Finding the right Wedding Planner
Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 8:00AM 
Find the right planner for your wedding. Photo by Alante PhotographyHiring a coordinator is no longer a luxury…but essential for couples planning any type of wedding celebration. While you relish in the moment with each other, your friends and family… your wedding planner is there to handle every detail ensuring you’re day goes wonderfully smooth. A coordinator can help you negotiate contracts, offer you exclusive discounts and invaluable advice, and help you build that perfect team of vendors that match your style, needs and budget. Not only do you want a wedding planner who understands your vision and is able to make it a reality, but also one who adapts well with various personality types and can diffuse stressful circumstances that might arise.
So how do you find your dream planner?
Personal referrals are often invaluable. If a friend or co-worker was recently married, ask them who they used and what they thought about their experience. Were they happy with their overall experience? Did the coordinator offer sound advice and guidance? Did their rates match their level of services provided?
Many venues and wedding professionals have a list of preferred vendors. They want to effectively provide their best product or service so they’re going to recommend those planners that are the most flexible and professional to partner with.
Use your local wedding resource guide, wedding shows and bridal magazines to gather your list of potential planners to interview. Whether you found the planner through a friend, a preferred list, or a magazine, always interview them. Most coordinators offer a complimentary consultation so you can get to know them, their style, their level of experience and how they can help you. Your coordinator can often act as your confidant, designer, liaison, organizer, scheduler, and so much more so make sure there is a good connection between you.
Lastly, remember wedding planning can be FUN! You’re only going to do this once so choose someone that will inspire a fun experience for you!
Finding the Right Wedding Planner was written by guest blogger Jenny Harding – Owner/Coordinator with New Chapter Weddings