Often, even the most intelligent and organised people are unable to fully grasp what is required to plan and execute a wedding (we definitely fell into this bucket). To give you an idea, we wrote a book on wedding planning and it’s 392 pages long! The reason so many couples underestimate the wedding planning process is simply because for most of them, this is their first rodeo.
Of course, everyone places value on different things so the answer to the question “are wedding planners worth it?” isn’t a simple yes or no. Some couples see lengthy to-do lists as an exciting personal challenge, while others would rather eat rocks.
The point we’re trying to make is that no matter what kind of wedding celebration you plan on having (eg. elopement, lunchtime wedding, destination etc.), they all require a fair amount of time and effort to pull off.
If hiring a wedding planner is something you’re on the fence about, let us expand on their role and the main benefits of having one.
Featured image: Parlour. Planning Events by Bex.
The Benefits of Hiring a Wedding Planner
Planning a wedding can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, especially for couples navigating the myriad of decisions that come with bringing their dream day to life. From selecting the perfect venue and vendors to organising permits and runsheets, the to-do list can seem endless.
Let’s dive into the reasons why enlisting the help of a wedding planner might just be the best decision you make during the wedding planning process.
Expertise and experience
Wedding planners are seasoned professionals who have orchestrated countless celebrations. They bring a wealth of knowledge and industry expertise to the table, helping you navigate potential pitfalls and ensuring your day unfolds seamlessly.
Less stress
Planning a wedding can cause cortisol levels to rise. From coordinating vendors to managing timelines, there’s no shortage of tasks to tackle and it can be overwhelming. A wedding planner acts as your advocate, shouldering the logistical burden so you can focus on feeling excited rather than stressed in the lead up to your big day.
Budget management
With their keen eye for detail and extensive network of vendors, wedding planners can help you maximise your budget without sacrificing your vision. They can negotiate contracts, identify cost-saving opportunities and keep your spending on track, ultimately saving you both time and money.
Personalisation and creativity
Your wedding should be a reflection of your unique love story. Wedding planners excel at bringing your vision to life, whether you’re dreaming of a sophisticated country celebration or a waterfront affair. They’ll work closely with you to understand your preferences and infuse every aspect of your celebration with personal touches that make it truly unforgettable.
On-the-day coordination
Your wedding planner will be the main point of contact on the day of your wedding. They’ll be on-site to ensure everything runs to schedule, deal with any inevitable hurdles that might come up and then help the event end smoothly (while coordinating any vendors who are packing down equipment). With their expert guidance, you can forget about all the moving parts and get on with the Champagne drinking.
Do I need a wedding planner?
While hiring a wedding planner undoubtedly comes with numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider your unique needs and preferences before making a decision. Before you hire a wedding planner, take into account factors like:
Wedding location
Are you getting married at a local wedding venue or somewhere further afield? Will coordinating logistics be a challenge given your venue’s location or is it somewhere that you can easily access at any time if the need arises?
Logistics
Is your wedding venue all-inclusive or is it mostly DIY? For example, does your venue have a dedicated wedding team to manage things like run-sheets, dietary requirements, wet weather alternatives, set-up and styling or do you need to organise and co-ordinate all of these things yourself?
Personality type and current life status
Some people are natural born planners while others can function just fine in their own kind of chaos. Neither is good or bad, it’s just a matter of identifying your strengths and weaknesses and knowing what to outsource and what you feel comfortable and capable of doing yourself.
Or, some people are great party planners but they simply don’t have the time to organise their own wedding in-between all of life’s other demands (work, kids, social events etc.). Just because you have the skills, doesn’t mean it’s a task you should feel pressured to take on yourself.
Wedding party and other support people
Fact: nobody can plan and execute a wedding single-handedly. If you choose not to hire a wedding planner, consider who else can help with the heavy lifting (both figuratively and literally).
This typically falls on your wedding party and other close friends and family, who of course are happy to help but (note the emphasis) make sure whatever tasks you assign them don’t take away from their ability to fully enjoy your wedding (both in the lead up to and on the day).
Budget
Determine how much you’re willing to allocate to hiring a wedding planner. Wedding planners typically charge either a flat fee or an hourly rate. Make sure to factor this expense into your overall budget.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not to hire a wedding planner is a personal choice that depends on factors such as your budget, timeline, and comfort level with planning. However, for many couples, the peace of mind and invaluable support that a wedding planner provides make them worth their weight in gold. And if you’re on the hunt, you can find some of our highly recommended planners right here.
