Wedding Planners
Now that I am engaged and starting to think about the wedding I know that it will be difficult to create my dream wedding on my own while working full time and trying not to become a bridezilla. We don't have a huge budget but I definitely want a planner/coordinator to be a part of that budget. So I have a few questions. I hope you all can help.
How do I go about finding one? What would be considered average cost vs over the top? Any other tips, hints or tidbits you can offer?
Dear Dewpep,
I am a certified wedding planner with 10 years experience. The advice given by tcevent design is very sound. I have a few more thoughts for your consideration:
a. The size of your wedding is important when considering the services of a wedding planner. Given your situation and If you are under 25 guests you can probably go it alone, unless there are complicating factors.
b. The budget allocated for your wedding is also important. If you are spending over $5,000, you probably need a planner.
c, Good wedding planners are selective when taken on a new bride and usually they have a base rate. So try not to be offended if they ask you to state your budget. If your budget is lower than where they usually work, do not waste your time or theirs. For instance, if you can afford to drive a Kia and not a Mercedes, you probably wouldn't go to the Mercedes dealship and test drive the car. It would be a waste of time for you and the salesperson. Further, if I am called by a bride and she can not afford my services, I offer the names of others who will do a good job and a lower rate.
d. references from other brides are a must, but I would also check references from local wedding professionsals, such as florists, hotel catering managers, and sometimes photographers. The other wedding professionals in your area usually know the good, reputable planners.
e. try to hire a certified wedding planner who has received his or her training not from a correspondence course, but from a legitimate organization, such as AACWP ( The American Association of Certified Wedding Planners) Wedding planners are not licensed, but the good ones usually have sought out reputable educational course, have passed certification requirements and continually attend training classes to stay current.
f. Find out the going rate for a planner in your area. For instance, in Dallas Texas, where I practice, if you are quoted a rate under $1,500, be careful. Rates in Dallas for full planning are usually from $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the size and complexity of the wedding. I would expect the East or West costs to be higher.
Planners will save you time, expense, your sanity and mostly help you to avoid costly errors. Feel free to email me if you want at mbf15@stardustcelebrations.com. Good luck! MBF
As a planner, I feel this is the best money you can spend! Not just because it increases my income ;), but because a good planner will save you time, money and usually a ton of heartache and stress.
Here's some tips on choosing a planner:
1. Costs on planners can range based on region and quality. For instance in a large city expect to pay between 10 and 15% of your budget on a planner. Smaller cities with less demand are usually under that 10$ mark. I have seen women that planned their own wedding and instantly become planners charge $500 for planning. This is not my top recommendation. Primarily because they don't have the buildup of contacts and resources that an established planner has.
2. ASK FOR REFERENCES! Ask for 3-5. Even if you don't call them all it at least shows the rapport between the planner and her clients.
3. Meet with this person. This is usually a long planning process. Make sure you like the person. Otherwise you are in for a pretty unbearable planning process.
4. MAKE SURE that your planner does not take kickbacks. Kickbacks are monies received from vendor referrals that add on to your cost. Instead decide on a flat fee with your planner so that he/she has no choiec but to only look out for your best interests.
That's the best advice I can give and best of luck to you on your upcoming wedding! I have a few other tips and resources on my website www.tceventdesign.com. Congrats!