Congrats on your engagement! You are ecstatic, emotional and overwhelmed with joy. Let’s talk wedding!
Right after the ring, wedding planning thoughts are almost immediate. You indulge in wedding magazines, Pinterest boards, Martha Stewart Weddings online, The Knot, just to name a few. Dreams, visions and ideas are flowing like river water. Happiness at its best!
The anxiety of not knowing where to start and how to do it comes right after.
There are many details and tons of moving pieces involving a memorable wedding. Where do I start? How many guests? How much will it cost? These are the most common questions recently engaged couples ask, maybe at the verge of hyperventilating!
It might sound cliché but, a professional wedding planner is the answer for all these questions. Really. I assure you, after you hire your planner, your stress level will decrease dramatically.
The reality is, we are not a luxury. We are a necessary investment. This is a one-time event and we are here to make it the best experience possible. As a professional, I’m aware of the big responsibility your trust means. My promise to you is to perform all tasks with professionalism, diligence, emphathy and always grateful for the opportunity you have given me to be part of your special day.
What does a wedding planner do? Is a wedding planner the same as a wedding coordinator?
A wedding planner works for the couple. We are the couple’s right hand and clinical eyes. We are constantly watching for your best interests, always being sincere, ethical and realistic. We ask, negotiate, analyze, manage and communicate. Our main goal is to provide the best planning experience, not just on the day of the wedding but also during the planning process.
Wedding planning involves wedding coordination. Although it is very common to call us wedding coordinators only, coordination is just one of the many tasks that we perform, usually after the planning part is completed. There are wedding coordination services exclusively you can hire, but in full wedding planning, the coordination is included.
How do we do it?
Organization is key. A great wedding planner must master task and time management. She or he should also be able to prioritize effectively, have attention to detail, have excellent verbal and written communication, good understanding of technology, possess good knowledge of the many components of the wedding event: social etiquette, flowers, bridal trends, wine and food pairing among many other important qualities.
The couple’s vision and taste are always our focus but having a professional that can provide direction and recommendations towards what you desire is highly valuable.
What are the most important qualities I should look for in a wedding planner?
Chemistry. It is very important that you like and connect with the person you’ll be working closely with for the next year or more. There are many great planners out there, but there’s one who will truly connect with you and your couple style. You need to feel comfortable asking her or him questions and express your opinions and concerns. A great wedding planner is resourceful, ethical, flexible and fun! Must be able to provide alternatives and be realistic.
Runs a legitimate business. A good wedding planner runs a serious and legitimate business. This means it is registered under the proper laws and regulations to operate, pays the corresponding patent fees and is insured. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential planner candidates for their business credentials, experience and client reviews.
Keep in mind, a wedding planner doesn’t limit their tasks to just hire wedding vendors. Our job is much more than that. We plan, manage a team, coordinate, negotiate, prepare contingency plans and plan the wedding. Just the value you need to fully enjoy your day, before, during and after the event.
Happy planning!
