Ahh getting engaged, what a wonderfully magical time. Celebrating with friends and family, showing off your ring on social media and re-telling the proposal story again and again. Then the realisation that you actually have to plan and pull off an entire wedding! No thanks. Why not hire a wedding planner to do that for you? They can answer all of your questions, get the best deals and work within your budget. It’s a win-win.
How to find a wedding planner? Well, first you need to establish exactly what you want, how many people you are inviting and what’s the budget? Then you can start researching and interviewing possible candidates.
In this article, we will look at the dos and don’ts of finding the perfect wedding planner.
What is a Wedding Planner?
Wedding planners are there to take the stress and pressure of planning out of your hands. Instead of spending hours doing your own research, a wedding planner does it all for you and will present you with options. They can cover everything from venues to floral arrangements. A great wedding planner will have fantastic insight into the industry. They usually have certain deals with vendors and access to things you may not. While it may seem like a luxury to hire a professional wedding planner, it can actually save you money (and time).
Why Should I Hire a Wedding Planner?
A wedding planner can make your dreams a reality while saving you time and stress. If you and your fiancé lead busy lives you may spend every spare second planning your special day. With a wedding planner, you can enjoy the process instead of becoming overwhelmed by it.
A Wedding Planner Can Save you Time
Planning a wedding can soon turn into weekends of venue visits, cake tasting and furniture hiring. With a wedding planner, these things can be to a minimum. Your planner will make selections within your preference and budget and present you those options. They do all the research and time-consuming parts. You just get the fun part of picking!
Helps you Avoid Costly Mistakes
Wedding planners have been there, done that. They understand the ins and outs of the wedding industry and can provide you with crucial insight into that world. They can help you avoid making mistakes they have seen before..
Your Wedding Planner Will Negotiate the Best Contracts
There is often a big price tag attached to weddings. So having an experienced planner to negotiate on your behalf is invaluable. Your planner can do the “dirty work” for you. They’ve done it a thousand times before, so they know exactly what to say and how to get you the best deal.
Helps You Choose the Perfect Venue
The venue is one of the most integral parts of your wedding. Your wedding planner will take notice of what you like and scour the area for different options. They will compare each venue and take into account things that you may have missed. This could be to do with capacity, transportation or nearby accommodation.
Tips on How to Find A Wedding Planner
When it comes to choosing your wedding planner you need to go with your gut. You need someone who you feel comfortable with, who understands your vision and is knowledgeable of the industry. Below are some quick, actionable tips on how to find a wedding planner:
Research Them Online
The first step is always online research, even if they come recommended by a friend. It’s important to read reviews and testimonials from their previous clients. They will probably have a website, blog and social media, so put your detective cap on and do some stalking. Gain an understanding of the types of weddings they do and if they are in line with your vision and budget.
Do you like their aesthetic? Are they local to your area? Are they experienced? Have they been featured in any magazines? Ask yourself all these questions to help your decision-making process.
Prepare for an Interview
You may start off with an email or phone call, if you decide you like them, then schedule a meeting. When meeting face to face you will be able to gauge their personality. It is a great way to see if you click (or clash) with them. If you think your personalities will clash, then it’s a no go. It is important to have someone like-minded who can work alongside you and bring your ideas to life.
Ask the Right Questions
Have a list of questions ready to go when interviewing your potential planner, for example:
- Can they work within your budget?
- Have they organised weddings of a similar size to your guest list?
- Do they have a portfolio of their work?
- Will they be able to bring your vision/style to life?
- Will they be able to find an available venue on your chosen date?
Read Over the Contract Carefully
It is important to review the contract carefully before signing. Make sure you understand exactly what is involved and included. Make sure you’re aware of any additional fees. Will they have a team working with them? Will they pack up after your wedding? Be confident in your contract and ask as many questions as you like.
Make sure You’re Compatible
When it comes to how to choose a wedding planner, this is one of the most important aspects. Are you compatible? You will be spending quite a lot of time with this person. They will be with you every step of the way. Sometimes it may be a little stressful, will you work well together? Hire someone with who you and your fiancé gel. Someone who you’d be happy to have on your big day.
Enjoy Your Big Day
Hopefully this has given you a little more insight in how to find a wedding planner. Once you have found the perfect person it’s time to get to work. You’ll have meetings, zoom calls and countless emails. It’s a fun process, so don’t forget to enjoy it!
If you would like help planning your special day, then give Navarra Venues a call. We have planned plenty of wonderful weddings and have beautiful venues across Sydney.
