Things You'll Need:
- Local bridal publications
- Wedding budget
-
Step 1
Check local bridal publications (every local bridal shop should carry them) for the advertisements of local wedding planners.
-
Step 2
Ask each professional you speak with what types of successes she has had negotiating with vendors. You are hiring this person to work very hard to plan your perfect day, so that you can concentrate on creating a new life. It's important that you feel comfortable leaving financial decisions, as well as style choices, in her hands.
-
Step 3
Hire a planner who charges a flat fee or a percentage of your wedding budget. Planners who seem too good to be true and too cheap may only steer you toward florists, venues and salespeople with whom they have deals.
-
Step 1
Ask each wedding planner you call what she can do for you on and before your dream day, given your budget.
-
Step 2
Scrutinize planners' resumes and portfolios, just as you would any other independent contractor. You should be able to view pictures and read testimonials from other brides and grooms.
-
Step 3
Ask each planner to write down her idea of what she can do for you. Be aware that emergencies can crop up, and budgets can inflate on or before the wedding day, but a written bid is something you can refer to if need be.
