How to organise a contract with a wedding planner

On the subject of Wedding Planners you are probably aware that you can engage a professional Wedding Planner, Advisor or Consultant to help you make the hard decisions, and organize your Big Day right down to the smallest detail. These people have more than likely been working in this field for quite some time and have the experience necessary to make your wedding day perfect. They have the contacts and the knowledge – they know what works where and what won’t. If this is the way you choose to go then you need to listen to them. Give them the time to unleash all those wonderful ideas that you haven’t thought. Really you can then sit back and enjoy the ride – indeed have all the fun while they – the wedding planners – rush around carrying out your plans. Having said that, both parties need to keep the communication channels wide open so that no misunderstandings occur. There are various ways you can employ the services of a wedding planner. You may decide that you wish them to organize the whole celebration, or just to arrange some upfront details or maybe you just want them on hand on the day itself. If you are an organized person and would like to take over a number of the roles yourself that is ok. You can also delegate to willing members of your family. If you elect to employ the services of a wedding planner this could be money well spent from a timing and stress relief point of view. However if you choose to use only part of the services of the Wedding Planner and to carry out the duties at which you and your family excel then, there are savings to be made. These savings could be put towards …say for example…The Honeymoon. You need to ask the right questions before proceeding with your contract. In fact take a step back. Did you hear of your Wedding Planner from someone who was well pleased with their efforts at a previous wedding? Have you read any of their testimonials or references? Does the planner appear easy to get on with? It is most important for you that the person you choose gets on well with you particularly as your wedding day draws near and stress starts to play havoc with wedding party nerves. And even as we discuss the many ways your Wedding Planner can be involved in your wedding day processes, there are also many ways that wedding planners can be paid. Again you need to discuss these issues before proceeding with your agreement. How does your Wedding Planner wish to be paid? 1 By the hour 2 In a lump sum – by flat fee 3 Maybe by percentage (generally 10 – 20% of the total cost of the wedding) 4 Maybe a combination of the above – could possibly reflect what the couple are happy with doing 5 Possibly the Wedding Planner may not charge you any money as they are maybe paid commission by the wedding professionals that they hire on your behalf i.e. the band. For your peace of mind and however you decide to pay your Wedding Planner be sure that the methods of payment are agreed and decided up front.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• a financial plan, money, ideas, an organised budget,

1. Plan your finances and decide whether you can afford to have or indeed afford not to have a Wedding Planner.
   Are your parents assisting financially?. How many guests do you plan to invite?.
2. Work out your budget and allocate the funds you plan to spend to each step of your wedding program. For example to the Reception; the Bridal Gown; Flowers; Cars.
3. Look for a Wedding Planner. Ask amonst your friends - word of mouth is the best recommendation. You need to contract a W.P.who suits you and your husband's needs. For example does his/her personality grate or will you all get on like a house on fire.
   Is there a central internet site where you can read recommendations from happy clients?
4. Be very clear about what you require.
   Write a specification that both parties agree to.
   Be clear about payment, how much, when and where.