You may know about wedding planners from movies, TV or celebrity weddings, but these give way to some misconceptions about what a wedding planner actually does! I’m looking at you J-Lo… Below, I go through what a wedding planner is, what we do, and what working with me actually involves!
What is a wedding planner?
“A wedding planner is a professional who helps design, plan and manage a client's wedding day(s)”. Wedding planners will not be running off with your groom, and will not take over your wedding. What we will be doing is running your wedding logistics!
What happens when I hire a wedding planner? How do wedding planners work?
First things first, you will have a free initial consultation. This could be over the phone, via video chat, or in person, depending on the planner. This consultation gives us a better idea of the sort of help you require, which package suits you, and lets us get to know you better! After all, we’re all about you and your personalities. As a heads up, we will ask you what your wedding budget is too. A lot of our work revolves around this figure and it is vital that we start out knowing what we’re working with.
This initial consultation is also your opportunity to get to know the planner. I would recommend talking to a number of wedding planners before booking to make sure you find the person who is right for you. You should ask any questions you have about their services, and see if you really want this person at your wedding - we’ll be spending a lot of time together!
Once you’ve decided on a services list with your planner, you will sign their contract, pay a deposit or booking fee, and then the work begins.
What tasks does a wedding planner cover?
My work covers everything and anything wedding related. When we have our initial consultation, I will go through a questionnaire that should highlight which jobs you require help with! To give you some ideas of the tasks I can cover, see my services pages here.
As an example, if you hired my full planning services and wanted to have a hands-off approach, then I would:
suggest wedding theme and styling ideas to inspire you;
source suitable venues and suppliers based on your requirements, giving you shortlists to choose from;
structure your budget and help you stick to it, giving money-saving tips where possible;
organise your initial supplier consultations and attend them where needed or requested;
negotiate your contracts to ensure you get the best deal;
suggest local accommodation and transport options for guests;
secure bookings for you, giving you timelines and prompts to let you know when your input is needed;
keep track of your RSVPs, meal choices, and dietary requirements;
create detailed timelines to give to your suppliers for the wedding day;
on the day making sure that everyone adheres to our carefully laid out plans (as well as lighting candles, turning on lights, setting up entertainment and/or décor, greeting suppliers, keeping track of guests, answering any questions, handling any issues… etc.);
after the wedding ensuring that everything is packed away and returned to its rightful place.
Of course, you can have as much or as little involvement in these processes as you like! You are more than welcome to take on some of these tasks yourself and leave me with the jobs you’d prefer to avoid! I will always give you regular updates on my progress, but I can even copy you into all emails if that’s what you want.
You are the one in control of your wedding. You tell me what works best for you.
With partial planning services, you’ll have started booking your suppliers and working on your wedmin. Your wedding planner will help bring everything together and tie up any loose ends; a selection of those tasks listed would be included, and you will receive on-the-day help.
For on-the-day services, you will be happily planning the wedding yourselves and just want to hand everything over for the big day. Your wedding planner will draw up the wedding timeline, check you haven’t missed anything that needs doing, and manage the wedding day so you can enjoy your special moment.
I also offer wedding planning booster sessions if you are happy planning their own wedding, but would like to run your ideas past a professional or get help with a task that you’re stuck on. This is my most affordable option; I aim to be able to help as many of you as possible to have a stress-free wedding planning experience!
What does a wedding planner wear on the job?
Every wedding planner works in their own way, but I will wear whatever you want me to within reason! I am happy working in a white shirt and black trousers, or if you’d like me to blend in with your guests then I can pop on a jumpsuit or dress instead.
What sort of weddings can a wedding planner help with?
Any kind! I happily work on weddings big or small, traditional or modern, church or marquee, same-sex or fusion, luxury or budget – you name it, I’m here to help.
I hope this has answered your questions about the work of a wedding planner, but if you want to know more then just get in touch here! If you’re interested in hiring a wedding planner, then start by looking at my services page or just click here to fill in a simple enquiry form and I’ll be in touch soon!
