Firstly, we want to point out that we know this might sound like a heavily biased topic to write about, coming from wedding planners! We know we won't be the right fit for every couple but we can still help you find your dream planners who will help you plan the wedding you truly want.
Choosing a wedding planner is a significant decision because they will play a crucial role in helping you execute your dream wedding. Here are some steps to help you choose the right wedding planner:
Determine your wedding budget: Before you start looking for a wedding planner, establish a rough budget for your wedding, and therefore how much you would be happy to spend on a planner. Knowing your budget will help you narrow down your options and find a planner who can work within your financial constraints. Planners often charge around 10-15% of your total budget as the bigger and more complex the wedding, the more work will be involved.
Have an idea of size: Knowing roughly how many people you plan to invite is very useful information for planners to know up front, it gives a good indication of how much work will be involved and how far your budget has to stretch.
Define your wedding vision: We don't mean how you want it to look, that can all be worked out later. We mean, how you want it to feel in general. Do you want a high end, luxury black tie feel or more of a laid back, relaxed have fun kind of day.
Do your research: If you've been to a wedding recently which you loved, ask who their planner was. Be careful here though, don't just ask any of your family and friends as your personalities and priorities are likely to be very different so therefore what you look for in a planner will be too. You can also search online for wedding planners in your area, try Google Maps if you'd like to stay really local. Look for planners with a strong portfolio, positive reviews, and experience planning weddings similar to yours.
Talk to them: Narrow down your list to a few potential wedding planners and arrange some calls with them. Ask questions to assess their suitability, such as:
How many weddings have they planned? They don't need to have planned hundreds, but a good number of success stories is essential.
Do they have experience with weddings of your size and style? Check their portfolio or ask them for examples.
Can they provide references from past clients? Ask for at least two previous clients who were similar to you who you could talk to.
How do they handle unforeseen issues or emergencies during a wedding? Are they going to check in with you regularly or will you barely see them, and which option do you want?
Do they have a team to assist on the wedding day? A small wedding generally still needs two people to ensure it runs seamlessly, and that requirement scales up the more guests you plan to have.
Review Portfolios: Ask to see examples of their previous work, including photos and videos of weddings they've planned. This will give you a sense of their style and the quality of their work.
Discuss Fees and Contracts: Be transparent about your budget and ask about their fees and payment structure. Ensure you understand what services are included in their packages and if there are any additional costs. Carefully review the contract to ensure it includes all the agreed-upon terms and conditions.
Communication and Compatibility: It's essential that you have good communication with your wedding planner. You'll be working closely together in the months leading up to your wedding, so feeling comfortable and understood is crucial.
Check References: Contact the references provided by the wedding planner to get feedback from past clients about their experiences working with them. This can provide valuable insights into their professionalism and ability to execute weddings smoothly.
Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, trust your gut feeling when making your decision. Choose the wedding planner who aligns most closely with your vision and makes you feel confident that they can bring your dream wedding to life.
Remember that hiring a wedding planner can greatly reduce your stress and help ensure your big day goes off without a hitch. Take your time during the selection process to find the right fit for your wedding.
By the way, if you're looking for a planner in either Buckinghamshire or Suffolk, relaxed, fun approach yet super organised with proven success of a large of weddings and events over the years, we could be the planners for you so complete our contact form now to see if we have your date available!
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