Is spending thousands on a wedding planner really worth the investment? That’s what most couples ask themselves during the engagement phase. Sure, wedding planning may sound fun and easy, but when you really sit down and look at the details, the whole ordeal may sound daunting and straight-up stressful. Especially when you’d rather focus this time with your partner instead of worrying about things, well - planners should worry about. Trust us, it’s the small things that add up.
Senior Event Planner at Aquafuzion, Beverly Peterson says it is absolutely worth every penny. She’s been in the wedding industry for 30 years and has done over 400 weddings. If you really choose your planner carefully and wisely, it can actually end up saving you more money.
Here’s why:
1. Budgeting and legal contracts.
“We are able to reign in or stretch your budget as needed, because we know what’s more important.” Peterson says. “As the couple go into the wedding process some people get caught up in all the beauty. Our job is to keep the budget and to make sure things don’t get out of hand. I once kept to a $20,000 budget for two students getting married. Together we made certain we stayed within the budget and guidelines and made wise decisions. It’s important to respect and be focused on our client’s priorities and that comes from years of experience, and in turn knowing how to get the biggest pop from your dollar.”
2. Gives you a peace of mind.
It’s not easy planning a wedding along with the added stress that comes along with it. Having a wedding planner allows you to literally hand off your wedding to an expert. Peterson says, “The week before your wedding all the craziness that you’re anticipating, you don’t have to look at it and what’s even more exciting is that everything is in place the day of the wedding.” Having a wedding planner allows you to focus on what’s really important - which is your partner, instead of having to worry about the small details.
“In turn, families are able to focus on the bride and groom instead of focusing on the wedding details and emergencies. Everyone gets to do their job that they are meant to do, instead of focusing on what’s lacking in the wedding” notes Peterson. Hiring a wedding planner is an investment that’s worthwhile and it saves you your time, effort and money. After all, your wedding only happens once (or at least we hope so) and it’s important that it reflects your vision in its entirety.
3. Vendor prices.
“The relationship we have with our vendors is unbeatable and it’s because we create a trust between one another. We are able to get vendor prices that normally a couple that is trying to plan their own wedding wouldn’t be able to. We know who is reliable in the industry because we have worked with them over time and time again. In addition, we also know which vendors are more cost effective and with that comes the right questions to ask” says Peterson.
4. Organization and Systematic approach
“A planner who is detailed oriented thinks about the little things that count. It’s important we keep all the paperwork/ contracts in an orderly fashion and we touch base with vendors when we hire them and then we touch base again in the final weekend on the day. Our systems have been proven to work and are effective” says Peterson. “We’ve done it numerous times and as professionals are experienced know what works and what doesn’t work. For example, bustling a dress can take 10 -15 minutes. Most couples have no idea how long it actually takes for the grand entrance, cutting of the cake, or meal service. The last thing you want to do is wear a watch or carry a timeline on the day of your wedding.”
5. Seeing your vision come alive.
“We know exactly how to facilitate your special day. It’s okay to see it on Pinterest and know this is what you want. A good planner knows how to make that vision happen through experience” notes Peterson. “We want nothing more than to make your wedding vision exactly the way you picture it from start to finish. While vendors normally tackle more than one wedding per day or per weekend, a wedding planner is focused only on your special day and will make certain everything goes according to your unique plan.
