Also titled: “Why Should You Consider A Wedding Planner.”

1. Should we hire a planner?

In short, yes. And I say this not as a wedding planner but as someone who planned their own wedding. Wedding planning will take approximately 250 hours of planning time, from googling vendors, researching their quality and services, setting up consults, determining your design concepts, comparing quotes, booking hotel blocks, transportation, timeline creation, vendor management and day-of execution, this is a big project. It should be FUN! Hire an assistant to help guide you through the process. A great planner will also help you track and maximize your budget by recommending vendors who provide elevated quality and services, taking all of the heavy lifting off of your shoulders.

Even the simplest weddings take an enormous amount of effort to put together. Even the simplest theatrical production requires lots of careful planning and preparation to make it look so “easy, simple and effortless.” And I hate to say it but every client I have ever had has said “my wedding is super simple and straight-forward.” No one ever says “my wedding is going to be complicated as shit….” Realistically, even the simplest wedding requires some serious planning and coordination efforts.

**Also, if you work full time, I strongly encourage getting the extra pair of hands to help you through the process. Otherwise your nights and weekends will be devoted to wedding work.

2. Wedding Planner Criteria:

• I would encourage you to ask your potential planner how many weddings they plan per year. Smaller client lists for them mean more dedicated time for their individual clients.

• Are they available to you at night and on the weekend if you need consults or phone calls? A good planner offers hours that extend far beyond 9-5.

• Will your lead planner be with you on the day-of? If you have a strong relationship with your lead planner, you want them by your side on the wedding day to make sure your vision is executed.

• Hire someone you feel extremely comfortable with in your gut. Hire someone you would want to be friends with in real life. You are going to be working closely with them for the next year. If they make you feel uncomfortable in any way, it’s only going to put more stress on the planning process.

• Most planners require payment in halves (half up front, half 1 month before the wedding.) Don’t pay the full value up front.

• How often will you get to meet with them? Are there additional fees or hourly charges for meetings or phone calls? You should have full access to meetings or phone calls with them within reason.

Take all of this into consideration when deciding if you need a planner and who will best serve your needs on your wedding day. Whether it is us or any one of the amazing planners in New England, do your homework and make sure you feel great about whatever decision you make!