Would you use a Wedding Planner for your wedding?

Question

My sister and I are located in Southern California and looking to start our own Wedding Planner Business. We are trying to see how many people in that area would be intrested in using one. Your answers would help a lot. Thanks.

Answer 1

There are a lot of wedding planners in the Southern California area so you definitely need to figure out which niche you want to fall into. Also, being certified will make things a little easier for you in the beginning. Make sure you have enough money to start your business as it does require between 5-10k. If you don't have experience in the wedding industry, then starting out as planners might not be the best idea. Unless you've interned with wedding specialists - planners or otherwise - then you might want to take a few years to work up to planners.

Answer 2

I was married several years ago and planning my wedding was very stressful especially considering I was working 16 hours a day at the time. I never thought I could afford to use a wedding planner so I never looked into hiring one. I think it would be helpful if you advertise your affordability even for the bride on a budget. Many brides don't think they can afford the service and probably end up paying more for their vendors in the long run.

Answer 3

I've started one also...its a very tough business to break into!!! A lot of legalities that have to be considered and legal loopholes. Do some extensive research for ur area as it pertains to: What they charge, how many there are, are they certified or not, how many vendors do they work with, what additional services are offered, and so on...First of all get an attorney and insurance U WILL NEED BOTH!!!!! There are plenty of people that do use planners, but there are even more that don't bc of the added expense that planners pose. keep that in mind and also keep in mind who u are trying to target...what kind of bride is it that u want to work with...

Answer 4

I wouldn't have considered it, but that's me. I'd been involved in several weddings and done a lot of research before I started planning my wedding, and I liked being a hands-on bride. Having all the details in my own hands kept me preternaturally calm. I didn't want to hire more professionals than absolutely necessary. That's what worked for me.

On the other hand, there are plenty of brides who don't know what they really want, don't have the time and/or energy to follow up on every detail, or simply prefer to have someone else take care of things while they relax and enjoy having someone else do it all for them. There seems to be enough work to go around for competant wedding planners.

Answer 5

Nope, sorry. The wedding was over in a flash and I dont even remember half of it. We had an average wedding and still spent over $15,000. I never could have justified the cost of hiring a planner.

Answer 6

Maybe you should start off with a wedding dress and tux shop. You could have different things to rent out to people for decorations, too. If you start small and get your name going in the "wedding circle" then you can stretch your business out to also doing wedding planning. That's the route I would take. Good luck to you. It's a fun business.

Answer 7

I'm not in the area but the more I look into the whole wedding thing, and especially since I work, the more likely that I would use one. I would definitely need the help.

Answer 8

I wouldn't because it would be more money to spend on an expensive wedding. I do know, though, that it will be more stress on my part to have to plan the wedding. I think family help a lot in planning a wedding, too.

Answer 9

No not at all. It was fun to plan a traditional wedding for 200 guests, with lots of help from family. No reason to give up that 10 per cent!

Answer 10

I'm from Virginia - and you're darned tootin' I would hire a wedding planner.

How else could I keep track of all those pesky details etc.

Just make sure the client's credit is good and his checks don't bounce!