Brides to be- If you had a wedding planner, what would you like from him/her the most? (Beside being free)?

Question

I want to be the best wedding coordinator that I can be. Any suggestions from brides to be on what they would like from a wedding coordinator?

Answer 1

I like being involved int the planning aspect of the wedding, design and decor, picking vendors things like that. Mainly i would want a coordinator that has great resources and knows where to scope out good deals. Organizing the rehersal and day of overseeing the arranging and vednors to insure everything is done the way i want so there is no need for me to stress.

Answer 2

Take a course.

So many people think that they can just plan a party or a wedding.

I have a degree in Marketing plus I am certified through the Wedding Planners Institute.

There are so many laws that apply to wedding planners that do not apply to regular event planners.

Screwing up someone's wedding is a huge deal and there are so many ways to be sued. So make sure that you have a lawyer write your contract for you and that you have good business insurance.

As a wedding planner it is also illegal to take kickbacks from vendors. Meaning if "Joe's Flower Shop" offers you 10% for every dollar of business you bring him...you can't take it.

Then you are "double dipping" being paid by the client and the vendor.

Then you are reccomending "Joe's flower shop" not because he is the best flower shop for your client but because he is giving you some $$ on the side.

If a vendor offers you 10% or something then ask to have the discount passed on to your couple.

Just be careful.

Answer 3

I think a lot of couples shy away from the wedding planner because they feel they will loose some of the personalization of the wedding (I know it's crazy, but...). If you could convey you are going to be sure the wedding will be perfect for them, it will help justify the cost. Cost is a major factor for people not selecting a planner. They feel like they could save money by doing it themselves. If you can find a way to "justify" the "extra" expense in their minds, I believe you will find plenty of clients. Furthermore, everyone wants their wedding to be "different". I think they think if they do it themselves it won't be just like every other wedding they have been to. So, in a nutshell, personalization, uniqueness and value...

You could assure them the event will be tailored to they type of people they are by having them complete a profile of their likes and dislikes to aid in the personalization plan. Perhaps a small mini profile - like what's your favorite outdoor activity, favorite sports team, hobbies, etc. and find a way to work in something from each the bride & groom into the wedding.

Another good idea is to see if they have any family specific recipes that the caterer could prepare for the reception. A wonderful way to honor a dear departed gradmother would be to serve her signature dish.

Sometimes there are friends and family members who honestly want to help with a wedding. If they hire you as a planner will there still be opportunity for others to help if they desire? If you have a brochure (or are developing one) you may consider a "lower-cost" option where family help can be utilized.

Advertise when you should be called - do you want them to give you a ring when they receive their ring or are you the type who is willing to jump in 6 weeks before when they are feeling overwhelmed?

Although I am a former bride-to-be, these are the things which would have swayed me to selecting a wedding planner. Hope it helps & best of luck with your new career!

Answer 4

On one hand I would like to have the wedding planner take care of everything the day of the wedding, make sure everyone is where they should be and take care of the little things. On the other hand, up until the wedding I will need consistent contact. I would need to feel that I would be getting the best deal with the best vendors. So, basically, be super woman. :)

Answer 5

Choices!! I am currently having a lot of trouble with flowers because none of the florists I have seen have many examples of their work and I know absolutely nothing about flowers. A good wedding planner should be able to suggest things like that that might actually look good.

Good luck!

Answer 6

I would want one who stands up to interfering family/friends and says "NO, that is not what the bride and groom want". My wedding is really tiny and already people are interfering in ways that I have never asked for, and it's hard to say no to people without offending them, so having a planner who could step in and deal with interference would be very handy.

Answer 7

What I would want from a wedding planner would be to listen to everything I want on my wedding day, give me advice about it, and help me stay on budget.

Answer 8

I had a wedding cordinator and she was awesome. Basically I told her what I wanted and she took care of everything. Thats what brides need. Someone to ease their stress and not add to it. I didn't have to do much of anything except choose what I wanted.

Answer 9

I would want someone to know where to get the best deals and who has the best services (and worst services - always check them out on better business bureau web site...instead of telling the bride to do it). I would want someone who doesnt get commission from vendors, but who knows all of them well enough to get me discounts. I would want an advocate, someone who makes sure I get what I want, how I want, and when I want. I would want someone who is always available. I would want someone who makes sure everything is perfect, even if it means they have to do things that probably arent in their job description. I would want to feel like Im making a good investment, I pay you, but you get me good discounts and services, so that it almost pays for itself.

Answer 10

To do all the legwork. Get a feel for me, who I am and what I like and what I envision my special day to be. Then go make it happen. And, don't charge me $20,000 while you are doing it.