By Jennifer King

As the New Year approaches wedding planners across the country are getting ready for what they consider their booking season.  With Christmas and the thought of new beginnings many guys out there are about to pop the big question, “Will you marry me”? Of course for the girls, this is very exciting!   Once the excitement of marrying the man of their dreams is over, however, the planning begins.

There are several options when deciding how the planning will take place and what type of help is out there.   Brides can decide to plan themselves and have their friends and family do all the work. This is not the recommended option.  Mostly because relying on the family the “day of” adds stress, cannot always be counted on and opens the door for disappointment.  There is a wedding planner and package out there for every budget. If a bride needs to cut corners, cutting the wedding planner out of the budget should not be an option.  The value of their service is irreplaceable.

Some wedding planners take a commission of the final cost of the wedding for their services.  However, most wedding planners offer packages. When hiring a wedding planner couples want to think about the areas they need help.

The wedding day should always be included.  This should include directing the rehearsal, ceremony direction, developing a detailed timeline of the day, confirming the vendors the week of, and minimal setup and clean up.

Couples also find they need help to select and manage their vendors.  Vendor recommendation and management is a valuable service. With the busy schedules of brides and grooms, this service allows the couple to stay focused on their work and their lives. The wedding planner communicates regularly with the vendors.  The wedding planner is more involved with the planning process, therefore on the wedding day, they are informed with all the details and services the couple has hired the vendors for. For destination weddings, this service is most important because the couples do not know the local vendors.  The worst thing on a wedding day is a bad wedding team. The vendors hired are the front line working on the couple’s behalf. The planner is the leader of this team making decisions and being the point person. This allows the couple to enjoy their day with family and not worry about whether everything is coming together.

Over the years and with the help of Pinterest, weddings have become an opportunity for couples to showcase their personalities, hobbies, and stories.  Which in turn means couples are hiring wedding planners to assist with design. Many couples know their colors and the feel they want, but pulling it all together is where the planner comes in.  The planner will take their ideas and create a storyboard to assure the décor, look and feel all flow. Then most importantly the wedding planner and staff will set up and clean up the design plan.  A fully designed wedding is not possible without a wedding planner and their staff to do the work.

So if an engagement ring is under the tree this Christmas take the first step and hire a wedding planner.  Interview two or three planners and select the one that fits your budget and personality. Whether a big or small wedding be sure to budget for a planner.  When it’s all said and done, it’s the best money spent!