Wedding planner question.?

Question

How exactly does a wedding planner get paid. Do they do a percentage of your total wedding? And how do they usually operate
? Can you tell them exactly what you want them to do or do they usually have set things they do and you get charged a flat rate? Can someone explain the details of wedding planning...I don't know if I need one or not.

Answer 1

First of all, the price and getting paid is subject to whom you hire. Some charge a flat fee based ont eh size of the wedding or the time they plan on speding with you on your event. Some charge a percentage of the total cost of your event. And some will discuss this vs that and the two of you can come up with the best ooption for payment.
Lots of people say if you can afford one, get one. Well, that's not always the correct phrasing. Wedding coordinators can often times be thought of as an additional expense, but can acutally save you more money than doing things on your own.
Many venues, caterers, florists, even gown boutiques, etc give them, in turn their clients, a very hefty discount. They know that this coordinator will continue to bring business to them, so they give them cut rates that they wouldn't give an individual.
A coordinators job is to HELP YOU! To save you from having to concern yourself with the little details that make your day perfect. They are there to ensure that everything is the way you want it, but without you having to concern yourself with making sure they all get done!
I would suggest meeting with at least 3 coordinators before choosing one. This will give you a good idea of several different personalities and styles. Ask to see their porfolio and DEFINATELY speak with references (previous clients). If you aren't satisfied with any of the people you have met with, keep looking. You want someone who will do things how YOU want them, not how they want it. You do want someone who is creative and resourceful, because there will always be surprises.
Before meeting with the prospective coordinators, prepare a list of the things you would like to see done on your day, and a list of things you DO NOT want to see happen. Discuss whether or not they will be handling the event themselves or if an associate of theirs will be handling it, if it's an associate, do not sign any contracts until you meet with that person and determine if they will satisfy your wants and needs.
And finally, PUT IT IN WRITING! Every expectation, every detail you don't want to see! It's better to have too much documented than to be left short or disappointed in the end!
Good luck and congratulations! Wedding Coordinators definately make it easier and more enjoyable for the bride and everyone involved!

Answer 2

The planner literally "plans" your whole wedding - soup to nuts. As far as fee is concerned, it depends on the planner. They either charge a flat rate, or a percentage of the wedding budget. Their job is to sit with you and discuss what you want, then to manage your budget and deliver the vision of what you expected. A good wedding planner will keep you informed throughout the process AND give you options. It takes the burden off of you to find the right florist, photographer, venue, invites, dj/band, etc, because they already have vendors they already use (but you can also tell them if there is a specific place of person you want to use). A wedding planner isn't entirely necessary, but can come in very handy if you're planning a huge event with lots of detail.

Answer 3

A wedding planner, will plan your wedding exactly as you want it. She will do all the catering, flowers etc of your choice. The cost will be depending on your requirements. It is an expensive way of doing it, but if you can afford it, then go for it. Remember it is your wedding, and you tell her what you want.

Answer 4

It totally depends on the planner. I know of several that will give you anything from just one conference to planning your whole wedding. They will help you secure vendors and supplies and when it comes to the wedding day, they can be there to tell others what to do and make sure things run smoothly. Check around - see what services they offer.

Answer 5

Trust me if you can afford one - get one. They are usually a flat rate unless it is just an extravagant wedding. If you have clear ideas of what you want they will listen to you and help you execute them - they are also great if you need ideas. Make sure you get one that knows how to decorate and not just organize and delegate tasks. They are also great if you have a pushy mom or pushy bridesmaids - that way they can be the one to tell them this is how it is going to be and not you. Your wedding planner is your true "maid of honor" - promise!

Answer 6

There is a whole article on this subject here - http://www.topweddingsites.com/wedding_planner_consultants.html