21/01/2024
I could come up with a list of at least 20 reasons why you should consider using a wedding planner, but to keep it simple, Iâve narrowed it down to the top 5 benefits and why they are so crucial.
1. Saving you money.
Surprised? Hiring a wedding planner can actually save you money. We can easily negotiate deals with venues and wedding suppliers where you may not be able to. Venues and suppliers can inflate their prices when you call for a wedding related quote. With wedding planners, we negotiate deals with companies in hope that weâll work together again and pass on any future business. For us itâs mutually beneficial to arrange discounts and get special rates, which in turn then get passed onto you.
2. Saving you time.
If you have a 9-5 job and want to continue having a social life during your wedding planning then youâre going to have to be some kind of super hero to ensure you manage things effectively. Most wedding suppliers will want to meet you after work, in the evenings and at weekends to discuss things. If you think that the average couple is engaged for approximately 12 months, thatâs only 48 weekends, most of which youâll have to give up for wedding admin or âwedminâ. Missing out on a friendâs birthday party or a family gathering might become a regular thing and letâs not even get started on all the emails youâll be receiving during work from suppliers wanting payment or wanting to ask questions. If you have a PA youâre laughing, if not, then you may want to consider a wedding planner becoming your personal secretary!
3. Experience & Knowledge.
Letâs face it, when was the last time you planned an event for over 100 people? I donât just mean throwing a party and opening some wine, I mean really planned an event and monitored it from start to finish. Probably never. As a wedding planner Iâve arranged events ranging from 20 people to 300. From the legalities of your wedding licences and documents to seating plans, keeping track of budgets, taking care of supplier payments and contracts and being there on the day to ensure everything and everyone is where they should be. Itâs our job, itâs what we do every day and itâs second nature to us.
4. Keeping you calm & focused.
Wedding planning can and probably will take over your life. Itâs exciting, everyone wants to get involved and thereâs a LOT to do. Most people think they can manage things themselves until theyâre in too deep. A lot of my clients come to me half way through their planning when they realise they've taken on more than they can manage and are in complete panic mode. The run up to your wedding should be a fun and exciting time. Sometimes planning can get a bit overwhelming, especially as you get closer to your big day. Do you really want to be worrying about the florist finding your venue on the day or whether the DJ will have the correct cables and connections for the venueâs sound system? Believe me, 9 times out of 10 if you donât have a wedding planner, your suppliers will try and contact you on your actual wedding day with questions and minor hiccups. Annoying but true. Itâs the last thing you want!
5. Peace of mind.
Your wedding planner can be your personal secretary, your best friend, your confidant and your walking diary right up until and including your wedding day. We can respond to emails when you donât have time, take phone calls that you donât want to deal with and provide you with endless amounts of ideas, inspirations and suggestions. We can attend venue viewings, menu tastings and supplier meetings either with or without you, and we can also be present on the day should you need extra tissues, extra wine or help with an unruly guest or difficult supplier. Itâs your wedding your way, but itâs our job, itâs all in a dayâs work and we love doing it.
This post was written by Veronica Ballard, who specialises in bespoke wedding planning and event styling, both in the UK and abroad.
