Do You Need to Hire a Wedding Planner?

Do You Need a Wedding Planner?

This is a question that I get ALL the time from brides: Do I need a wedding planner? 

There is really no right or wrong answer to this. However, there are some factors to consider that may help you make your decision...

Are you planning a wedding in a different state?

If you are planning your wedding in a different state than where you live, you may want to hire a wedding planner. Planners will know the best vendors in the area, for one, and you will need recommendations in you are in unfamiliar territory. You may not have time to visit a ton of venues if you are flying in from another state, so a planner can also visit venues beforehand for you, and either Facetime you, send you photos, or tell you which venues are really worth you making an appointment with. 

Your planner can also meet with vendors on your behalf if you can't make a trip right away, and often has a personal relationship with vendors as well. 

Are you busy with work or school?

So many brides are starting a new job, finishing law school, getting their masters, completing their residency, you name it. If you fall into one of those categories, hiring a wedding planner could be a great idea for you. Your planner can keep you organized, and take care of those little details that you don't have time for. Your wedding planner can keep up communication with your vendors if you aren't always available, and can update you as needed. Don't worry - it is still your wedding! You will still have your say in all of the details, but you will have someone to facilitate, and deal with the nitty-gritty so you can focus on the other aspects of your busy life!

Do you have a lot of Out-of-Town Guests?

If you have guests coming from all over the country, or the world, a wedding planner can be a huge help. Planners can help you book room blocks at different hotels, and can organize transportation for your guests to and from these hotels and your wedding venue. Your planner can also help you make welcome bags for your guests, organize a rehearsal dinner or brunch, etc. 

Does your venue offer a coordinator?

Some venues offer a wedding specialist to assist you throughout the process, and on your actual wedding day. Make sure to ask exactly what this person will do, so that you can decide if you need an extra set of hands. At some venues, you have a coordinator to help you plan, facilitate your rehearsal and ceremony, and be there for your entire event. Other venues may not have someone that offers as many services, or may not have any type of coordinator at all. For example, if you are renting a space and bringing in your own caterer and vendors, you will not have a manager or coordinator there with you at all. See what your venue offers, then decide if you need a planner!

Do you get stressed out easily?

If you are someone that doesn't handle stress well, or cracks under pressure, do yourself a favor and hire a planner! The added stress of wedding planning is something that some people just don't need in their life. Some people prefer to hand over the main tasks to another person, and just be there to choose the menu, taste the cakes, and select a few flowers. If that sounds like you, let a planner negotiate contracts, book meetings, and deal with your crazy relatives.

PRO TIP:

You may not need a planner from the day you get engaged, to the morning after your wedding. Most planners offer different packages that range from them assisting you for an entire year in advance, or just having someone at your wedding as a day-of coordinator. Maybe you just need someone during that final month! See what different planners offer, and find one that is right for you!