Whether you have a few ideas or a million, your Unions With Celia Wedding Planner will help you make sense of it all. They will also be your best friend when it comes to putting out any big-day fires.
When interviewing a potential wedding planner, ask for a list of references from past couples. This will give you a clear picture of their work style and how well they get along with others.
Planning
A wedding planner is a valuable resource for any bride or groom who feels they don’t have enough time to plan their own wedding due to busy work schedules, social commitments, etc. During an initial consultation the client (or clients) will establish their role in the planning process. It is important for the planner to understand who will be calling the shots so that they can relay information appropriately – such as when a wedding day timeline will be sent out and to whom (MC, photographer, maid of honor, key family members, etc.).
Throughout the planning process it is helpful for the couple and planner to create a master wedding checklist that orders tasks and deadlines according to priority. This will help to ensure that the bigger items like choosing a date, booking venues and vendors are tackled first.
When it comes to vendor selection, the expert planner will be able to look at the big picture and take into consideration things like guest count, venue size and cost, food and beverage options, and decor. They will also be able to offer priceless tips and guidance. A reputable planner should be familiar with the top vendors in the area and be able to recommend based on their experience. They should also be able to provide general percentages and price ranges that a couple should stay within for certain vendors.
Budgeting
One of the most important things a wedding planner can do for their clients is to make sure they stay on budget. It can be easy to get swept away with the idea of a once-in-a-lifetime day, but it is vital that both partners come up with a list of shared priorities and then compromise to create a realistic limit.
It is also important to keep your personal finances in mind and factor in any debt you may still be paying off, other wedding expenses you might have to attend or any future financial goals (like buying a home or going on vacation). If you are saving up specifically for your wedding, try to put as much of it on a credit card with rewards or cashback, so that you can track the additions and withdrawals easily.
It’s always a good idea to include 5% of your total wedding budget in reserve for unforeseen costs. These can include anything from extra flowers (because a bride realised her sister needs a corsage and boutonniere) to additional weather-related expenses (umbrellas, space heaters or menus that get damp). Also, be sure to take into account any hidden fees a vendor may have, like cake cutting or rental charges, and be sure to read all contracts carefully so that there are no surprises.
Vendor Selection
If you’re like many couples planning your wedding, you’ll want to ensure that the right vendors are chosen. This will help ensure that the services you’re paying for are of the highest quality and will support your vision for your big day. While researching vendors it’s important to consider a variety of factors, including the vendor’s experience, their reputation in the industry, the caliber of work they have produced on past events, their ability to be flexible with respect to your requirements, and whether or not they understand your budget.
In addition to evaluating each vendor against your requirements, it’s also important to understand the way in which they communicate with their clients. We recommend asking a potential vendor what their preferred method of communication is (email, in person meetings, phone calls, video conference calls, etc). This will help to ensure that you have the best possible experience working with them.
Another good tip is to ask your venue about their favorite vendors! They will have a wealth of knowledge about local and extending markets for different types of vendors. They will know who does a great job, and who doesn’t! They will have a great understanding of what it takes for a vendor to be considered “good” for their venue, and they will be able to provide you with some excellent references.
On-the-Day Coordination
Your wedding day coordinator takes the big jigsaw pieces of your planning and fits them precisely together for your perfect day. This involves a final venue walk through, creating and distributing an itinerary to every vendor involved well in advance, and being there for your rehearsal as well as your wedding day itself.
On-the-day coordination also includes reviewing and amending your timeline if necessary, making sure that all of your vendors are aware of the timeline (and sticking to it!) and helping your guests navigate your venue with ease. This is also the person who will ensure that the DJ can schedule their sets correctly, that your photographer is there at the right time to capture your toasts and other moments, and that you get to the dance floor with plenty of time to spare!
Of course, no matter how detailed and experienced a planner or coordinator is, things can always go wrong on the wedding day. An experienced coordinator will quickly problem solve if your hairdresser runs a bit behind, the cake isn’t delivered on time or the father of the bride can’t make it to the ceremony site before the first look. They’re the ones who will find a solution and keep you calm in the most stressful of situations. That’s why so many couples rely on their coordinator to be their go-to throughout the day!