How to Select a Wedding Planner

Your wedding planner can help you with your perfect wedding by ensuring that all of the details are taken care of.

Details, details. They might seem overwhelming, but they will make all the difference on your wedding day. From your ceremony schedule to your reception lighting to your getaway limo, the tiny details of your wedding will set the tone for your big day. You can, of course, take care of everything yourself, but will you have enough energy left to enjoy your wedding? Instead, consider hiring a wedding planner to help you coordinate your event.

Instructions

1. Search online or browse through phone books to find wedding planners in your area. Don't hire a planner that usually works outside the area. You should choose someone that is familiar with local vendors and venues so that you can get the best quality and best possible deal.

2. Ask your friends and family members to recommend their wedding planners, if they used any. Think back to any weddings you attended recently that caught your attention. Ask your friends how well they think the wedding planner did, if they were pleased with the result, how easy the planner was to work with and whether the planner made efforts to stay on budget. Get contact information for any of the planners you are interested in talking to.

3. Call each planner on your list and set up an appointment for an interview. Don't choose the first planner you talk to, unless of course she is still your favorite choice after interviewing others. Keep a list of planners you met and make notes about things you liked or disliked about each one. This will help you make your final decision.

4. Look at each wedding planner's portfolio before making a decision. Pictures of their previous work will help you get a feel for their style.

5. Share your vision for your wedding with each planner you interview. Ask them for feedback and ideas to see if they can grant your wedding wishes or not. Make notes about their suggestions, especially any that you really liked.

6. Tell each wedding planner your budget and ask if they will be able and willing to stick to that budget. Avoid hiring any wedding planners you know you can't afford.

7. Make a short list of wedding planners using your interview notes. Select the planner you feel can meet your vision for your big day and that you can get along with the easiest.

8. Create a written contract with your chosen wedding planner, spelling out exactly what you are hiring her to do. The contract should include the events she will help you plan, the vendors she will hire and also the day of your wedding. You and the wedding planner should each keep a copy of the contract.

Resources

• The National Association of Wedding Professionals
• Little Wedding Guide: Wedding Planners