Hello lovely couples! I’m excited about today’s topic because I always think it’s important to ask as many questions as possible to truly get all of yours answered. Today we are talking about some questions that couples forget to ask when hiring a planner. I hope this helps on your search to find the perfect coordinator for you!
First and foremost, many couples get wrapped up in the pricing aspect of the planning. While managing your wedding budget is certainly important, one thing that is also very important to remember is that your planner will be working to manage your wedding behind the scenes while you get to actually enjoy the planning process and the wedding day! With that said, it’s not only important to focus on budget, but also what the planner will be taking care of for you and how much you’d pay to handover those details to a family member or friend that is also attending the wedding (and, therefore, won’t be able to make sure the cake is cut on time!).
When talking fees with a planner, be sure to go over their packages and pricing. Many planners charge a flat fee although some go off of a percentage of the budget. If they are charging a flat fee, they typically offer a package promotion. These packages include anything from RSVP management to handing out final vendor checks at the end of the night. Many packages do not include multiple vendor visits while some can also include design aspects of your wedding. It’s important for you to know what you’re looking for going into the planner consultation so you know what package sounds and fits you best. The planner can, of course, help pair you with the perfect package for you, and some even offer a la carte additions!
Like myself, some planners have extra credentials such as being a Certified Wedding Planner. With this title, you can rest assured that your planner has gone through vigorous training and education to ensure your wedding day goes off without a hitch. Many planners also hire assistant planners for the day and this is included in some packages. If you’d like more than one planner to make your day special, this is definitely something you can ask about.
One other thing that I find incredibly important is to ensure that you all get along! So often these days people hire vendors for their skill and while you don’t have to get along with everyone, a planner is someone you’ll be spending a vast amount of time with and you want to make sure that you both understand, respect and even like each other! Booking a consultation to see how you all fit is a great way to do this – even if it’s a virtual meeting or quick phone call.
The last few details I’d urge you to specify with your planner are small timeline questions including what time they’ll arrive, what time they leave and how many meals they require. This should be included in their plan or contract when you book them, but if you’d like to specify this prior to your booking, don’t be afraid to ask the planner of your dreams if these guidelines exist. Some planners prefer to leave after the cake cutting while others will stay through the last dance and final exit. Knowing what you envision is crucial to figuring out what planner is best for you.
If you’d like to book a consultation with me to see how I may help you plan the wedding of your dreams, I would love to meet! Contact me today to set up a consultation. I can’t wait to hear the details and find out which package fits you best.
Lexi
All images by tPoz Photography
