How to select your Wedding Planner.
So you've decided that you would like some help with the planning of your wedding, whether it be starting with the whole design or just co-ordination of the day.. so what are the things that you will need to consider ?
The below article is impartial advice from the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners, to which I am a member.
One of the main reasons for the existence of the UKAWP is to act as a reliable reference point for you, the bride. If you are looking for a professional wedding planner, this is the place for you. All of our members have been vetted for their honesty, professionalism and experience. They all offer a consultation where you can discuss your wedding in more detail and how they may be able to help you. Please view our code of ethics and entry requirements to understand how serious we are about the industry and the planners we promote. To further assist you we have devised some guidelines below.
RESEARCH
• Look through wedding magazines or search engines to see which planners are listed for your area. Start by reading their websites thoroughly to understand how they operate.
• Read the websites carefully for typos and bad grammar. If they cannot proof read their own work, then can you trust them with your stationery?
• Contact them for more information. Do they respond within an acceptable timeframe with clear and concise details?
• Arrange a consultation with at least two that meet your requirements. This should be arranged at a time and place convenient for you.
CONSULTATION
• During the consultation, does the planner ask lots of questions regarding your personality and any initial plans?
• Do they understand your wedding vision? They should be enthusiastic and build on your ideas.
• Do you have a rapport and feel at ease with them? Remember you will be in close contact during the planning so you must actually like them as a person!
• What special touches can they recommend for your wedding?
• How long they have been in business and how many weddings have they organised? Can they provide references?
• Ask how they charge, for example do they charge a fixed fee or a percentage of the budget?
• Ask if they accept commission from suppliers and are discounts passed onto you?
• Ask to see proof of public liability insurance.
• Do they have a portfolio for you to look at from past weddings?
THE PROPOSAL
• When this arrives, does it match your recent discussion?
• If the quote is not acceptable, then contact the planner to discuss. Could there be any items that could be removed?
• Check whether there are any extra charges, i.e. travel, accommodation, administrative work.
• Once you book a planner, make sure you sign a contract. Read it carefully.
• Don’t forget to use your planner as an information source; they may be able to advise you on any issues of concern.
• Keep in regular contact with your planner and update them of any changes.
For more information regarding wedding planners, please email info@ukawp.com or call 01483 282858, 01376 561 544 or 01442 828061
My personal advice would be to look for someone who you feel can give your Wedding their full attention. I also think it's useful to go with someone who has the experience of planning their own wedding & then they better understand the emotional side of the planning process & can help you through times of stress.
Well, I've been married twice & have organised both a very traditional Wedding & also a Wedding away from home, followed by a huge party, complete with a 3 tier chocolate cake, live band & bridesmaids.. Whatever your needs, I feel confident that I will have the experience to deal with them.
Joy X
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