Finding a Wedding Planner

Get Hitched Without a Hitch:

Finding the Best Wedding Planner for Your Special Day

It may be your day, but why not let someone else deal with the hassle of planning it?  Knowing how to find the right wedding planner for your needs can keep you from melting down during all the extensive planning stages of your prefect wedding.  The wedding planner can bring you a little peace, which will allow you to glow as you walk down the aisle.

If you think all wedding planners are like the one in “Father of the Bride,” think again.  Most wedding planners are very organized, listen to your needs, and prefer to work within your budget.  They will sit down with you to find out what your dream are and then try to work as much of those dreams into your budget for the wedding.

The Best Planner for You

Still, how do you find the right wedding planner for you?  You may already have a bunch of wedding planner references from friends and family, but you have to find the one planner that you can trust with your special day.  After all, you are hiring a wedding planner to make everything run smoothly, not to add to a list of worries.

Whether you have a list of planners already or you need a list, try looking through some wedding directories to get an idea of which planners work in your area.  Some national planning companies have wedding planners located in major metropolitan areas, and there are also some excellent independent wedding planners that know the area well.  Just be sure that your planner is local to your area, as you will need to meet with him or her often.

Before You Talk to a Planner…

Even though you now have a list of planners, do not jump on the phone yet.  You need to sit down and determine how much you are budgeting for your wedding.  A ball park amount is good, because most wedding planners will require a fee amounting to 10 percent of that budget.  Also, you will need to have some interview questions written down.

What to Ask

Planners know that you are going to shop around, so they should be able to answer your questions easily.  There are common questions you should ask your potential wedding planner.   It is common to ask how long a planner has been in business and how much experience they have.  Also see if they have any certifications or belong to any professional organizations.  As you narrow down your search, you may consider asking if they have a portfolio so you can see some of the weddings they have done before.

The Single Most Important Thing is…

Still, whether someone has just a few months or 20 years of experience, you still need to go with the person that makes you feel comfortable.  Maybe you are looking for an innovative planner or maybe you want someone steeped in tradition.  The choice is yours.

Remember, your wedding planner is there to make your life easier.  He or she should listen to your needs and do the best to meet those needs.  However, do not think that your wedding planner can spin gold out of hay.  If a planner makes outrageous promises, beware.  Also be wary of planners that seem hesitant about meeting timelines or certain requirements.  In the end, choose a wedding planner that shares your vision and can work within your budget so that you are able to get hitched without a hitch.