Tips on Choosing Your Wedding Planner

If you can afford it, hiring a wedding planner would make things a lot easier for you. And because a wedding planner is a pro and someone who knows the real challenges of preparing for this special occasion, you can be assured that nothing would be overlooked and that the budget you set will be strictly followed.

The assistance of a wedding planner is invaluable especially if you want a destination wedding. Having someone to make arrangements from the local place of your wedding can save you time, energy and costs.

Here are tips on how to choose the right wedding planner:

Ask for recommendations. Ask friends or relatives for possible recommendations. Someone you know may have hired a wedding planner or may know someone who did and you can get a really good recommendation based on personal experience.

Surf the internet. It’s also a good idea to scout the internet for possible names. Most wedding planners or wedding coordinators maintain their own websites and blogs. Visiting a wedding planner’s website or blog would give you a better idea about the person’s credentials, experience, style, and passion.  You can also view photos of previous wedding projects as well as testimonials from happy clients.

Arrange for an interview. It’s important for a couple to meet a prospective wedding planner in person before making a choice. Remember, you will be working together and coordinating plans for a very important event so it’s best to choose someone whom you feel comfortable with.

Reveal your budget. Right on the first meeting, inform your potential wedding planner how much your budget is. Most planners charge 10% professional fee from the total cost of the wedding. Make sure that your organizer is willing to work out a plan within your budget's range.

Get to know the planner’s work style. Wedding planners have different working styles. It’s great to find someone with considerable experience in planning weddings.  You need someone who is organized and pays attention to details, who listens, and who is passionate about making wonderful weddings.

See to it that your wedding planner can devote time and effort. It’s important to hire someone with a flexible schedule and to make sure that someone as reliable will be there in their absence (in case an emergency prevents your original planner from taking charge).

Did you hire a wedding planner?
Do you plan to hire one for your wedding?

Are you a wedding planner?  

If yes, feel free to leave a link to your website or blog in your comment. 

photos: 
1. ido wedding shoes
2. beach wedding via weddingchannel