17 Things that Wedding Planners Want You To Know

1. Work with a wedding planner that has years of experience with different types of weddings

Make sure the planner you interview with has many years of experience working on many different types of weddings. The more they have worked on, the better job they can do for each couple and the more ideas they can offer. -Alexis Eliopoulos O’Mara, Unique Weddings by Alexis

2. Confirm that the wedding planner is insured

Many venues require this now, but even if the venue does not, the couple should feel assured that when hiring a wedding planner,  they hire is a true professional running a legitimate business and is not just doing this as a hobby. -Alexis Eliopoulos O’Mara, Unique Weddings by Alexis

3. Ask the wedding planner if the same person will be working with you throughout the planning and also be present on the wedding day

That continuity is comforting! -Alexis Eliopoulos O’Mara, Unique Weddings by Alexis

4. Inquire as to how many weddings the planner works on in one weekend

Each couple wants to know that they have a planner on site that is not exhausted from the night before and has not confused any details with the wedding they are working on the next day. -Alexis Eliopoulos O’Mara, Unique Weddings by Alexis

5. Find a planner that spends more time working for their clients than they do on their social media and marketing

– Alexis Eliopoulos O’Mara, Unique Weddings by Alexis

6. Wedding planners are not only for over-the-top weddings

Their extensive knowledge in the industry makes them valuable to all couples, regardless of the size or budget of the wedding. Wedding planners can help you save money, find the best value for your money and are not only for the over-the-top weddings our there. -Alexis Eliopoulos O’Mara, Unique Weddings by Alexis

7. Independent planners work hand in hand with venue coordinators as a team

They do not compete or get in each other’s way. Instead, they complement each other. Each of them can do what they do best while both are trying to achieve the same goal, the best wedding possible for the couple! -Alexis Eliopoulos O’Mara, Unique Weddings by Alexis

8. You need to feel comfortable with your wedding planner from the initial meeting

You will be spending a lot of time and communicating frequently and you want to make sure you get along. BY the end, most planners become friends or feel like family! -Jodi Raphael, www.JodiRaphael.com

9. Check referrals from past clients

When hiring a wedding planner, make sure you’re considering their experience level when meeting with a few wedding planners. You should definitely talk to and meet with a few, but you might not even know what you’re missing from an inexperienced planner. Always make sure you see referrals from past clients to hear about their experience with the person you are considering. -Jodi Raphael, www.JodiRaphael.com

10. Have an idea of your budget, guests count, and vision 

It’ll definitely change throughout the planning, however its good for the two of you to be on the same page and have some conversations about what you’re thinking before bringing another person into the mix. -Jodi Raphael, www.JodiRaphael.com

11. Choose to work with someone who you can trust

This is a very personal relationship that you are embarking on and trust is paramount in making your wedding day all that you are wishing for while minimizing the stress that can come from planning such a big event. -Jodi Raphael, www.JodiRaphael.com

12. Wedding planners truly are there to advocate for you and your vision

They negotiate on your behalf and ensure that all aspects of your day are stress free and enjoyable. Wedding planners create a barrier between coordinating all the details the couple surrounding themselves with friends and family. You will be able to take the time to enjoy your wedding celebration. It goes by so quickly and you should be able to cherish every moment. Your planner assures you can do that! With the right planner, you will have a wonderful, trusting and fun relationship that you will remember long after your special day. -Jodi Raphael, www.JodiRaphael.com

13. Make sure you are heard

Be sure the planner listens to you and doesn’t talk at you.  The planner should make you feel comfortable and at ease. You will be spending a lot time together. You want to be sure there is a good connection and your personalities match.  They should embrace and understand your vision. You should have a strong sense that the planner will work with your budget. Your planner should recommend other vendors that will also respect your investment, collaborate on your vision and fits your style. -Elizabeth Quill, Elegant Aura

14. We are your support system

Beyond saving them time and money, we are their support system and advocate from start to finish.  We fight for their vision, take the stress off their shoulders, and make the process easier and more enjoyable. Planners have seen and experienced it all and can bring unique ideas that a couple might not have thought of.  -Elizabeth Quill, Elegant Aura 

15. Hire a wedding planner early in the process

We wish our clients would consider hiring a wedding planner early in the process – even before they book venues. Most of the times, our clients reach out after they have booked their venue and without knowing having committed to a minimum/amount that chews up a significant part of their budget. That leaves very little room for us to hit the other categories within their desired budget amount.  – Aarati & Shruti, Firgun Events

16. Wedding planners can SAVE you money

Couples get scared when they see our quotes because often times, their budget did not initially include a wedding planner. We wish couples would understand that we able to save them money via our knowledge and networks. Thus, the wedding planner  cost nets out and they are actually saving more in the long run. If you do not have a planner, we recommend you to go consider each budget line item. The smallest items such as stationary do add up. – Aarati & Shruti, Firgun Events

17. We want your wedding to be a success

We want their wedding to be a success. Contrary to popular belief, your planner is as emotionally invested in your wedding as you are. We want your wedding to be a success. More so, we want you to ENJOY it and to be truly happy. There is no greater compliment than sending off a couple at the end of the night absolutely enthralled with their day.  – Aarati & Shruti, Firgun Events