We Know: All About Wedding Planners

What is a wedding planner?

A wedding planner or wedding coordinator is hired to help the bride and groom coordinate a wide variety of task associated with weddings.

What do wedding planners do?

A wedding planner can help plan many aspects of the wedding, including flowers, cake, DJs and seating arrangements. Some wedding planners are able to use their industry connections with vendors to get you a good deal on things like catering and the dress. After interviewing the bride-to-be and groom, the planner will coordinate the details of the wedding that have been agreed upon. A good wedding planner should be able to assist in organizing, budgeting and purchasing services for your wedding. Some wedding planners may provide services themselves, such as photography or floral arranging.

Will I need to sign a contract with the wedding planner?

You should ask your wedding planner for a contract after you have both agreed upon the services they will perform. Often referred to as a letter of agreement, a wedding planner contract will include the services the wedding planner is expected to perform, the cost of these services and the payment terms.

If there is anything in the contract with which you do not agree, discuss them with the wedding planner before signing the dotted line. Remember: even though you have been through the interview process, you are not obligated to continue the relationship until you sign the contract.

How can I find a wedding planner?

These days, it is probably easiest to find a wedding planner through the Internet. There are many websites dedicated to event planning and often have listings of coordinators. A simple web search should bring up hundreds of options. Just be sure to ask for references from each of your potential planners and research their past work.

What are the advantages of hiring a wedding planner?

Wedding planners can be useful when it comes to bringing a wedding to fruition. Some reasons to consider hiring one include:

Money Saving: Since wedding planners have inside contacts with vendors, you're more likely to get discounts and deals on purchases than you would if purchasing without a planner.
Contacts: Wedding planners have contacts with vendors, musicians, caterers and more in the business. They know who to go to for your desired wedding style, thus saving you time and money.
Lower Stress: With a wedding planner, you won't have to fuss over every little detail of the wedding-that's the planner's job.
Problem Solvers: Wedding planners are there to pick up the pieces should a problem arise. Is there a shortage of chairs? Did the wrong plates arrive? Not to worry. The wedding planner is trained and skilled in fixing problems on the fly.

What are the disadvantages of hiring a wedding planner?

Even though wedding planners offer a great service, they are not perfect. Some disadvantages associated with hiring one include:

Power Struggle: Even though a wedding planner is supposed to help you make your dream wedding come true, they may try to convince you to pursue a vision that's not your own.
Out of the loop: Some people like to be in the know, and if you're one of them, a wedding planner might not be the best thing because they handle the details for you.
Scam artists: Although rare, it is possible to hire a fraud. That's why extensive research of a wedding planner's references and prior work is so important. Watch out for wedding planners who push you to sign a contract or who are overtly vague.

How much does a wedding planner cost?

According to Bride's Magazine, the average wedding cost $19,000 in 2000 (the most recent reliable data). If you hire a wedding planner, expect their fee to be around 15% of your total budget, or $2000-$3000.