When is a Wedding Planner necessary in creating your dream wedding day?
Well there isn’t actually a simple answer to this question...why you ask? Because every person has a different and unique vision of what they want their wedding day to be, there’s different degrees of planning that might be necessary in bringing that vision to life! Our goal here is to help you get a feel for what degree of planning your wedding might require.
What different types of event planning are available?
My amazing wedding planner Britt, of Everlemon Events, provides 3 types of planning services that are perfectly catered to whatever your needs may be. The packages she offers are: Day-of Planning, Partial Planning, and Full Planning.
Day-of Planning: is essentially a month long service, where all logistics are handed over, planned out, coordinated and executed day of by your event planner.
Partial Planning: is offered when you need help with booking additional vendors, direction with design, and any extra help that you are looking for that Britt specializes in (DIY Projects, Personalization, Signs, Acquiring Decor Items).
Full Planning: is all of the above, but it also covers all vendor bookings, design, budget management, vendor meetings, and unlimited communication.
*Some planners offer a separate package for decor, but Britt includes decor in her Full and Partial planning packages*
Brit + Pat's Open Air LBI Wedding (Planned by Everlemon Events)
Photography by Sara Fitz Co.
BOK Philadelphia Wedding (Planned by Everlemon Events)
Photography by Sara Fitz Co.
Olivia + Tim Styled Elopement (Planned by Everlemon Events)
Photography by Sara Fitz Co.
FIRESIDE CHAT
w. Britt of Everlemon Events
Q: So when is an event planner absolutely necessary for your wedding in each of the above options? Is the venue a determining factor? Are their planning/DIY abilities a determining factor?
“The venue is a large factor. Some venues offer just the space, these are “DIY weddings”. Some venues offer catering, rentals and everything you need for a wedding day, including an onsite event coordinator! It varies from venue to venue – the only way to find out is to talk to the event coordinator at the venue and see how far they are willing to go for you! Some Coordinators only set up traditional items such as place cards and cake. In any case that you feel you don’t click with the event coordinator, it’s best to research a planner that aligns with your style and vibe to ensure your day goes perfectly.”
A DAY-OF COORDINATOR is necessary to:
o Manage and Coordinate Timeline
o Manage Vendors and Accept Deliveries
o Look After All of the Guests
o Solve Any Problems // Issues That May Arise
o Set Up Décor // Execute a Specific Vision
o Set Up and Break Down
o Clean Up After the Wedding
PARTIAL PLANNING is necessary when:
o You Need Assistance Making Decisions
o You Need Recommendations or Referrals to Complete Vendor Bookings
o You Need Design / Décor Help
o You Need Help Maintaining the Budget
o Keeping All Wedding Details Organized (Reviewing All Contracts, Keeping You Up-to-Date on Upcoming Payments and Making Sure You Didn’t Miss Anything)
o You Need Assistance with Time Management
o You’re Interested in WOW factors, a Planner Can Offer Recommendations to Impress Guests.
FULL PLANNING is necessary when:
o Executing a Specific Vision
o Ensuring Vendors Align with Budget, Style, Vibe
o Creating Something Out of Nothing (Pop-up/Non-traditional Wedding Style - DIY Weddings, Campground Weddings, Estates, Personal Property, Beach, Park, Etc)
o You Aren't Sure Which Direction To Go In
o When You Want Someone to Take the Reins and Plan the Day While Minimally Involving You and Your Partner
o All Vendors Need to be Booked
o Keeping You Organized
-Managing Budget
-Keeping You Aware of Upcoming Payments
-Maintaining the Point of Contact for All Vendors
-Client’s Representation
There are many details that go into a wedding day. Many that couples aren’t aware of or miss. Planners have experience working with vendors, executing ideas, maintaining flow, checking all the little details, and ensuring the couple and their guests are always comfortable and happy throughout the process.
Q. What are the top things brides/grooms should be well prepared for if they do not hire a full event planner or Day Of?
o Having to deal with last-minute questions, solving issues, or arising problems
o Not having the day meet your expectations due to leaving it in the wrong hands
o Having to organize someone to set up details for you
o Having to answer questions from vendors, venue, and guests
o Having to pack up and clean up at the end of the night
o Managing your own timeline // directing guests
Q. What does your "Average Joe" event planner typically include?
“I've worked with many planners who I've learned great things from, and I have also worked with others that prove I'm not an average Joe. I strive to keep my client's happy no matter what, even if it’s not in my job description. Some average planners will complete contracted agreements and sit back.”
Q. What do you include that others do not?
“Some planners come in just for the day of the wedding, which I disagree with. I feel as a planner it's our duty to make sure everything goes smoothly and the clients aren't stressed, which takes time getting to know the client and vendors. This is a tactic that I know Sara strongly believes in as well, one of the many reasons we love working together!
In addition, a month is needed to review contracts, check for accuracy, and make sure everything aligns with the client's expectations and guests' needs. The planner alleviates any stress by being the point person to all the vendors and taking the lead on logistics, including floor plan and timeline.”
Wanna learn more about Britt and Everlemon Events? Go check out the links below!
Comments