Sep 11 2008
Choosing a Wedding Planner
Not so long ago, hiring a wedding planner was reserved for only the most extravagant affairs. Now it is fairly common to hire a wedding planner for even a modest event. The problem with the wedding planning business is the fact that anyone can open up shop and call themselves a wedding planner. This is why, when hiring a wedding planner, it is often a case of buyer beware.
When you’re in the market for a wedding planner there are a few things you should know before hitting the trail. The first thing to remember is that a wedding planner should cost in the neighborhood of 10% - 15% of your total budget. If you are planning on spending the average $25,000 for you wedding your wedding planner should charge no more than $3,750 (to determine this amount multiply your budget by .15). The other thing you should know is that some wedding planners charge a fee for the initial consultation. Some people say that any reputable wedding planner will charge you for their time. It is my opinion that the initial consultation should act as an interview. You are hiring this person they are not choosing whether or not to work for you. This is why I feel it’s almost criminal to charge for this “meeting”.
Now that you know the financial aspects you need to find the right person. Every reputable wedding planner should have a portfolio ready and waiting for you to see. Once you begin to look at the portfolios there is a trick. Does every wedding look very similar, very different or some combination? If every wedding looks nearly identical (with slight variations in color, location etc.) there is a good chance that this wedding planner is a bull. They have their own design aesthetic and use very little of the couple’s input. They power over the couple and let everyone else know how it’s going to go. Ideally you will see a portfolio with a wide variety of styles. A diverse wedding planner is a creative person who can take the wishes of the couple and manifest them into something beautiful.
After examining the portfolios you will want to sit down and talk to the wedding planner. Sure they will have plenty questions for you (when, how large, what colors or themes you’re thinking about etc.) but you need to come with your own arsenal of questions as well. The most important thing you’re going to want to assess is how well you can work with this person. If there is a personality clash in the first hour meeting there are sure to be problems when the stress levels rise. If your personalities compliment each other, however, you are more likely to acheive harmony.
The next thing you will want to determine is whether or not this person appears to have the power to assert authority. This is the person who will be negotiating your contracts and keeping your vendors on track. If they are meek and soft spoken they will likely be walked on and you, in turn, will be walked on.
Another issue to consider is their list of vendors. Some wedding planners use the same baker, the same florist, the same photographer for every wedding. Some are even unwilling to use other vendors even at the couple’s request. Working with someone so inflexible will likely cause emotions to flare when something goes wrong.
The last thing you want to do, before hiring your wedding planner, is to read that contract! Many wedding planners insist on full payment upfront. Other’s will insert a clause stating that payment is still owed even if the couple backs out. If any of these clauses are in the contract and you are uncomfortable signing it, negotiate. If they are unwilling to negotiate, pass.
Finding the perfect wedding planner does not have to be as difficult as it sounds. Most wedding planners are good at their jobs. They create beautiful events and charge appropriately. However, there are those few out there that make a bad name for the rest. Shop carefully and you’ll find a good fit.
