Wedding Planner FAQ - Part 2

"Aren't professional planners super expensive?"

You might be surprised! A professional planner will typically bill you for a percentage of your total budget for A-Z planning, per hour for special projects or a one time all-inclusive fee for DOC services or running your rehearsal. But, while that may seem like you would be paying more than you originally set out to, 9 times out of 10, you won't. Here is an example of how a planner can save you money:

You and your fiancé still need a photographer and would like hire one asap since it's getting down to the wire. Since we have already discussed your budget and your preferred style, we can go through our list of contacts and set up a few meetings with vendors we think you will like working with. Once you have chosen your photographer, we can negotiate a better rate on your behalf.

I think that an article on Offbeat Bride said it best:  "This is a horrible fact of the wedding industry, but some nasty vendors out there give crappy service because they don't think they need to impress you. You're likely to only get married once, then they don't have to deal with you again. However, they DO want to impress me, because I can recommend them to hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of potential new clients. The alternative is badmouthing them with my planner friends and doing my best to make sure they never get another wedding. Unlike some rating sites, the planning community doesn't take bribes to remove bad reviews."

Professional planners aren't just for the rich and famous, they are for any couple who has things to do besides figure out which company to use for chair covers, hand assemble 15 floral centerpieces or any of the one million other little things that need to be done. Not having to worry about every little thing is such a good feeling - you can focus on getting married! You can't put a price on that.

Wedding Planner FAQ - Part 1

"So what do you do, exactly?"

As wedding planners, we can do a few things for you: Take care of all of your planning from A to Z, just assist a little here and there, or work as your DOC (day of coordinator) making sure that everything runs smoothly on your big day.

Full service planning can be helpful if you are already receiving so much "help" that you don't know where to look. Your mom knows a great caterer! Your cousin insists you use her florist! Your future MIL has already scheduled a few cake tastings for you! Your dad went to college with a guy who DJs for fun on the side! Your best friend is emailing your dozens of pictures a day of everything she would like for her dream wedding! The options are endless and everyone likes to have a say. We understand that you don't want to hurt anyones feelings, but that you also don't want to eat your moms favorite dinner while you dance to your dads favorite song. Someone working for you and your fiancé who will make your visions a reality can be a very reassuring thing.

Full service planning can also be helpful if you are planning an out-of-state, last minute or unusual wedding (we love those!). It's also great for busy ladies who just don't have the time for the legwork. Picture this: You email us a pic of a centerpiece you saw in a magazine at the grocery store. We find a florist in your price range who can recreate the look for you. We schedule the meeting. We review the contracts. You get what you want and don't pay an arm and a leg. Ta-Da! Wasn't that easy?

Maybe you already have your venue booked, the caterer is set, the centerpieces are chosen, etc. If there are a few things left on your list and you are just at the end of your rope (or budget), we can assist there, too! We know all the best DJs in town and how much they cost. We know the best photographers who specialize in the style you like. We are more than happy to help you figure out the finishing touches to make your Roaring 20's reception memorable.

If you have everything set in stone and you and totally finished planning, congrats! You deserve a break. After a year (or more!) of planning and DIY, wouldn't it be nice to just relax and enjoy your hard work? No bride should have to hustle in her bustle on her wedding day. Leave the details to us. We'll show up early and stay late making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. If there is a problem, you won't even know about it. We've got it taken care of! Doesn't that sound nice?