Congratulations on your engagement!
Now let the planning begin. Of course I am biased as I am a wedding planner/co-ordinator but I believe that intimate weddings through to the more elaborate celebrations can all benefit from using a wedding planner.
But like any of your wedding suppliers not all planners are created equal.
I am confident that most if not all planners here in NZ are reputable and well regarded. Our small population just doesn’t allow for those to continue in business if they aren’t any good, but following are some tips for you when choosing a planner.
A wedding planner should:
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Be organised. They are going to be the point of contact for you and your suppliers if they are assisting you with the full planning of your big day and as such they need to have excellent record keeping, emails tracking transactions and contracts. They should be in regular contact and decide from the beginning how this will be achieved.-
A great relationship with your other wedding suppliers. There is no point a planner making life more difficult for you if they don’t get on with your venue or the caterers for example.-
Be polite and courteous. I will never, even if instructed to, be rude to a family member or a supplier. Firm yes, but it’s all about solutions especially on the wedding day so drama is out and calm resolution is in.-
Be sensitive and discreet. Basic requirements I think!-
They should have packages to suit you. You will know how much you have planned and what you need help with so make sure that the planner knows this and can provide you with a clear path of what they can do.-
They should provide you with a formal proposal of how much they will cost and what you are getting for your money. There should be no hidden costs as this is the most expensive party you will ever probably hold. Then there should be a confirmation and even a contract to sign.-
Like weddings and love the romance. I know this sounds obvious but this is a person you will want to get excited about planning with so they should be passionate about what they do.-
Have a great eye for detail and the trends and what makes a pretty place and venue look great. There are some amazing ideas these days that can transform a wedding venue and style (without breaking the bank too!).-
Have an understanding of your budget and how to make this work to its best advantage.-
Be independent to the suppliers they are recommending. I do not accept any kickbacks or referral fees from any supplier and will only propose the very best supplier for a couple and will pass on the best prices and benefits to them.-
Have a comprehensive knowledge of venues and places in their area and so can match your wedding wishes and dreams to the right supply and places. Since the Earthquakes this broader knowledge has proven invaluable to me and my couples-
And finally they should be someone you like. At the end of the day you could be spending a bit of time with this person or company and really you do want your special day spent with someone you don’t like or respect.So a planner can be an amazing resource and person to have in your wedding corner. Google search yes but ask your other suppliers and check references on their websites to make sure this planner is the right one for you both and your special day.