Did you know it takes over 250 hours to plan the average wedding? That’s 6 weeks worth of 8-hour workdays. Going from “OMG – YES!” to “I do!” is so much fun but also serious work. Cue perfectly-priced, cordial and adorable wedding planner. We'll inform you about available wedding planning services and help you determine if you'll need professional assistance as you plan or on your wedding day.
We also offer these free wedding planner worksheets that are quick and easy to download!
Do you need a full-service wedding planner?
Yes:
You may decide you need a planner if you have a full-time job, are getting married in another state, planning mostly on your own, having a destination wedding, or are someone who needs help making decisions. Ultimately, a wedding planner helps carry the stress of planning so you can enjoy the day as well as the process. Whether you hire someone to plan the entire event, consult on a portion or to coordinate the wedding day, find someone you trust and whose overarching style jives with your own. This way, you’ll have a greater sense of confidence in the options they present as “the best”.
A planner can help:
- Find venue
- Hire vendors
- Source rentals
- Buy or create decor items
- Create planning timelines
- Create day-of timelines
- Create floor plans
- Manage day of event
No:
Not every couple needs the services of a wedding planner. If your wedding is local, you love DIY and have family or friends helping out, you’ll do great without this extra layer of assistance. We have gathered some awesome DIY wedding ceremony ideas to help such as this DIY wedding ceremony arch! Wedding budgets often dictate if a planner is feasible or not. If budget is the factor, you may consider contacting a wedding consultant to assist you along the way. They’re usually paid by the hour to provide a wedding guide for your area, lists of trustworthy caterers, florists, venues, etc. Wedding consultants will review contracts and answer questions on an as needed basis. Their expertise will often save you more than their fees. If you do decide to plan on your own, we have a ton of super helpful free wedding planning printables that can help you budget, organize your DIYS, and even help create an easy seating chart! There is also a DIY jumbo wedding planning clipboard to make the planning process fun.
Speaking of fees, how much do wedding planners cost?
- Some planners charge a flat rate; others charge per hour.
- Most are paid a percentage of your wedding budget, usually 10 to 15 percent.
- However, their services and tricks of the trade may help you save money by negotiating deals with vendors. Not to mention the time they save time by narrowing down choices for you.
Remember the six weeks worth of planning time? Put a dollar value to your time when deciding if a wedding planner is an affordable wedding expense. Before hiring anyone, ask not only how much she/he charges but exactly what services it covers. All planners should create a written proposal before you are required to sign a contract. To help with your budget, be sure to download this free wedding budget planning worksheet.
Àla Carte Wedding Planning Options
If you’ve determined you do not need, or simply cannot justify the expense of a full-service planner, there are other options to consider. There is also a DIY jumbo wedding planning clipboard to make the planning process fun.
#1. Day-of Coordinator (DOC)
Several factors attribute to the increased popularity of day-of-wedding coordination. Rising wedding costs being one factor. Popularity of Pinterest projects is another. DIY couples are proud of their vision and want to ensure the décor and DIY wedding projects they’ve worked hard to create are styled correctly. DOCs can help. Typically, the day-of-wedding pros charge a flat fee and begin their involvement about a month prior to the wedding. Expect to meet with your DOC two to three times so they are familiar with vendors, décor preferences, etc. A DOC helps manage the wedding day and many tasks leading up to it, including:
- Creating timeline
- Reviewing contracts and confirming vendors
- Running the rehearsal
- Any last-minute needs
- Granting the bride three wishes. (Okay, we made that one up but your DOC will feel like a magic genie, trust us!)
#2. Event Designer {drumroll, please…}
An event designer doesn’t plan the event or organize logistics but they make all the people who did look really, really good. Basically, they’re the interior designer of your wedding, weaving all the bits and pieces together into a series of “WOW” moments that eventually become part of your treasured wedding memories. She or he has the awesome (albeit amazing) job of bringing your wedding vision to life. From flowers, to décor and lighting, event designers ensure your ceremony and wedding reception is a dream come true. An event designer can supplement the work of a wedding planner or a DOC. Without an event designer, your wedding planner or DOC works with your florist and venue manager to ensure wedding decorations are placed just as you wish.
Hooray - twelve months to go! Find tips on saving money, Pinterest 101 for brides, choosing your wedding dress, discussing who pays, throwing an engagement party and setting up a successful registry to finish up your first big steps toward “I do!”
Follow our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide for more tips for every phase of your planning process. Feeling crafty? We’ve handpicked our favorite DIY wedding projects too!
Article written by: Melissa Collier
