Welcome back to PHF Wedding Education!
Today we want to talk about quite possibly the most important wedding vendor category there is: Wedding Planners.
What comes to mind when you think of a wedding planner? J.Lo?
The Gist on Wedding Planners
What should come to mind when you think of a wedding planner? Peace, comfort, relaxation, excitement, happiness, etc.!
Typically, many couples are on the fence of hiring help for their big day, but there are so many reasons that everyone here at Photohouse loves and TRUSTS great wedding planners and coordinator.
We believe that couples should have the ability to relax and really enjoy the biggest day of their lives! And we cannot tell you how much better our clients feel when they are under guidance of their planner – even when it means booking photography and videography with us!
Sure, a company may have great reviews or a beautiful website…but do they have the trust of their fellow wedding vendors? That is a huge thing to keep an eye on when it comes time to pick all the vendors you want working your big day.
You might be wondering… how often are couples hiring planners?
According to The Knot, about 34% of couples are hiring wedding planners for their big day. That is a significant increase compared to previous years. More and more, couples like yourself are turning to help to bring their picture perfect wedding to life.
So first, you might be wondering – HOW do you pick the best planner for your wedding?
Choosing the right planner is essential.
You want to make sure you like your planner, trust your planner, and can count on your planner before, during AND after wedding day!
Below are our tips on some things to consider when picking your planner.
Make Sure You Are Compatible With Whoever You Hire
Compatibility is key when it comes to picking any person you work with, but especially with your wedding planner. Take your time to dive in and do your homework about who you might want to work with. Also, don’t be afraid to interview them. The more you can get a feel of who they are and how you mesh, the easier it will be to make a choice. Talk to them over the phone or meet them for a little coffee date to make sure that you like their personality and working style.
Make Sure You Like Their Style and Portfolio
There are so many types of weddings/themes/styles out there and every planner/coordinator has their own flare they bring to the table for each event. For example, if you are looking for a bohemian styled wedding but choose a planner who really enjoys classic styles instead — it might not be the right fit for either of you. Do a deep dive on their website, galleries and social media. You will be able to get a good feel on what they’re good at and how they can best help your vision come to life.
Check and Trust the Reviews
Reviews these days are everything. Be sure to look at all the possible review boards when it comes to picking the planner: Google, The Knot, Wedding Wire, Yelp, etc. The more you know about other client’s experiences with them, the more you will know what to expect when it comes to working with them. Other couples are typically honest when it comes to their experiences, so be sure to take their words and thoughts into account when picking who you trust to plan your whole day. The better the reviews, the more likely it is that your wedding and the process of getting there will be a hit.
Now, let’s talk about Pro’s and Con’s for hiring a wedding planner/coordinator…
The Pros:
- You won’t have to do everything yourself
There is nothing better than being free to enjoy your wedding day. It goes fast, so take it from us – sit back and relax and soak up every single moment you can!
- Your family won’t have to do everything themselves
The same goes for your family. This day is also a big deal for them too, so allow them to be present with you and enjoy all the moments they have been dreaming about since you were little.
- You will get connected with great vendors
Planners know all the wedding vendors! They are friends with them! They will know who is the right fit for you based on style and budget. It’s not what you know, it’s WHO you know!
- You will possibly get better pricing on other wedding day needs
Because planners work with other vendors so closely, sometimes they may be able to help get even better pricing than if you just reach out to a random vendor.
- They will help you stay organized and on budget
Staying on budget is our biggest recommendation for all engaged couples. Take a look at our budget blog and learn more about our tips when it comes to budgeting. Your planner will be key in helping you get everything you want within your perfect spending window.
The Cons:
Are there any? We don’t think so.
But something to keep in mind.
- Hiring a planner or coordinator is something you want to factor into your budget. Be aware of how much help you need and how much money you can allocate to that need. Once you know how much you can spend on professional wedding planning help, you will feel so much better reaching out and booking those consultations to find the perfect help you need.
Here at PHF, we love working with all of the Austin/Texas planners and coordinators.
Need some help connecting with a planner you are interested in? Let us know and we can point you in the right direction!
