Whether you’re a bride-to-be or a groom gearing up for the big day, the road to marital bliss is paved with excitement. Still, it’s no secret it can also be speckled with challenges.
If you find yourself nodding to statements like “What’s a vendor list?” or “How much does a wedding cost, anyway?” you’re not alone.
Many newly engaged couples find themselves overwhelmed by the ins and outs of wedding planning. This is where help from a planner can make all the difference.
Below, we’ll reveal the telltale signs you might need a wedding planner. Whether you have no idea where to start or realize you have little time to focus on planning the details, we’ve got the lowdown on when it might be time to bring in the professionals.
And if you’re wondering how to choose the right wedding planner, keep reading for our tips to ensure your journey down the aisle is nothing short of spectacular.
12 Signs You Might Need a Wedding Planner
You might need a wedding planner if:
You’ve never planned a wedding before.
You don’t have a good list of talented vendors.
You’re guessing what a wedding costs.
You have a full-time job and wedding planning feels like a second one.
You’re getting married at a destination—and even if you’re not.
You’re getting married in 12 months and have yet to do a thing.
You have a vision and don’t know how to make it happen.
You don’t have a vision and want something beautiful.
You want to enjoy the engagement season instead of stressing over the details.
Family dynamics make wedding planning feel like a soap opera.
You need to catch up on etiquette and want to avoid committing a wedding faux pas.
You want to stress less and be in the moment on your big day.
Tips on Choosing the Right Wedding Planner for You
Now that we’ve established you need a wedding planner, the next step is to find the right one. Here are some practical tips to guide you through the process:
1. Seek Alignment
Before making any decisions, immerse yourself in the wedding planner’s portfolio. Ask yourself: Do their previous weddings look and feel the way I envision mine? Consider the scope, aesthetics, and overall vibe.
Scope: Consider the scale and scope of the weddings in their portfolio. Do they specialize in intimate gatherings or grand affairs? Ensure their experience aligns with the size and type of celebration you have in mind.
Consistency: Look at the aesthetic in the planner’s previous work. Are there different looks, styles, color palettes, or design elements? This can indicate a strong understanding of each client’s individual style, ensuring a cohesive yet personalized look for your wedding.
Attention to Detail: Zoom in on the details captured in their previous events. Notice the floral arrangements, table settings, and overall decor. A planner with a keen eye for detail can elevate your wedding with thoughtful and personalized touches.
2. Be Wary of Styled Shoots
Styled shoots are creative collaborations where vendors showcase their skills and create a visually stunning setup. While these shoots can be a fantastic display of creativity, they might not always reflect the practical aspects of executing a live wedding event. Here’s what to consider:
Authenticity: Styled shoots often feature picture-perfect scenarios with models as the main subjects. When assessing a wedding planner’s portfolio, ensure real couples and guests are in the images. This authenticity shows that the planner has experience handling the dynamics of a live event.
Realism: Styled shoots might prioritize aesthetics over practicality. Look for evidence that the planner can seamlessly translate their creative ideas into real wedding scenarios. Practical details like guest flow, timing, and coordination are crucial for a successful wedding, and these aspects may not be evident in styled shoot images alone.
Vendor Collaborations: While styled shoots involve collaboration between various vendors, knowing if the planner can effectively coordinate and communicate with different professionals in a real wedding setting is essential. Check if the planner’s portfolio showcases a diverse range of vendor collaborations that go beyond styled shoots.
Client Testimonials: If a planner’s portfolio heavily features styled shoots, reading client testimonials is a good idea. Feedback from previous couples can provide valuable insights into the planner’s actual performance during real weddings, including their professionalism, communication skills, and ability to execute the envisioned wedding.
3. Dive into Their Digital Presence
A wedding planner’s digital presence, including their website and blog, can provide valuable insights into their style, personality, and professionalism.
Explore their media to get a feel for their tone and communication style. Pay attention to how they describe their services, share wedding stories, and interact with their audience. A planner whose tone resonates with you is more likely to understand your preferences and effectively communicate throughout the planning process.
Read through the planner’s blog content to gain insights into their expertise, approach, and industry knowledge. Relevant and informative blog posts indicate a commitment to keeping clients informed and showcase the planner’s dedication to their craft.
Check their presence on social media platforms, too. Social media can provide a more dynamic and real-time view of their work, client interactions, and community engagement. Look for consistency in messaging and a positive rapport with past clients.
4. Consider Quality vs. Quantity
A planner who takes on more weddings might offer a more cost-effective service, but it also raises the question of how much time and dedication they can realistically allocate to each event.
While a planner with a high volume of weddings may have honed their skills, it’s essential to evaluate whether they can provide the personalized attention your special day deserves.
Striking the right balance ensures your wedding planner delivers a professional service and invests the time and energy needed to turn your unique vision into a seamless and memorable reality.
Consider the trade-offs and find a planner who can offer both quantity in terms of experience and quality in terms of personalized service.
5. Zoom In
As you narrow your selection of potential wedding planners, the next step involves more than just perusing their online portfolios. It’s time to take a closer look – literally.
Schedule a virtual Zoom meeting with your shortlisted planners to bridge the gap between the digital world and personal connection. This face-to-face interaction is a valuable opportunity to gauge the planner’s personality, professionalism, and compatibility with your vision.
In the Zoom meeting, observe what they say and how they say it. Pay attention to their demeanor, communication style, and enthusiasm for your wedding.
Approach the meeting with an open mind and a willingness to engage in a two-way discovery process. This is a chance for you to interview the planner and an opportunity for them to understand your preferences, priorities, and the unique elements you envision for your big day.
This initial meeting sets the tone for your working relationship and provides a glimpse into the collaborative journey ahead.
By the end of the call, you should have a clearer sense of whether the planner aligns with your personality, understands your vision, and possesses the qualities necessary to bring your dream wedding to fruition.
You Might Need Us By Your Side
If you checked off several signs and feel like we might be a great fit, you might need to get in touch with us! We’re just a quick email away, and we’re ready to help you create something beautiful.
