I have to say- I adore my month-of wedding coordinator. Tabitha Roberts, aside from having one of my favorite names, is covering all the details on my big day that’ll drive me crazy. I opted to do day-of (really month-of) coordination which includes:
- Orchestrating vendor walk through one month prior to wedding
- Collaboration with vendors on floor plans, setup, and time lines
- Being the point of contact for vendors and family on wedding day
- Coordinating your rehearsal before the big day
- Unlimited hours with our Coordinator and assistant on the wedding day
I didn’t really need a wedding planner, per say, but she’ll definitely been needed so I’m not running around like a chicken with my head cut off… at least more than I need to be.
Between being in two weddings without a coordinator start over and hour late and having one awesome coordinator actually sew myself and the other bridesmaids into our dresses when all of our zippers broke, I’ve seen how valuable the extra help can be. There is no getting away from the fact that an expert wedding planner can relieve some stress of planning your wedding. But let’s also not forget that the elimination of stress does cost some extra money. So as lovely as that might be, it isn’t always going to be a luxury that we can all afford. You may be on a budget that is pretty tight or like to plan an organize most things yourself. If so, then there are a few lessons we can learn from the professionals when it comes to planning a wedding.
Luxury marble wedding planner book
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
If you’re going to be doing it yourself, then you need to allow plenty of time to get things done. You’ll have your regular job to contend with, whereas planning your wedding would be the full-time job of a professional. Around eight months should be plenty, but a year can be the ideal time to get all of the plans in place.
Be Prepared To Negotiate
Your wedding is your wedding. But for wedding vendors, it is merely a transaction. So when it comes to planning, it can help to see things as a business transaction too. Which is why being savvy and negotiating can be a good way to get the best deal. If you don’t want certain elements that the photographer is offering, then ask for something else or just have the price reduced. Be prepared to negotiate so that you only end up with the things that you want.
Get Help When Needed
Some elements will need some professional help. So don’t be afraid to ask for it (just be prepared to negotiate when you do). Looking for a reception venue can often bring with it some wedding organizers to help plan things for the day. So work with them and make sure that they have a clear idea of how you want things to look and work on the day.
Spend Money Wisely
The cost of weddings can spiral out of control if you let it. So it is a good idea to plan carefully and spend wisely. It could be a good idea to get a specific wedding credit card that will allow you to earn cash back or air miles for your honeymoon, for example. You’re going to be spending the money anyway. So you may as well get some extras for your sending, right?
Read The Fine Print
A professional is going to be the person reading through the contracts all for you. Which is why you need to make sure that you are checking all of the fine print if you decide to go it alone. You might be signing away hidden costs or extras if you don’t check on this kind of thing. As has been said, your wedding is just a business transaction for vendors. So check the details of everything, including (even though it will be the last thing on your mind) things like cancellation policies.
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