Do you need a planner? No. Should you hire one? Absolutely. Let me explain.
Have you ever watched those home renovation shows where the couple starts out with a number in mind? The contractors/designers tell them what’s realistic and what’s not and guide them into making good choices by presenting practical options. Along the way, there’s no doubt a few snafus, but there’s at least usually a contingency set aside to handle either the brunt of it, or at least some of the extra cost. On a similar note, and a different financial scale, planners do the same thing. You, the couple, set out with a number in mind and we tell you if it’s realistic or not. We give you options that are within your budget and you choose the best that fits your style. We work through the unexpected add-on costs and negotiate to keep those as low as possible. More than likely, we have a contingency already set aside for you.
I’ve heard so many times from married couples “I wish we would’ve had a wedding planner, but we just couldn’t afford it with our budget”. The title Wedding Planner has it’s connotations, and I appreciate that. I love the idea that people consider me ferocious (to quote a former client), organized, intense, full of energy, no nonsense, and...well..luxury. But here’s the secret: we work with you. Some planners base their prices off your overall budgets and factor it in as a percentage. Others quote you a price and factor that into the budget as well. Or maybe they do it another way and factor it in your budget. But the theme here is that we factor your budget. We make up the difference in other areas. Planners work relentlessly to cut costs, negotiate and get you what you want. In fact, most of the time, we exceed your expectations. Going to an all in one venue can be efficient and stress reducing. But you may not get the chairs you envisioned, or the copper cutlery, or whatever your dream details may be. Working with a planner will assure you’re not only getting what you need, but what you want. Again, within your respective budget with our realistic suggestions ;)
Further, most of us have an eye for design and a desire to create incredibly beautiful spaces that WOW people. Experienced planners who have been around the wedding circuit will usually have fun ideas that aren’t common and stale, because who wants to repeat the same trends over and over? We stalk Pinterest and Instagram (just like you do) and are dying to have some creative freedom to surprise and impress couples. For me, personally, it’s my favorite thing to have creative jurisdiction. The thing is, it’s not just about someone knowing “okay, we need 150 chairs, 150 glasses, 5 6-foot tables”, etc. It’s about the expertise behind our craft and consideration of more than just the basics. To me, it’s an art form.
*Photo cred: Holly McMurter @hollymcmurterphotographs
