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Image credit: fanforum.com
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Less Monica, more Rachel.
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Our gal Rachel, editor of Mosaic Brides and regular guest blogger here at Brides Up North explains why hiring a wedding planner should be at the top of your wedding wish list. Headsets not included.
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Rachel says: Think wedding planner and you might just picture a control crazed Monica from Friends when she took on the role for Phoebe’s big day – but fear not, none that I know of bark military style orders at brides and grooms whilst carrying a clipboard everywhere they go. Here I explain the benefits that a professional planner can bring without the use of a megaphone…
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It’s a common misconception that wedding planners are just for the rich and famous. In fact, their affordable rates and varied packages mean they can help couples from all walks of life to make their dream weddings become a reality.
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The duty of a planner is not to take over, but instead to help a couple achieve their wedding day vision whilst saving time and money, thus resulting in an enjoyable and stress-free celebration.
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Image credit: weheartit.com
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Professional planners can help with as little or as much of the planning as a couple desires, being involved for either a short period of time or throughout the entire planning process and during the big day itself.
Whilst your chosen venue may have an on-site co-ordinator thrown in as part of the package, their duties rarely go beyond assisting with the menu, décor, floor plan and perhaps providing a list of recommended suppliers.
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Meanwhile independent planners offer different packages to suit individual couples’ needs. For example an initial consultation is ideal for couples who want to be very hands on with the planning but perhaps are just a little overwhelmed. An early meeting with a planner will help them establish a budget and give them an idea of what will need to be done and when. Partial planning gives brides and grooms the option to cherry pick a number of services they require as such venue searches, creative styling or on the day co-ordination. A full planning service is usually a popular choice with couples who have little time to spare and would therefore prefer to let someone else to do the leg work for them.
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Image source: fanpop.com
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Before hiring a wedding planner it’s a good idea to meet with them so you can enquire about their experience and see how you get along. It’s important you feel at ease and trust them as your planner will need to get to know you and your wishes for the wedding so they achieve, or even surpass, your expectations.
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So how can a wedding planner help?
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Time Is Money
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Planners can do the groundwork of researching venues and suppliers which will save you endless hours. They can then set up meetings and appointments for you to attend to go over suggestions, present creative ideas, meet with suppliers and sample food/drink menus.
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Money Is Money
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Due to their contacts in the industry many planners can often score discounts with suppliers who they bring repeat business to. They also have knowledge of what things should cost so can shop around for best price and haggle on your behalf.
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Ask An Expert
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Planners can offer advice on subjects you might not have even thought about such as wedding laws, etiquette and insurance. Furthermore they have first hand experience with trusted suppliers/venues and therefore know those best suited to your requirements.
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Budgeting For Beginners
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Initially many couples don’t realise how the cost of a wedding can mount up or where hidden costs can occur. A planner’s knowledge means they can help you set a realistic budget and stick to it by keeping track of costs so there are no nasty surprises.
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Under Pressure
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Planners can handle the difficult/boring parts in the run up to the wedding leaving you more time to indulge in the fun stuff like dress shopping. On the day itself co-ordination and styling set-up services offered by planners will ensure all runs smoothly and looks perfect meaning no added pressure on the bride and groom or any of their guests.
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Image credit: Comedy Central
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Gloves Off
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As an independent third party who has a wealth of experience in weddings, a planner can help settle disputes between the bride and groom and or family/friends by offering impartial, expert advice to reach the best solution.
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Creative Concepts
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For those who are struggling for inspiration, or who have an idea but aren’t sure how to make it a reality, planners can suggest and source everything from décor and chair covers to table linen and stationery and ensure it all corresponds.
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Brides Abroad
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A planner is particularly useful for those getting married overseas especially if the couple aren’t familiar with their chosen destination. There are planners who specialise in certain destinations and therefore are totally clued up on the country’s wedding laws and venue options and also boast a list of trusted suppliers.
In short professional planners are the answer to a wedding fairy godmother offering priceless expert knowledge, professionalism, creativeness, guidance, stress relief and perhaps even friendship.
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Check out the Brides Up North wedding planners’ page in our directory to find help in your area.
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2013 as credited
This is not a sponsored post
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