Tell the truth, when you think of wedding planners, you automatically assume that they’re only for couples with big budgets, right? But the truth is, wedding planners are a great resource for any couple looking to plan their wedding, even those of you with smaller budgets who are predominantly trying to DIY everything. Let’s start by looking at what a wedding planner actually does and why you might consider hiring one for your wedding.

What is the exact role of a wedding planner?

A wedding planner is responsible for managing all aspects of the wedding planning process. This includes helping you establish your wedding budget and timeline, selecting vendors, booking venues, coordinating with all vendors, and keeping track of all payments, basically all the things that most (not all) couples don’t find fun! They can also manage guest lists, create seating charts and floor plans, create timelines for the big day, and coordinate with everyone involved in the ceremony and reception to make sure everything runs smoothly without you having to think about it. Ultimately, a good wedding planner will take care of every detail so that you don’t have to worry, meaning you can just show up and enjoy your wedding.

What are the pros of hiring a wedding planner?

First and foremost, having an experienced wedding planner is guaranteed to alleviate much of the stress that comes with planning your wedding. A good wedding planner will be able to recommend reliable suppliers who are within your budget and help ensure that all the details are taken care of. They can also offer advice on etiquette and other aspects of planning that might otherwise go overlooked. And perhaps most importantly, they'll be there to make sure everything comes together seamlessly on the day of the event itself.

Another BIG benefit of hiring a wedding planner is that they often have connections with vendors in the industry who offer discounted rates or special packages to their clients. So even if you don’t have an big budget, you may still be able to get some great deals by working with a wedding planner which may mean that your decision to hire a wedding planner has paid for itself!

Also, hiring a wedding planner is a great way to ensure that all your decisions are made in line with your vision for the big day. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which ones best fit your style and budget—but having someone who knows exactly what you want (and how to get it) makes the process much easier.

How much does it cost to hire a wedding planner?

The short answer is that it depends. Depending on the scope and size of your wedding, and the type of services you require, costs can vary greatly.

The first factor that affects the cost of a wedding planner is their experience level. Experienced wedding planners generally charge more than those who are just starting out in the business. As with any other profession, if you opt for a experience, be prepared to pay more for their services. Similarly, if you have a larger budget, some planners may charge more for their services because they will take on more responsibility for planning and executing your wedding day vision.

A good rule of thumb is to set aside around 10% of your overall budget to hire a wedding planner.

All in all, hiring a wedding planner doesn't necessarily mean breaking the bank—it just means having access to an experienced professional who can help ensure that every aspect of your big day runs smoothly and according to plan. Whether you're working with a big or small wedding budget, having an extra pair of hands around during such an important time is always valuable! We have some excellent options to suit your style in the ‘Wedding Planners’ category of our Book Of Love directory!

Happy Planning!