5 Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner

Take the stress out of the big day with the help of a professional wedding planner. So you’re getting married. Exciting! And now you’re going to plan a wedding. Also incredibly exciting, but much more work than you think it’s going to be. Hiring a wedding planner sounds like a luxury, but after you factor in all of the time and money you’ll save with some expert assistance, it’s really a necessity. Here are five reasons to consider getting help with planning your wedding.

A wedding planner will sweat the small stuff. While you’re doing all of the fun parts of planning the big day, like tasting wedding cakes and picking out bridesmaid dresses, a wedding planner will handle all of the unglamorous details. Not only will she take on difficult tasks like negotiating contracts with vendors, she’ll see to the hidden planning details, like making sure there are enough bathrooms at the venue for your guests (really!).

You’ll have help stretching your budget. Because she knows the market, she knows which vendors will get you the most for your money. A wedding planner also knows where you can economize without compromising your vision – do you really need 10 doves, or will 4 work just as well? – and where it’s worth it to spend a little more on small details that really make a difference.

She’s your quality control. Even though your wedding is the only wedding you’re working on, the vendors you’re hiring are working on many events at the same time, with multiple clients. A wedding planner has vendors she knows and trusts to do great work, and she does vigilant follow-up to make sure your vision comes to life exactly they way you’ve dreamed it will.

You have a built-in wedding etiquette expert.Wondering what the right timing is for sending out save-the-dates, or whether a cocktail-length wedding dress is appropriate? Need help gently telling your mother that there won’t be a Chicken Dance at the reception? A wedding planner can offer advice on any sticky situation that comes up, from what to tip your limo driver to how to explain to your great aunt that while you love her lemon taffeta prom dress from 1952, you don’t want to wear it for your shower.

She’ll save you as much stress as possible on the big day. Your wedding day should be all about you and your future spouse – not about where you’re going to fit five people who didn’t RSVP and how to accommodate the vegan, gluten-free couple who didn’t tell you about their food restrictions in advance. A wedding planner will coordinate all of the pre-wedding details, but will also be your day-of coordinator, taking care of any little issues that come up so you can focus on the most important thing – you’re getting married!

 

Everyone from The Knot to Martha Stewart agrees: hiring a wedding planner is an investment that’s worth making. Get some help – and then go have fun! These memories will last a lifetime.