SHOULD YOU HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER?

Many people hire a professional wedding coordinator to help with the countless choices and details that need to be planned for the big day. There are great things about having a planner, but it isn’t necessarily for everyone. Soon-to-be spouses should think seriously before deciding to use a coordinator or not.

Photo courtesy of Natasha Mileshina via Etsy

LESS STRESS
For every decision that needs to be made, wedding planners will be there to shoulder the responsibility of appointments, viewings, deadlines, and dealing with company representatives. They work around the couple’s schedule and take on the worry that comes with planning such a monumental event so the couple is stress-free and calm during the preparation months.

Photo courtesy of Kanaka Menehune

INSIDE TIPS
Weddings are a planner’s life. They understand the vision couples have of their wedding and know the best places to help that their dreams become a reality. Planners have knowledge about everything: venues, budgeting tips, guest lists, seating charts, vendors, contracts, dealing with family drama, etc. Having a professional to navigate through the logistics and coordination can be invaluable to a couple during the planning process.

Photo courtesy of Zofia Co. via Jordan McBride

RELINQUISH CONTROL
Some people love to have control over situations, especially something as big as their own wedding. Having a planner means a couple will have to give in and accept that they may not see to every detail or know the answer to every question. Leaving a wedding to someone else is a big trust issue and can cause tension between coordinators and clients.

Photo courtesy of Barry Cardoso

EXTRA COSTS
Having a planner may seem like the answer to all of a couple’s wedding-planning problems, but they come at a price. Fees vary with each planner and can depend on the number of guests or ask for a flat fee. On average, the cost of a planner is 10-15% of a couple’s wedding budget. That is not a small amount by any means, and many couples decide it’s not worth the fee and take on the wedding preparation themselves.

Leah Morrison is a Toronto-based writer who loves boating and Oreos. You can follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and her blog.