500 Wedding Ideas
Newly engaged brides to be, what is your opinion?
I just started a wedding planning business and I would like to know from your perspective what do brides need the most help with when planning a wedding? Would you hire a wedding planner? If so, what is a fair price that you would pay and what city do you live in?
Public Comments
- The biggest seller on having a wedding planner to me was having her involved from the beginning b/c she's also the wedding day coordinator - that way I don't have someone just show up at the rehearsal, that has no clue what kind of mood/ceremony I want. My wedding planner has given me advice for photographers, limos, flowers, reception layout - a lot of what she has learned from past experience. She has also worked with most of my vendors before, so it's nice to know they've all worked together before - hopefully it'll be seamless. Also, my mother isn't a real go-getter if you know what I mean, I knew I couldn't count on her to gather up the florist, caterer, photographer, videographer the day of the wedding like some moms do - so it was important to me to have someone w/ a good reputation to handle all of that. Three months before the wedding, she'll take over all the contacting, confirming, and coordinating what time people need to be where - including the bridal party and all vendors. She'll send letters out to them informing them of the weekend events, attire, what to bring, etc. She's been doing it for 13 years and we are paying $750 - she's from a nearby college town in the South. Good Luck on you new business! I want to add that even though my wedding planner is a licensed wedding planner - she hasn't really "planned" anything except how my bridal party will walk down the aisle and stand. Ha! She's just been a great resource, someone in the business, who can offer unbiased advice on budget, cost of flowers, logistical issues, etc. Maybe that's why she charges a flat rate and not a percentage of the budget.
- personally, I wouldn't hire a planner. I want to plan everything myself. I don't want to look back in 10 years and think, "oh I wish I had planned that part myself". Plus the expense is too great. I was able to buy a wedding planning binder to guide me for $20. Also, with all the advice and help available on websites like www.theknot.com I don't feel there is a need for one. But I have heard most wedding planners (in all areas) charge 10 - 15% of whatever your budget is. To me that money can be spent in so many better ways. BUT, there are lots of people out there who still want one, and don't want to plan everything themselves.
