As a young bride, dealing with the financial hassles of party planning can be nerve-wracking. Every situation and wedding vendor demands a great deal of time and energy; energy that could otherwise be spent beautifying yourself for the big day. If you're getting winded while trying to put out fires left and right, the irritation will show on your face and may even ruin the day for you and your groom-to-be. If you are easily prone to frustration, hiring a wedding planner may be the best thing that you can do for yourself. A professional planner will be able to haggle prices, shop for the best deals and vendors, and take care of all of the last minute details while you’re getting make-up and hair-ready.
The wedding planner will gather cake samples, catalogue bridal party attire, and manage and maintain all of the prospective wedding vendors. While they can be somewhat costly, their contribution on the day of the wedding is well worth it. Plus, it could potentially save you from hundreds of hours of planning. Upon hiring a bridal consultant, try your best to establish a friendly and personal relationship with him/her.
This wedding is the most important day of your entire life, and your planner will be a big part of it. For the next 6 months you’ll be sharing all of your dreams and entrusting him/her to make them come true at all cost. While you should be trusting, try to retain an element of professionalism. Many bridal consultants may try to take advantage of your openness and overcharge while appearing to be giving you a good deal. It’s important that you receive the very best service for the money you pay.
The more expensive wedding planners are those that have been in the business for a long time. When interviewing potential consultants, make sure to inquire about creative talents and years of experience. Sometimes the more cost-effective planners only assist with a specific portion of the event, leaving the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner up to you. Prior to commitment, see what he/she is responsible for. It would also be in your best interest not to hire someone who already has engagements on the same weekend – you want someone who has the time and ability to direct all of their attention solely on you
One key benefit to hiring a bridal planner is that he/she will already have established relationships with many wedding vendors in town. By way of their business connections you may be able to save hundreds to thousands of dollars. Speak candidly with your consultant and inquire about the kickbacks they receive through certain companies. Keep in mind: your bridal consultant represents you and your wedding. He/she will be scheduling meetings with vendors and proposing your specific opinions and demands. It’s important that you hire someone who is highly diplomatic, articulate and candid. Otherwise, you may not get the best deal possible.
Another good reason to hire a wedding planner is that he/she can help manage your wedding budget. In addition to alleviating stress otherwise caused by money-related issues, you’ll save yourself from endless hours of negotiation not to mention compromising on things that you want. A good bridal planner will be financially adept and have a knack for accounting. When all else fails, your planner will be able to thrift shop with the remaining funds and still pull off a classy and elegant event.