How Do I Choose A Wedding Planner?

Wedding proposals are thrilling. It’s a story that women will tell their friends over and again. But it’s just part of the bigger picture—the grand frame being the marriage itself. An all-too-important part of that portrait is the wedding itself. They say that the wedding is just the beginning and that it’s the actual marriage that will take a lot of work. Well, so be it. But it doesn’t mean you can’t go and have a great start right?

Every bride wants a perfect wedding and every groom wants to give his blushing bride the best wedding his bank account and creativity can afford. Even though “perfect weddings” are just about as real as urban legends, it shouldn’t stop you from trying to achieve it. Each couple has their own funny or humorously tragic story of something going wrong at their wedding—either during the ceremony or during the reception itself. While these can probably never be entirely avoided (and may prove endearing years from now when you’re past the honeymoon stage), it is wisest to give your wedding planning the attention and care that you as the bride, deserve. If this is your first wedding (and hopefully, the only one you’ll have) and you don’t quite know how you want to do it, a wedding planner can help give you an idea on the theme or design of the entire ceremony and reception. They can also help cultivate your idea into a clear vision with professional direction—that way you get the colors, flowers and cake that you wanted and the ceremony and reception flow smoothly under the guidance of a professional.

Choosing a wedding planner really takes nothing more than common sense. The easiest way to start is to ask your married friends whose wedding you’ve attended and enjoyed. Be ready to sit down for another recounting of their wedded bliss before actually getting the name and number of the wedding coordinator. Think of it as the “pre-sell powwow”, if your friend is that thrilled about her nuptial process, then chances are you will enjoy yours too. But if, by some cruel twist of fate, you didn’t particularly enjoy any of the weddings you’ve been to, then you could always turn to the web or your local directory for a listing of wedding planners and coordinators. If that be your choice, then consider the items below in choosing the right one for you.

Previous Projects

Some wedding planners have portfolios or what they might call a “book” with details and pictures of the weddings they’ve handled before. You can see for yourself it the themes and style that she/he has is resounding with your own preferences. Ask for references and don’t hesitate to get in touch with the previous couples that she/he has worked with. Ask for an honest assessment so that you can better judge if this one is the right candidate for you.

Personality

Each person who works in the creative industry puts a little or more of him or herself into their work. Find out what kind of personality your candidate has and see whether it’s the kind that you are comfortable with and can work with. This is your wedding and it is more personal than anything else, you want to make sure it goes the way you want it too and it helps if it’s as stress-free as possible. A great wedding planner is supposed to relieve you of the stressful legwork of planning process so that you can focus on preparing yourself physically, emotionally and mentally for this brand new chapter in your life. If your candidate has a vibrant, pleasing and joyful personality, it will reflect in the process of your working relationship throughout the whole planning stage, as well as in the wedding day itself.

Budget

The wedding itself already will already cost you a pretty penny so choosing the right wedding planner for you is crucial to your budget as well. Compare their rates before settling on a candidate and decide which fits best within your budget. You can also ask them what the rates break down to and see if they have any sort of promo or deal with a supplier that might help make your decision more economical. Wedding planners who have been in the industry for awhile will have been able to establish their own network of suppliers, caterers, etc. See if this could be an asset to you or if it’s what might cost you more.

Bottom line: weddings will be remembered for a long time, in photos and stories told, not just by the couple, but also by friends and family who were there. Make it an occasion that celebrates a new lifetime of celebration with the person you love. Lessen the stress on you and your partner and safeguard the joy that this new chapter in your lives will bring.