So you’ve made the decision to hire a wedding planner—great! That’s the first step, but do you know what traits and qualities to look for in a wedding planner?
The decision to hire a wedding planner for your big day is undoubtedly a smart one, but then it’s time to know what to look for in a wedding planner before you sign that lengthy contract. Not all wedding planners are the same, and a number of factors determine whether or not a particular planner is the right fit for you and your special occasion. Just as you do your homework and prepare before you meet with other vendors, it’s very important to know what to look for in a wedding planner beforehand.
You don’t want to waste time meeting with someone who doesn’t offer the kind of service you’re looking for, and you definitely want to get along with your wedding planner since you will be dealing with them not only on the wedding day but throughout the entire wedding planning process. No, you don’t have to be BFFs, but a little chemistry is helpful!
Here are some common factors you should consider when hiring a wedding planner:
Do you clash?—Personality is important. If the coordinator you’re meeting with rushes you, pressures you, or doesn’t contribute solutions or verbalize suggestions and ideas about your needs, they may not be the planner for you. If he or she is overly passive or too controlling, it’s a good idea to keep looking.
Are They a Good Listener?—While you’re visiting a wedding planner to help design and coordinate your wedding day, the event is still about you and your spouse-to-be. They should be patient and listen to what you have to say. Hearing is different from listening. They should be able to repeat and discuss the visions and plans that you communicated to them, which will show they listened and have a real understanding of what you’re looking for. Communication is key here.
Do They Have a Diverse Clientele?—The wedding planner you hire doesn’t necessarily have to have twenty years experience, but a diverse portfolio will help you see the range of their abilities. Are they only familiar with destination beach weddings? Have most of the weddings they’ve planned been small, intimate affairs? Chances are the wider range of wedding types they’ve coordinated, the better chance they are able to adapt and work well with the style and theme of your specific wedding.
Now that you know what to look for in a wedding planner, go on and get busy, bride-to-be!
