Why hire a wedding planner? After all they cost money. Or do they?
“The whole purpose is to relieve the stress of the day, to take it away from the bride and groom so they can enjoy themselves,” says Maria Swannell of Perfect Occasions. “Even if they want to do the personal touches themselves, a good wedding planner can save them hours of research.”
Swannell should know. She’s been featured on Get Me to the Wedding on Time, on the Women’s Television Network. She suggests that hiring a planner can ultimately save money. “We can negotiate terms and packages for these services because the companies know we will be coming back again,” she says. “And we interview the vendors to ensure the services are everything they should be.” She can then arrange appointments for the couple to meet the photographer, the florist, the deejay, etc.
It starts with a discussion with the couple – what do they want, how much do they want to spend, what’s important to them, etc. Being familiar with the industry and what services are available, she can steer the couple to places that offer the right kind of services at the right prices. And she can help them to think creatively. For example, a recent fall wedding featured décor with copper trim; the bride, at first apprehensive, was delighted with the result. “Weddings don’t have to be all white,” she said. “Sometimes couples get fixed in one idea. I help them to think outside the box.”
One important service she provides is to sort out contracts and send confirmation letters to vendors and the couple. Most importantly, she’s there on the wedding day to see that the hall is just right, the guest book and seating cards are in place, all the little details. She ensures everything moves naturally. “The couple doesn’t even know the glitches that have happened because I’ve smoothed it out quietly,” she laughs. She’s even helped a nervous best man with his speech.
In the end, says Swannell, a wedding planner can save a couple time and even money, but most importantly, it can provide them with peace of mind on their momentous day.
