How to make wedding planning easy

What is it like to be a wedding planner?

Being a wedding planner is like being in the center of a pink and purple tornado filled with flowers, Pinterest boards and laughter. I love it! The tornado represents all the ideas and concepts that my clients throw my way. My goal is to turn that tornado of ideas into the best day ever. It can be challenging, but so worth it when you see the smiles and happy tears that come with planning a successful event.

How to find the perfect wedding planner for my wedding?

Interview! Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you are searching for your planner. Remember this individual will be responsible for your wedding day, anniversary celebration or baby shower…all important events. You want someone that you can trust as well as someone you can share a laugh with.

I have worked with clients who planned their weddings in 12 months and others who want me to put their wedding day together in 3 months! I think it's important to do what's right for you.

How long do most couples spend planning their wedding?

It depends. I have worked with clients who planned their weddings in 12 months and others who want me to put their wedding day together in 3 months! I think it's important to do what's right for you. It may take longer to plan if you are finishing up school or have some other life event that will not allow you to give wedding planning your undivided attention.

What are the advantages of hiring a wedding planner?

Piece of mind! I cannot stress the benefit of having a planner to assist with such an important event. Planners have the expertise to guide you through the events of the day! A good planner can assist with contracts and vendor placement, finding the best deals on that textured linen you love and so much more.

Another advantage of hiring a planner is exposure and experience. Sometimes it can be tricky pulling together the ideas for the wedding day. I heard a story from another planner where the couple wanted over 100 doves to be released once they were announced husband and wife. Sounds magical right! Until the couple was told about the loads of poop that would be everywhere. They were then happy to thank their planner for that save.

Is hiring a wedding planner an expensive decision?

It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Most planners offer a couple of different wedding management packages. If you are willing to put in a little work yourself you can go with one of the packages that cost less.

Also, a huge benefit of hiring a planner is potentially having their professional discounts that they have obtained from working with other vendors. Wedding planners are also great at preventing couples from making expensive mistakes.

What questions should I ask before hiring a wedding planner?

There are so many! I would definitely ask about their experience and their reviews. A lot of clients come into the process only wanting to know and see what type of work we are capable of. The truth is most planners are good at what they do and can pull off anything. You want to get an idea of the experience that past clients had with a planner. Was it rigid and task-oriented, or did the couple share laughs and have a special moment during the planning process? Both can get the job done, but which one would you prefer?

Most planners already have a handful of vendors that they work with regularly and can vouch for their work experience and quality.

What is the procedure for planning a wedding?

First, know what you want for your wedding day. Second, hire a planner!!! Seriously, save yourself the hour and hours of research that comes with finding the perfect vendor for your big day. Most planners already have a handful of vendors that they work with regularly and can vouch for their work experience and quality.

If you did want to take an honest effort in doing it yourself, I would consult with a planner and discuss the multiple aspects of the wedding planning process, create a list and an action plan to get those aspects completed.

Make sure the wedding day is a true representation of who you guys are as a couple.

What are some pre-wedding tips you would give to a couple?

• Know who you are as a couple and plan the day for yourselves! So many times we get caught up in trying to please family, guests or outdo last summers favorite wedding. Make sure the wedding day is a true representation of who you guys are as a couple.
• Another tip I recommend, is to find a way to get organized. As you research for your wedding day, you will have a ton of information to go through. The list of planners, photographers, bakers and wedding attire appointments will begin to stack up. Create a process of Favorite, OKs, and Not so Impressed. That way you know which vendors to give a solid follow up on.
• Last, but not least, don’t be afraid to ask for help! I cannot tell you how many times I get a bride that reaches out to me and she is absolutely frazzled from the process. Why? Because she thought she could plan her wedding while finishing up law school and starting a new “wedding diet” all at the same time! No need to stress your self out like that.