What does a wedding planner do?
Remember sitting as a guest at a wedding waiting for the bride to come gliding down the aisle, you turn around anticipating the glorious moment only to see the fear of realisation in the the brides face as catches her heel in the red carpet!! Oops!!
As a Wedding Planner we know a thing or two about tips on planning. So below are my top tips for walking down the aisle.
Top tips for walking down the aisle.
Let's start with What does a wedding planner do?
Broadly speaking think of them as your own personal assistant. Many wedding planners offer full planning service where they will plan and design the whole event, working closely with their client making suggestions from colour schemes, venues and suppliers and will often work with them for over a year right up to when you are off on your honeymoon.
As a Wedding Planner we know a thing or two about tips on planning.
If a client has already booked their venue, this is where a wedding planner may offer their partial planning service and will often take over from where you have left off. Some will offer on the day management co-ordinating all the suppliers, allowing you to enjoy the moment.
Ultimately using a wedding planner should remove the stress from the planning, organising and decision making, whilst the couple remain in control of the what they want.
Do I need a Wedding Planner if the venue has their own Co-ordinator?
Good question. Often the venue co-ordinator will focus on the venue and of course is employed by that venue, whereas the wedding planner will work independently for you and will organise absolutely everything.
Wedding Planner top tips
Wedding planners will advise you at every step of the way and make recommendations how to make the wedding personal to you from colour themes to recommending suppliers. They will of course work with suppliers that you have already found.
Here are 5 top tips to avoid:
- If the ceremony is outside and you have placed a red carpet over grass as your wedding isle, make sure you place a wooden flooring underneath the carpet – otherwise heels will go through the carpet and you will be stuck!
- Know your budget and stick to it. There is no point getting into debt for years for one day of your life. A wedding planner will ensure you get value for your money by negotiating fees of suppliers.
- Don’t leave everything to the last moment. The actual day will arrive soon, and often good suppliers will be booked already. The more the planning is spread out, the less stress you will feel.
- Don’t forget to nominate who is doing what on your wedding day. A wedding planner can be booked just for the day to ensure everything goes to plan and timing, and co-ordinate all the suppliers ensuring all the guests are cared for.
- If you are wanting an outdoor wedding, don’t forget to think about a plan B due to the UK weather!
Ultimately using a wedding planner should remove the stress from the planning, organising and decision making, whilst the couple remain in control of the what they want.
How much does a wedding planner cost?
Normally they will charge between 10-15% of the total cost of the wedding. This is a more effective price than paying by the hour, as majority of weddings involve 250-300 hours of work!
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How do I know which Wedding Planner to use?
As you will expect its important to choose the right planner for you after all they will differ from personalities, styles and experience.
Whilst there isn’t a qualification in wedding planner, I have undertaken various training and offer this within my wedding celebrant and planning business.
Amanda-Louise Knight Ceremonies. I am affiliated with and trained at The Institute of Professional Celebrants. I have a wealth of experience as a wedding planner and celebrant and regularly work with clients wanting personalised luxury ceremonies in Somerset and across the UK. Contact me on hello@alkcelebrant.co.uk or 07879 220 046