What do we need to consider when deciding on a wedding planner?

I think it really depends on what you want and how well a planner can meet your needs. At the end of the day every wedding is custom, so there needs to be that flexibility in what your planner provides. Another thing that is really important, is how well your personalities match with the planner (at the end of the day you will be spending a lot of time with them and want to make sure you feel comfortable and have that trust!)

Your wedding planner will become one of your closest confidants during your wedding planning journey; listening to your ideas and concerns, wants and needs, and so it's vital you feel a genuine connection and understanding with them. In addition to this, you'll also want to make sure you're on the same level with the following: 

 

Budget: Not only do you need to consider the cost of the wedding planner themselves, but also the types of budgets they're used to working with. Choosing someone who works with budgets outside your range (higher or lower!) can lead to trouble with selecting your venue, vendors and more. 

 

Style: Just like with budget, choosing a wedding planner who has a similar aesthetic and style to you is really important to ensure they understand your vision and can easily help you bring your dream day to life. 

 

Communication: Understanding each other's communication styles will be hugely important in ensuring a smooth wedding planning journey. If you love to jump on the phone but they only ever respond via email, you may feel frustrated. 

 

Services: Take a detailed look at exactly what is included in their packages to ensure it covers everything you need. You don't want to get down the road and realise there are parts of the planning process that has been miscommunicated. Most planners are open to creating bespoke packages so don't be afraid to ask for exactly what you want. 

 

I hope this is helpful in guiding you to the right planner for your wedding! 

When deciding on a wedding planner, there are several things to consider to ensure that you find the right fit for your special day.

Experience

You want to choose a wedding planner with a proven track record of success. Ask about their experience in planning weddings and how many weddings they have planned. A seasoned wedding planner will have the knowledge and skills necessary to handle any challenges that may arise during the planning process.

Services offered

Wedding planners offer a variety of services, from full-service planning to day-of coordination. Consider your needs and budget to choose the package that's right for you. If you're planning a destination wedding or have a particularly large wedding party, a full-service planner may be the best option. If you have most of the planning handled but need someone to take care of the day-of coordination, a day-of coordinator may be the way to go.

Approach to planning

Wedding planners have different approaches to planning. Some are very hands-on, while others take a more relaxed approach. Choose a wedding planner whose approach aligns with your own. If you're someone who likes to be involved in every detail, a hands-on planner may be the best fit for you. If you're someone who prefers to delegate tasks and take a more hands-off approach, a more relaxed planner may be a better fit.

Vendor selection

Vendors play a crucial role in the success of your wedding day. Choose a wedding planner who has strong relationships with high-quality vendors and has a solid vendor selection process. A good wedding planner will have a list of reliable vendors that they trust to provide excellent service. They can also negotiate with vendors on your behalf to help you stay within your budget.

Fee structure

Make sure you understand how your wedding planner charges for their services and what is included in their fees. Some wedding planners charge a flat fee, while others charge a percentage of your overall budget.

Communication

Communication is key throughout the planning process. Make sure you choose a wedding planner who communicates effectively and is available when you need them. A good wedding planner should respond promptly to your emails and phone calls and keep you informed of any updates or changes to the plan.

Cancellation and refund policy

You never know what may happen during the planning process. Make sure you understand your wedding planner's cancellation and refund policy in case you need to cancel or postpone your wedding. A good wedding planner will have a clear and fair policy in place to protect both parties.

Reviews

Reading reviews from past clients can give you a better understanding of the wedding planner's strengths and weaknesses and their ability to handle different situations.

Personal connection

You will be working closely with your wedding planner throughout the planning process, so it is essential to choose someone who you feel comfortable with and who understands your vision for your special day. Choose someone who listens to your ideas and communicates effectively with you.

Backup plan

Your wedding planner should have a backup plan in place in case of emergencies or unexpected situations. Ask about their contingency plans and how they will handle any issues that may arise.

By considering these factors, you can find a wedding planner who is not only experienced and professional but also a good fit for your personality and style. With the right planner by your side, you can relax and enjoy your special day knowing that every detail has been taken care of.

I don't think the cheapest price is best, we all love a bargain but when you are looking at the person to plan and run your day you need someone that listens, actions, has good connections with other vendors and definately makes you feel calm.  Whether the bride and groom knows it or not there are 100 tiny things that can go wrong on a wedding day or it could be three big things. Your planners job is to have anticipated all of that and know how to fix things without the couple knowing. Or if they know, they should feel comfortable that their planner can/is problem solving so everything still runs smoothly. 

1. Do they have experience

2. Are they suggesting ideas to help you

3. Are you connecting with them

4. Are they communicating with you