Designing and creating a wedding or event is a full time job. It can be very overwhelming at times, albeit extremely exciting. Couples may choose a planner for numerous reasons, whether it is the amount of time needed to plan their wedding, wanting professional help bringing their ideas to life, needing guidance along the way or someone to help with the styling. Whatever the reason, an event planner can help make the whole experience much less stressful and therefore let the couple not only enjoy the day, but the planning process as well.
TIME
Planning a wedding or event is extremely time consuming and most people do not realise quite how much time it can take up until they are half way in! This can obviously cause some stress as you wouldn’t have expected to have to find so much time to plan, and perhaps don’t have it available around a full time job. Sadly, the enjoyment of planning then slips away. Planning a wedding for example can take between 180-200 hours to plan. An event planner has the time to take on the jobs you can’t fit in or don’t want to deal with as it is after all, their full time job.
KNOWLEDGE
Choosing to have someone help manage the planning for your event or wedding means that you are getting use of their knowledge of the industry. They will think of details you wouldn’t realise to consider, such as have you arranged the power supply if you’re wedding is in a marquee? They can also make suggestions for personal touches and details that you haven’t thought of, but would love! An event planner will know what questions to ask potential suppliers as well as helping breakdown your budget and suggest where to spend more and where to save, letting you know what will have a better impact. An event planner has done it before and although they will strive to create a unique event for every client, they know the industry and can help guide you through the process.
CONNECTIONS
Deciding to use a professional to plan your wedding or event means that you can tap into their database of connections. This isn’t their first rodeo, so they will have made lots of connections over their time in the industry and will pass that information onto their clients. Whether its suggesting a florist that they feel fits with your style, or being able to get you a better deal with a supplier because they have a previous working relationship. Not all discounts are seen on paper, but suppliers may add a little something extra if they want repeat business from an event planning company. This means that of course the client benefits by getting that something extra! But most importantly if your wedding planner suggests a supplier, you can be reassured that they feel they are up to their standards and know that the day will run smoothly working with them.
FLEXIBILITY
If you work with an event planner for your wedding day or event you are giving yourself flexibility. Whether you want someone to help you with the full planning from start to finish, someone to take over on the day and make sure that it runs smoothly with no hiccups or something in between. An event or wedding planner can ease the stress and guide you in the right direction. If you are choosing a planner for your wedding, they will more than likely be happy to create a management plan to suit your needs.
At Bluebird Creative Events we suggest that when you decide to start planning your wedding or event, sit down with your partner and work out how much time you have to put into planning and who might be willing to help you out on the lead up? Consider areas you may want support and areas you feel you don’t have any knowledge. Then book a complimentary consultation with a wedding and event planner and talk through your ideas. You have nothing to loose by contacting a planner and most companies offer a complimentary consultation. This will give you an opportunity to see how much knowledge you will gain from using them and how little stress you will have from having that extra help. Make sure you choose someone that you gel with and you think understands your style and ideas.
If it is your wedding that you are planning, have you considered using a wedding planner for ‘on the day’ management? You may have really enjoyed the whole planning process and want to ensure that all your hard work goes to plan and is seamless on the day! Hiring a wedding planner for ‘on the day’ coordination means that 4 weeks prior to the wedding, you can hand over your supplier details and contacts and all the information for the day. Your planner will then put together a detailed schedule for you and check that you are happy with everything. Then on your wedding day you can relax knowing that everything will be set up on time and how you imagined. If anything goes wrong, you know it’s being dealt with by a professional and you won’t be any the wiser. The last thing you want on your special day is stress, or to be worrying whether the cake will make it in one piece. Your planner will take care of it all and make sure that all your guests are well looked after ensuring unforgettable memories all round.
All photos by Sophie Duckworth Photography
