Wedding planning is a stressful process in itself, so it's crucial that you surround yourself with people and service providers who not only provide an outstanding level of service, but who will support you throughout and can be relied upon at every stage of the planning process.
It's important that you enjoy the process and have a good experience, and this will be greatly influenced by the wedding planner, venue, photographer, master of ceremonies and other service providers you choose.
Here are a few tips to help you:
Define the budget
Before you start your research, think about how much you can afford to spend on your wedding. This is not an easy and often not fun task, but it is the basis of the whole planning process. If you start booking services without this, you'll quickly fall into the mistake of overspending and not even selecting a good number of suppliers.
Once you have a full budget, it's worth breaking down how much you'd spend on each service and, in general, which services you need or which ones you definitely want to use. If you don't know how much each service will cost, it's worth asking for quotes from several places and service providers to help you split your budget.
Do your research
This may seem obvious, but many Couples do not take the time to look for more than one service provider. It's worth checking out several forums, ask friends who have recently had their wedding for advice, check out the provider's website, portfolio, social platforms, read reviews and if you feel you like their style and communication, then by all means, go for it. It's important that you don't just make arrangements by phone or email, but also meet in person/online. Even if a couple of friends recommended the service provider, it may have been perfect for them, but it may not be the right fit for you.
Meeting them in person will allow you to gauge their personality, professionalism, communication style and the personal impression will make it much easier for you to make a final decision. It is important to be prepared with questions that you are concerned about your own wedding. Agree on the process of cooperation, the conclusion of the contract, payment deadlines, and the delivery of the service.
As a wedding planner, I always recommend meeting with up to 2-3 of the main service providers. In fact, even if you don't feel you have found the right person for you, it's worth doing some more research.
After choosing the venue and catering, it's always a good idea to start with the service providers that are most important for your big day, such as photographer, videographer, decorator, master of ceremonies, DJ/band. These services usually take up the biggest part of your budget (after venue and catering, of course).
If you think you've found the perfect provider, don't hesitate to sign a contract as soon as possible, as the best providers are usually booked up quickly. It is important to trust your instincts and not overthink your decision, as this can only cause you more stress.
Put it all in writing
Always put all information in writing to avoid misunderstandings later. The first and most important is the contract, as this is what protects you and the service provider. It is important that you include all the information, such as personal details, date and place of the wedding, details of the service ordered (what service you have ordered and for how long, number of people the service provider has), payment schedules, contact and cooperation procedures, information about the service provided and other requirements (e.g. delivery charges, accommodation, etc.). Please read the fine print carefully and if there is anything that is not clear or that you would like to change, please do not hesitate to contact the service provider.
Once the contract has been signed, it is also very important to have a written summary of all verbal discussions. This is also very useful for both parties, as couples often change their minds on a weekly basis on a particular issue, and suppliers focus on a lot of weddings in a season, so you can be sure that information is not lost.
What can a wedding planner do yor you?
A wedding planner can provide a number of important services in the selection of wedding suppliers and can help you throughout the wedding planning process. Let's take a closer look at what they are:
Expertise and experience: wedding planners have a wide range of professional experience to help you choose the right service providers to meet your needs and budget.
Personalised offers: wedding planners know the market and the different suppliers, which means they will recommend suppliers that match your style and expectations
Budget management: the planner will prepare a wedding budget and keep it updated to avoid overspending. They will be sure to recommend suppliers who fit within your budget and are of an outstanding standard.
Saving time: thanks to his contacts and market knowledge, the wedding planner will quickly and easily find the perfect service providers for you, saving you a lot of time.
Contracts and negotiations: she will help you review contracts and negotiate with your chosen suppliers.
Supervision and monitoring: on the day of the wedding, the planner will supervise and coordinate the suppliers, making sure everything runs smoothly and solving any problems.