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Finding a "REAL" Wedding Planner...

legit

Is the Planner certified? The only regulated certification course in Canada is through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC).

How long has the company been in business and are they registered?

Do you feel comfortable with the Planner? First instincts always matter!!!

Is the Planner organized? (remember their job is to keep you organized…so they need to be organized)

How many weddings do they book a day? A Planner can only be in one place at a time so, make sure you are the only wedding booked.

Are the prices too good to be true? Don’t necessarily go for the lowest bidder or you might be disappointed. The average day-of coordination package is $700-900 and full wedding coordination packages usually range from 10-15% of your entire wedding budget.

Is the Planner willing to provide references? Word-of-mouth referrals and previous experiences are important so contact their past clients.

Is the company easy to get in contact with? You will be working with this company for a while, make sure you are comfortable with their response rate by phone and email.

Read all contracts carefully! Make sure you know what the cancellation policy is and read all stipulations carefully as it should include; who will be on-site (will it be the Planner you are meeting with and will they have an assistant), what happens in the case of an emergency (do they have backup), etc.

How is the Planner requesting payment? Beware of any Planners asking for full amount due on signing. Most Planners will ask for a deposit upfront and either installments or the remaining balance due just before the event.

ALWAYS COMPARE…meet with at least 2-3 wedding planners before deciding.

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I'm trying to SAVE, not SPEND...

Do I really NEED a Wedding Planner?

This is a common question! The short answer is “Yes”. If you want to save time and stress and also save money, a wedding planner is the best way to do it!

Confused? You are thinking, if you are hiring someone, you have to pay them, plus you still have all the other wedding costs. Where are the savings, right?

Well let me explain…

The cost of a wedding planner is a small percentage of the overall spend on your wedding and in reality, it is an investment into what is often quoted as the “best day of your life”. The role of a wedding planner is to help you with all your needs. The average wedding can take 250 hours to plan. The question to ask yourself is; do you have that time and what is that time worth to you? This will help you determine what role the planner will have in your wedding.

In most cases, a wedding planner’s fee is not even close to the amount they can save you in expenses and time. Here are 5 reasons why a wedding planner is a MUST, if you want to save:

1. Planner can get you the best deals. Your planner has the experience to know where to get the prices. A wedding planner will eliminate the need for time-intensive searches through stores, magazines and websites. An experience planner will have done it all before. Most likely your wishes are something they have seen in the past and they know where to find the item you are looking for.

2. Your planner has connections in the industry! Many planner’s take the time to meet with vendors and get feedback from clients so that they know who to use/recommend again. That is only the first step to getting a great price. Many of your vendors have worked with your planner or would like to work with your planner, because that assures them repeat business. If they treat you well, then it is likely the planner will bring other clients their way.

3. Budget Management. A wedding planner can usually help you plan and track your budget. Another set of eyes on your cash flow is important because the Planner will alert you to overspends and suggest ways to cut back without cutting quality.

4. Wedding planners are on your side. Since you planner knows your overall budget and the other costs you have committed to for your wedding, they are able to negotiate with vendors for the most favorable results or source vendors that will fit into your price range. They work for you, not the vendors/vendor so, your best interest is their first priority.

5. Time is Money!!!!! Your time is valuable. By hiring a planner, you are saving your time and ultimately money. The planner will do all the leg-work for you; sourcing your vendors and negotiating with them. All you have to do is pick your favorite and sign.

Most people think that a wedding planner is luxury and something that only happens in Hollywood…but that is not the case. If you are getting married, take the first step and book a WEDDING PLANNER. It is a choice you will not regret.