By: Terry Kaye
Wedding planning can turn into a full time job especially now that weddings have progressed from traditional cookie-cutter events to over-the-top DIY affairs. Over the past 17 years, I truly have seen it all and I believe there is a lesson behind every single event. Here are some key points that I wish couples knew about event planning:
Events planners can save you money
This is something I share with potential clients on a daily basis. Hiring an event planner may feel like a big investment but, in the end, you truly get your money’s worth. I personally know that I (on average) save my clients 5-15% on vendor fees alone as most of my preferred vendors extend small courtesy discounts to my company. If a vendor is unable to offer a monetary discount, they typically go above and beyond in other ways which also add value to your big day.
Event planners save you valuable time
Time is precious! Hire a planner so that you can enjoy being engaged, manage your full-time job and relax in knowing that you don’t have to worry about every last detail alone. I often get calls from teary-eyed clients sharing that they had planned to do it all themselves but they have started feeling terribly overwhelmed by all the details. I am grateful they are finally reaching out for help but I always wish they had thought to call earlier. It is my job as a planner to keep you on track, to keep things organized and to ensure you don’t get overloaded by the details even if you want to maintain a do-it-yourself approach to planning. The little details will always build up and having a professional by your side will ensure there is a calm cadence to your planning.
Your budget is your budget
This is one of the most important, yet sensitive, topics I review with new clients. “Who is paying for what?” is a question that might not have an easy answer and lead to stressful conversations. Setting a realistic budget sets the parameter for every other planning decision you’ll make as you move forward. Once your budget is set, stick to it! I think part two may be more difficult than part one. Weddings are expensive and it is so easy to get caught up in the extras which will ultimately blow your budget. I always tell my clients, “Your budget is your budget.” I cannot stop someone from spending more than they need to but I can try to reel them in so they make a sound decision rather than an emotional one. Sticking to your budget will make your decisions a bit easier and your planning experience that much more enjoyable.
Something will go wrong; it always does
Hiring a planner does not guarantee that your day will go without flaw. In fact, every event has at least one or two bumps throughout the day. That is the nature of this industry but having a planner by your side managing those bumps is truly worth the investment. Let your planner handle the missteps. There’s even a good chance that you won’t even know anything went awry until after your big day is over. That’s what your planner is for!
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