Planning Your Big Day: When To Hire A Wedding Planner

Planning a wedding can be a lengthy, complex, and daunting process. One of the first steps is to book a wedding planner to help you navigate the many other steps, from finding a venue to choosing a caterer. But when is the right time to book a wedding planner?

The short answer is: as early as possible. Wedding planners are in high demand and tend to get booked up quickly, especially in the post-pandemic rush. It's recommended to book a full-service wedding planner early on in the process so they can help you with other aspects of the planning. This is especially true if you're planning a tented wedding or choosing a non-traditional venue, as these usually require more planning. While some couples prefer to book the venue first, a wedding planner can help you find the perfect location for your big day.

So, if you're recently engaged and already feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to a wedding planner. They can be your co-captain and guide you through the exciting journey ahead.

Book a wedding planner before the venue

Booking a wedding planner before the venue can be a great idea, especially if you're looking for a full-service planner. Here are some reasons why:

The Planner Can Help You Find the Perfect Venue

A wedding planner can help you secure a venue that fits your needs, wants, and budget. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions, ensuring you find a venue that aligns with your vision for the big day. This is especially useful if you're planning a tented wedding or a non-traditional venue location, as these usually require more planning.

Avoid Common Mistakes with Vendors

Booking a wedding planner early on can help you avoid common mistakes when it comes to vendors. A planner can guide you in choosing vendors that suit your style and budget, potentially helping you save money in the long run. They can also advise on contracts and deposits, ensuring you don't get locked into commitments that might be difficult to change later.

Planning Support from the Start

Booking a wedding planner early means you'll have support throughout the entire planning process. Wedding planners can help with everything from selecting a venue, creating a timeline, and tracking your budget to handling logistics and coordinating with vendors. This can save you time, reduce stress, and make the planning process more enjoyable.

Access to Vendor Recommendations and Discounts

Wedding planners often have extensive networks in the wedding industry and can recommend trusted vendors who are a good fit for your vision and budget. Additionally, some vendors offer discounts for working with certain planners, as the planning process tends to be smoother and more efficient.

Help with Setting a Realistic Timeline

A wedding planner can provide guidance on the overall timeline for your wedding planning journey. They can advise on when to book other vendors, send out invitations, and handle other important tasks, ensuring you stay on track and don't leave things until the last minute.

Remember, when it comes to booking a wedding planner, it's generally better to do it sooner rather than later. This gives you more options when it comes to planners and ensures they have ample time to help you create your dream wedding.

Book early to save time and stress

Booking a wedding planner early will save you time and stress in the long run. Wedding planning is a lengthy process, and there are a lot of things to figure out. A wedding planner can help you with all of that. If you're looking to book a full-service wedding planner, bring them on board as early as possible. They can help you right from the get-go, including finding the perfect venue.

Wedding planners have a wealth of knowledge about weddings in their area and can make your visions and dreams for your wedding day come true. They can also help you choose vendors that suit your style and budget, and even get you discounts.

The average couple is engaged for 15 months before getting married, but you can plan a wedding in a shorter timeframe. However, an extended planning timeline means you'll have a greater selection of vendors available to you.

If you're planning a tented wedding or a wedding in a non-traditional venue, it's a good idea to book your wedding planner up to 2 years in advance, as these weddings usually take a bit more planning. Booking 12 to 18 months in advance can be possible, but it's a bit more risky.

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of planning your wedding, don't hesitate to book a wedding planner early on. It will save you time and stress in the long run, and you'll be able to enjoy your engagement and the lead-up to your special day.

Wedding planners can help find the right venue

Wedding planners can help you find the right venue for your special day. They are familiar with the capabilities of different spaces and can help you secure a venue that fits your needs and wants. If you already have a venue in mind, a wedding planner can help you negotiate contracts and suggest ways to make the space unique to your wedding.

For instance, if you are planning a modern wedding, a wedding planner might suggest an art gallery, well-designed restaurant, or warehouse space. On the other hand, if you want to incorporate more natural elements, they may propose an outdoor venue such as a park, backyard, or ranch. Wedding planners can also help you consider practical aspects, such as the number of guests you're inviting and your budget, to ensure that the venue is the right size and price for your needs.

Additionally, wedding planners can provide valuable insights into the capabilities and limitations of a space. They can tell you whether a venue will be able to accommodate your desired layout, and if there are any creative ways to make the space unique to your wedding. They may also have insider knowledge about venues that could take advantage of you, saving you from a potentially negative experience.

If you are planning a destination wedding or getting married during the prime wedding season, it is especially important to book your venue early. A wedding planner can help you navigate the challenges of booking during these competitive times. They can also assist in finding other vendors, such as photographers and caterers, that suit your style and budget.

Overall, a wedding planner can be a valuable asset in finding the right venue and ensuring that your wedding planning process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Wedding planners can help choose vendors

A wedding planner can help you find the right photographer that fits perfectly with the style and vision for your wedding. They can also help you find a videographer to capture picture, movement and sound to create a film of your wedding day.

If you're looking for a band or a DJ, a wedding planner can help you find the right music professional for your ceremony and reception. They can also help you find a florist to bring your theme and colour scheme to life.

A wedding planner can also help you find a cake baker to create a dessert that's almost too pretty to eat. They can also recommend a caterer to ensure there's plenty of food and drink for your guests.

Book a full-service wedding planner early

Booking a full-service wedding planner early is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and stress-free wedding planning process. Here are some reasons why it's beneficial to book a full-service wedding planner as early as possible:

Guidance from the Very Beginning

The wedding planner can help you right from the start, including finding the perfect venue. By booking them early, you can utilise their expertise and guidance throughout the entire planning process. This is especially beneficial if you are planning a tented wedding or a wedding in a non-traditional venue, as these usually require more planning time.

Save Time and Avoid Mistakes

Booking a wedding planner early can save you a significant amount of time and stress. They can help you avoid common mistakes, such as booking the wrong vendors or putting down deposits before consulting with the planner. Wedding planners have extensive knowledge about vendors and can help you choose those that suit your style, budget, and vision, potentially saving you money in the long run.

Venue and Date Selection

The venue and date selection go hand in hand, and a wedding planner can be instrumental in this process. They can help you secure your dream venue and dictate your wedding date and timeline. This is crucial, as the venue and date are among the most important aspects of your wedding.

Vendor Recommendations and Discounts

Full-service wedding planners have established relationships with vendors and can recommend those that align with your vision and budget. Additionally, some vendors offer discounts for working with certain planners, as the planning process tends to be smoother and more efficient. This can help you save money while still achieving your dream wedding.

Peace of Mind

Booking a full-service wedding planner early gives you peace of mind and allows you to enjoy your engagement without the overwhelming stress of planning every detail yourself. Wedding planners are experienced in handling the intricacies of wedding planning and can make the process enjoyable and exciting, rather than daunting and stressful.

In summary, booking a full-service wedding planner early is a wise decision that can save you time, money, and stress. Their expertise, guidance, and vendor connections are invaluable assets that will help bring your dream wedding to life. So, if you're wondering when to book a wedding planner, the answer is simple: the earlier, the better!

Frequently asked questions