You have been fantasizing about this day since you were little and have been creating the perfect Pinterest boards in anticipation. You’ve found the man of your dreams and now that you’re engaged you are excited to get the planning process started. But you are already feeling overwhelmed and you just started planning…there’s a lot to do in preparation of your big day! Unfortunately, planning a wedding isn’t all butterflies and rainbows. If this sounds familiar, then you may want to consider hiring a wedding planner. A wedding planner is a professional who assists with the design, planning and management of a client’s wedding. They are also there to alleviate any stress and ensure that your day runs smoothly. Do you need a wedding planner? If you fit into any of the categories below, then the answer may be yes.
- Reduce Stress
Does the thought of planning an entire wedding by yourself give you anxiety? You are not alone. There are a lot of details and decisions to make regarding your special day, but wedding planning should be a fun experience. Having a wedding planner to lean on can drastically reduce the amount of stress you feel not only in the months leading up to the wedding, but also on the day of the event. The actual wedding day can be hectic and it’s convenient to have a designated point person who can put out any fires that may arise (trust us, there are bound to be a few). Hiring a planner lets you be able to fully enjoy the most incredible day of your life.
- Save time
So, you are working full-time, trying to maintain a social life, attempting to stick to a workout routine and enjoy your engagement all while planning a wedding? We get it, sis. There just isn’t enough time in a day to manage everything. An average modern wedding takes about 528 hours to plan and that is valuable time. If you are just too busy or running out of time, this is where hiring a wedding planner can help. A wedding planner will help you schedule vendor meetings (or even attend the meetings for you!), pick out linens, and take care of other tasks that you just don’t have time for. Wedding planners also know the ins and outs of the industry and can help cut down on the time you would normally spend searching for what you like.
- Getting married out of town
You’ve decided that your perfect venue or wedding location is in a different city or country. This is when it is especially helpful to hire someone who’s familiar with the area as well as local vendors. A local planner will have inside knowledge of the area and will be able to provide recommendations on items such as accommodations, maps and directions, and a list of fun things for your family and friends to enjoy during their stay. Also, if you are not able to attend meetings due to distance, this is where your planner can serve as a huge asset.
- Stay within budget
Let’s be honest, weddings can be pricey. From the venue to the caterer and every item in between the costs can start to add up. Did you know that an average wedding in the Raleigh, North Carolina area costs just over $30,000? Whether you have a small or large budget, hiring a wedding planner can help save you money in the long run. Your wedding planner will help you to set an overall budget and stick to it. Because most wedding planners have relationships with vendors, they can get you the best pricing while also guaranteeing that you are choosing a reliable partner.
- Don’t want to rely on family and friends
Without a planner or coordinator, duties such as set-up and break-down are typically distributed to the bridal party and family members. Even though your friends and family would do anything for you, relying on them to bring your vision to life is a big task. You don’t want to be running around on your wedding day checking to make sure the center pieces are set up how you envisioned them. This is where having a wedding planner or coordinator can come in handy. They are there to make sure your vision comes to life as well as ensure that your friends and family can be fully present and enjoy your day too.