle the myriad tasks, from managing vendor deliveries to ensuring the wedding party is where they need to be at the right time.
• Clear and timely communication is essential. Couples should look for planners who respond promptly and effectively to emails and phone calls, keeping everyone involved well-informed.

Problem-Solving Skills:

• Wedding planners need to be adept problem solvers, able to handle last-minute changes or unexpected challenges calmly and efficiently.
• Their problem-solving abilities should extend beyond the planning stages and into the wedding day itself, ensuring any issues are swiftly addressed without disrupting the couple's enjoyment.
• It is beneficial to inquire about their problem-solving approach and request examples of how they have handled challenging situations in the past.

Certifications and Associations:

• While not mandatory, certifications and memberships in reputable wedding planning associations indicate a wedding planner's commitment to their craft.
• Couples can inquire about the planner's educational background, certifications, and ongoing professional development. This demonstrates their dedication to staying current with industry trends and best practices.

When selecting a wedding planner, brides should look for a combination of experience, creativity, organisational skills, and a strong industry network. This ensures a smooth planning process and an unforgettable wedding day.

Frequently asked questions