Stress-free nuptials

They could save you money, time and hassle… If you want your wedding to run like a dream, let a wedding planner take the strain

Do you want a dream wedding but have no idea where to begin? Are you on a tight budget but want to make your money go as far as possible? Maybe you want someone there on the day to ensure everything goes smoothly. Whatever you envisage for your special day, a wedding planner will have the skills and experience to make it a reality. A wedding planner’s brief is simple: to provide you with a stress-free and enjoyable planning experience that results in a wedding day that is within budget and a true reflection of your relationship and commitment to one another.

Money-saving advice

Hiring a planner not only provides relief from the 300 hours it could take you to plan your day – they’ll save you a considerable amount of money too. Their experience in the wedding industry means that not only do they have extensive knowledge of venues, suppliers and current trends; they can also show you where to cut costs without cutting corners and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the highest quality for the lowest possible price. They will help you:

• Create a budget that is both realistic and easy to manage.
• Assess your vision and planning priorities.
• Decide where to splurge and where to save.
• Negotiate discounts with suppliers.
• Monitor when deposits and final balances are due.

Pick your package

Most planners offer flexible packages that can be adapted to suit your needs and budget.

• Full planning – the ‘start to finish’ package, taking care of absolutely everything. You decide what you want, they make it happen; all you need to do is turn up on the day!
• Partial planning – either the planner is on hand while you do the arranging, or they have responsibilities for specific elements, such as sourcing a venue, budget management, theme suggestions or arranging transportation.
• Three months before – helping you to pull the final arrangements together, the planner ensures everything is in place, nothing has been forgotten and that everyone knows their roles or responsibilities.
• On the day – the planner provides essential on-the-day services, including decorating the venues, receiving and coordinating all suppliers and acting as toastmaster, where required.
• Bespoke – you create the planning package you want from scratch.

Choosing your planner

Ask about past weddings they have planned – think quality not quantity.
Check whether they offer an initial consultation so you can discuss packages in detail before you make a decision.
Do they take commission? This may create a bias towards certain suppliers.
Do they offer any post-wedding services?