Wedding Planning-Do I Need a Planner?

I hear quite often from prospective clients that they just don't know how the wedding planning process works. My answer is that they aren't expected to know how it works unless they have already planned a wedding. Weddings come with their own lingo, acronyms, protocol and etiquette. While all weddings are unique, there are a few common denominators when it comes to wedding planning. I hope to answer a few commonly asked questions asked during the wedding planning process so couples know what they are getting into, don't feel intimidated in hiring a wedding planner and most of all so they can enjoy the planning process.

FAQ-Why do I need a wedding coordinator when I'm organized, detailed and good at planning.
Answer-By all means, if you have the time and the desire to plan your wedding then you should do it. When it comes to your wedding day that's when you'll want to trade in your coordinator hat for a wedding veil. The last thing you should be worrying about on your wedding day is if the reception is being setup correctly,and if the caterer, band, DJ, florist,linens and cake have arrived and are ready to go. Your timeline is a great organizational tool but as the honored guests you shouldn't have to be the keeper of the time and orchestrator of your ceremony and reception. Many couples designate their mom, aunt or friend as coordinator but they really won't be able to fully enjoy your wedding if they're running around all night. That is why I highly suggest a "Day Of" coordinator that is there to make sure your ceremony and reception runs smoothly and is not there to be a guest.

FAQ-My fiance (groom) isn't helping, what can I do?
Answer-Not picking on grooms, because I have encountered a rare breed of grooms that do get pretty involved in the planning process, but girls relax,your fiance is not being lazy, uninterested and uncaring. He's not trying to make you do all the work and frankly he may be at a loss at to what he can do. After all, when you go to the bookstore you don't see very many men perusing the bridal magazine section. Give him a task and let him run with it without questioning his decision. He may jump on the wedding planning bandwagon after all. As part of my full wedding coordination I provide a groom's checklist assigning tasks that he is more then equipped to handle should he choose to be a part of the planning process.

FAQ-I want my ceremony and reception to be...(fun, romantic, laid-back, you fill in the blank) but how do I make it happen?
Answer-Every wedding should reflect you as a couple, your likes, your personalities and your style. A wedding coordinator and designer can help by suggesting decor, ambiance, and layout ideas as well as put together a ceremony and reception program that all work together to create the mood you are are desiring. A planner will guide you through the vast options, changing trends and traditions and help you to create a wedding that has your guests leaving knowing that they didn't just go to another wedding, they went to YOUR wedding and it was a special wedding in-deed!


One thing I forgot to add, wedding planning should be fun. Sure there are a lot of little pieces much like a puzzle, but isn't it fun when you find a piece and it fits? I hope you enjoy planning your wedding whether you leave most of it up to a wedding planner or if you plan it yourself. You may spend months or even years planning for one special day so why not enjoy the process and have fun!