Why Should I Hire a Wedding Planner?
I don’t know about you, but I had always assumed wedding planners were for celebrities, or “fancy people”. Maybe it was from growing up watching Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous (I am probably totally aging myself here!) or honestly, never knowing anyone who had hired one.
That all changed when I became a wedding photographer and saw what a HUGE asset it was to hire a planner/coordinator!
Now, while I will admit that this blog idea was born during that COVID-19 pandemic, while I watched planner friends work triple overtime to help troubleshoot a million changes with their couples, this isn’t a “how to deal with” or “how to plan a wedding” during a pandemic. I really wanted to gather this information from my favorite planners who can really speak to what they do so well, pandemic or not!
Stephanie of Off The Beaten Path Wine Country
“You will actually enjoy the process of planning your wedding and you’ll be able to do it with ease & grace (and no potential family drama!). Your planner is there to fight for your vision and does so throughout the entire process with each and every vendor you hire. They are there day of to ensure everything goes smoothly and that you enjoy your day to the fullest, spending it with those who matter most: your friends, family & your new partner."
Lauren of Sydney Camille Events
“A planner will take care of all the back and forth with the venue and vendor team. Do you want to have to answer where the closest outlet is for the donut vendor? Do you want to find out if there is an extra sink for the florist to use when she is setting up the flowers. Where are the vendors keeping all of their personal items during the wedding? Is there a safe space for the photographer and videographer to store their expensive equipment? These are just some of the details that come up during wedding planning. No bride or groom should have to deal with all these tiny details!”
Maryssa Souza of Save The Date! Weddings & Events
”Most couples don’t have the time or energy (especially if you’re an essential worker during all of this) to sit down and look at alternative weddings dates, communicate with all 10-15 of your wedding vendors simultaneously and essentially replan your entire wedding in such a short amount of time. On top of that you have to review each new contract in depth to make sure that any changes made to their contract is still fair to the client in the case of an act of god, or a pandemic etc. We are seeing a lot of contract changes by vendors which is understandable but not bringing those changes to the clients attention before they re-sign is inappropriate. Planners will make sure their clients are protected and read each new contract thoroughly before having their clients sign. We are here to negotiate when needed and protect you during an already stressful and difficult time in your lives.”
Lindsey at Ooh La La Weddings & Events
“A seasoned planner will have the best industry connections and insider tips to share when assembling your wedding day team. From florists to photographers, cake to makeup artists and everything in-between. Taking your planners advice and recommendations can not only save you a lot of time, but will help assemble a team of professionals who have a great rapport and offer the best services, making for a smooth day for couples and vendors alike.”
**Lastly, from a photographers prospective- having a planner to help with timeline is a HUGE bonus for couples AND vendors. While I have worked with plenty of couples to determine the best timeline for photos, it’s quite a dance to organize the timing that each vendor requires and I’m always so thankful for planners and all the work they do to organize us all!