How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Planner (and Their Hidden Secrets)

Your wedding is not only one of the most important days of your life, but it is a major investment in time and money. One way you can make the process easier on yourself is by hiring a wedding planner.

However, like choosing the best wedding venue, choosing the right wedding planner involves research and a good “feel” for your needs. That way you can let someone else stress about all the small details, like caterer negotiations and wedding invitation typography. Meanwhile, you can focus on the fun parts of wedding planning, like searching for the perfect dress.

Before you hire a wedding planner, keep these tips in mind and learn some wedding planning secrets your wedding planner won’t tell you.

How to Choose the Right Wedding Planner

Figure Out If Your Planner Travel

This is an important question. For instance, if you are looking at destination weddings in Miami, you will need a planner who is willing to go check out Miami wedding venues and help you make the right choice. If you are planning a destination wedding, it may be best to choose a planner in that area; then you can always meet with him online using Skype or handle most of your communications by phone.

Find Out How Much Experience They Have

Anyone can call himself a wedding planner, but a good planner will have experience working in the field. Ask for references or to see if he has a portfolio you can view.

Take Advantage of a Consultation

A wedding planner is someone you will have to connect with to be able to see if he is right for the job. Ask for a free consultation and see how your personalities and ideas mesh before you hire him.

Look Beyond the Yellow Pages

A wedding planner may not be someone you want to hire from a Yellow Pages ad. Ask friends for a referral or see if one of the Miami wedding venues you are considering has anyone it suggests. You may have better luck finding the right planner for the job this way.

Inside Secrets to a Smooth Wedding

You Can’t Please Everyone

No matter what you do, someone will have a problem. Whether it is your mother-in-law abhorring the fact you are getting a grooms cake, or your father is upset you are not doing a father-daughter dance, or your bridesmaids are unhappy with their dresses, it is important to remember the wedding is about you and your soon-to-be spouse. So do not fret over every little detail, and do what makes you happy.

Buy Wholesale Flowers

If you do not envision your special day to be chock-full of flowers, consider buying wholesale. They will be cheaper, and you will be able to even recycle them from your marriage site to your banquet hall to save on costs. Many brides don’t realize just how expensive floral arrangements really are, which is why wholesale flowers offer a great solution.

Pick Your Wedding Venue as Soon as You Can

When it comes to wedding receptions, the earlier you can plan, the better. Normally, it is a good idea to book your wedding venues at least a year to nine months ahead of time. Considering that most couples set wedding plans for seven to 12 months in the future, you will have plenty of time.

Pinterest Isn’t Always Realistic

We have all seen the gorgeous wedding receptions photographed and put on Pinterest. And, yes, while they may be good for inspiration, it is unrealistic to expect your event venues to look identical to the picture. Instead, bring the picture to your wedding planner, and they will help you make it as realistic as possible.

Cash Bars Are a Turnoff

You will want your guests to feel welcomed at your wedding, and a cash bar will do just the opposite. You do not want to skimp on your bar at your reception, or cocktail hour in between the ceremony and dinner. Even though spending for cocktail hour has increased to 76% from 69% over the past years, it is one thing you should dedicate a good budget to.

Choosing your wedding planner may be the most important part of planning your wedding. Do not be afraid to ask questions and spend time finding one who will best work with you on creating your dream wedding. After all, you only have one chance to make this day perfect! Follow these simple tips to make your wedding day one for the books!