Planning 101 | Do you need a wedding planner?
Wedding planning is a full time job in itself and certainly requires help. No bride (or couple!) should navigate these waters alone. But who you choose to ask for help is another matter altogether. Do you ask your bridesmaids/groomsmen/wedding party? And appoint yourself as project manager? Or do you look at hiring a professional?
Wedding planners all have different sized packages and offerings. Do not think that by hiring one you are relinquishing the control of your dream day. These people are experts though - they are very knowledgeable and bloody amazing at what they do. No one has ever regretted hiring a wedding planner to help them get the day they always dreamed of.
But is a planner right for you? Is planning a wedding really that difficult?
Read through the points below to help determine whether a wedding planner could be right for you -
DO YOU WORK A FULL TIME JOB?
If you work a full time job and your partner does too, adding the planning and logistics of a large scale event to that mix could mean chaos, stress and overwhelm. It can definitely make sense to hire a professional and help bring your wedding to life through them.
ARE YOU PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING?
Or are you looking at planning a wedding to be held outside of your home town or city? Having a planner who specialises in weddings in your chosen area will be a great asset and can definitely help with the many specifics of your day. They will have all the insider knowledge of vendors in the area and be aware of any rules or regulations you will need to take into consideration.
ARE YOU ENJOYING THE ORGANISATION AND PLANNING PROCESS?
Wedding planning is definitely not for everyone, and organising events are not everyone’s strong suits. This should be one of the happiest times of your life, so you don’t want to be miserable in the lead up to your dream day due to something that is so easily avoided. There are always partial packages to consider if you would like to have some involvement, and to plan the fun parts - while leaving the difficult (seating plans!) elements to the professionals.
DO YOU HAVE BUDGET QUESTIONS OR QUERIES?
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a wedding planner can be their budget knowledge and savviness. It will cost you extra to hire a planner, that’s a given, but they will be able to help you negotiate and hire other vendors and you may even be able to benefit from their connections.
If you are the CFO in your family though - and love a budget spreadsheet – you may be able to navigate this element on your own.
IS WEDDING PLANNING AFFECTING YOUR RELATIONSHIPS?
Are you super stressed and overwhelmed and lashing out at your loved ones – fiancé included? Stress is normal during the wedding planning process but too much stress and overwhelm can have a severe impact on your mental health and the close relationships around you. Have a planner assist you with your dream day needs will help free your time up and keep your relationships intact!
Here at Dear Romance, I love to help keep the planning process easy, stress-free and fun for couples!
If you need help with the beginning stages of your wedding planning, make sure you download our free guide “Yay, you’re engaged - what’s next?”
It features the first 5 things you should discuss and decide on when starting your wedding planning! I promise it’ll help kick start your planning and start you off on the right track!
Photographer: Heather E Photography
