Over the years since I started planning and designing weddings, I hear one comment louder than any others when it comes to hiring planners. “My family and friends will help. I don’t need to spend on a planner. It’s a waste of money.” While I can understand that perspective, I also want to offer something different to the conversation. Let’s have an honest conversation about the dollars and sense of hiring a wedding planner and what that really means for your wedding budget.

Humor me for a spell — Imagine your wedding day.

Close your eyes and envision what you wish it would look like in an ideal world. Not necessarily visually, but who would be there? Who is in the room with you as you get ready? How are you feeling? Do you take a quiet moment with your parents at any point? Your new husband? Are you carefree and fully present in every moment, letting it sink in and etch itself in your memory?

Now, here’s an alternative —

You’re missing someone (or multiple people) on your day because they are unable to be where you are. This might be your mama, sister, best friend or other family members. Why? Because they are running around setting up, wrangling the wedding party, making sure timelines are followed and deliveries are made. Handling all of the things that you’ve been so stressed out about so that you can relax and enjoy the day. But  here’s the kicker – you’re not doing the work, but you’re alone or missing key people while you “relax”. Then, after your ceremony, everything is rushed to get from A to B and move people along, so by the end of the day, you have no idea what just happened or who was even there to see, love and celebrate with you! Truly, the worst feeling. Your saving grace – you are married!

So let me ask you – which experience do you want?

The Investment

When we start to talk about budgets and the investment for a wedding planner, I totally get it. Most would argue it’s not a necessity to have a planner. However, what kind of investment is it that you are referring to?

Yes, money is important and we need to be cognizant of our means. But, I urge you to consider the time, life and relationship investments that matter most at the end of the day. I’d venture to say that your time is more valuable, your memories more precious and your relationships with your loved ones more priceless than finding the right planner for you would be.

WHICH TYPE OF “PLANNER” IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

There is a wedding planner, designer, coordinator for every budget. You, my sweet bride, deserve to spend your engagement and wedding day as carefree and stress free as possible. To focus on the people and memories that you’ll remember and tell your kids and grandkids about. Yes, with some fun design and tastings sprinkled in.

So, how do you make that happen? Here are my top 4 tips to finding the best wedding planner for you.

1. Decide what kind of planner is right for your needs? 
2. Determine how much of your budget you feel you can realistically allocate to a planner. Maybe you’re not entirely sure, but you have a range. Start there and then be open and honest with the planners you speak with.
3. Do some research and schedule consultations with 2-3 planners. Ask lots of questions. If they aren’t the right fit for you, ask for recommendations.
4. Welcome the planner, designer, or coordinator who is the right fit for your personalities, needs and budget onto your team and trust them along the way!

At the end of the day, when you look back over your engagement season and wedding day I hope you see a time of joy, strengthened relationships and fun more than stress, exhaustion and isolation in planning world. I hope that you know that you deserve to let go and be fully present and that you choose to invest in your relationships over that extra something. I promise you won’t regret seeing your mama all day, instead of for only 20 collective minutes all day like I do.

xoxo,

Disclaimer: This is my opinion based on professional experience. However, all weddings and situations are different and may require different considerations.

If you’re looking for additional information regarding wedding planner selection, whether you need one or more – Lauren, at Every Last Detail, articulates it so well! If you’re on the fence, regardless of your budget – pop over HERE to read more!