News & Articles
Planning makes dollars and sense
3 Aug 2007
WEDDING planners aren't the eccentric stage directors Hollywood would have us believe. They're also not an expensive extravagence reserved for the rich and famous.
Marisa Welcome, A Lavish Affair's principal event consultant, says couples are often surprised to discover how much money and time a planner can save them.
"At the recent Melbourne Bridal Expo I met a lot of couples who thought they couldn't afford a wedding planner, or imagined wedding coordination was just an added expense they could do without. When I explained how a planner can recommend and book suppliers, negotiate the best price and handle any hiccups along the way, the look of relief was palpable," she says.
Marisa says couples often feel like being in control of their own wedding will give them the best outcome, but like any industry, she says a specialist will do that more efficiently and cost- effectively than a bride with only her dreams for guidance.
"For most services, we go to a professional. For tax, it's your accountant, for hair it's your stylist, for housing it's a real estate agent. Weddings aren't any different. Planners live and breathe this industry, and we're here to make the process simple and enjoyable."
In her 12 years as an event planner, Marisa has heard too many stories of regret - of brides and grooms who endured disputes and disappointment in trying to pull together their own wedding - other couples reported so much stress on the day itself, they couldn't enjoy the moment.
She says the key to success is not only hiring a wedding planner, but also choosing the right one. So, once you've said ‘yes' to each other, start popping the questions for an ‘I Do' list from any potential coordinators.
Here are A Lavish Affair's Top 10 assessments for creating a ‘planning' partnership made in heaven.
- Are they full-time?
You want your planner to be available at all hours of the working day and weekend (unless they have a wedding on). Part-timers and hobbyists can't offer the level of service and commitment you need. - How long have they been doing this?
Newcomers often don't have the experience, the connections and the knowledge to give you the best possible service. The more years in the industry, the better value you get for your money. - Is your planner independent?
Some planners align themselves with particular suppliers, accepting kickbacks, commissions, spotter or referral fees. A Lavish Affair is independent, and passes on its savings to the client. - What does their branding say to you?
A planner who is presented professionally, with a company image, and marketing material like branded stationery and a website shows a lot about how they operate.
If it's boutique service you want, choose a company that looks, feels and acts that way. - How busy are they?
A healthy business is great, but an overbooked planner compromises their service. Find a planner that limits the number of weddings they take on in any month. Somebody who is booked every weekend may not have the time to come out on site with you. - What packages do they offer?
Every couple and wedding is different, and packages and pricing should reflect that. Choose a planner that provides flexible packages to suit your requirements. - How much do they charge?
A good planner is mindful of your budget and can offer flexible solutions, tailoring packages to accommodate your needs. We recommend you choose a planner that charges a fair and reasonable flat fee and does not absorb supplier commissions, but passes on the savings directly to you. - Are they in tune with your personality?
An intuitive planner can bring unique ideas to the table in reflection of your style and tastes, creating a wedding that captures your personalities. - Do they listen?
Choose a planner that listens to you and wants to achieve your vision, not their own. The ‘we know best' approach is simply arrogant. - Are they creative?
The joy of having a planner is being able to rely on somebody for vision and creativity. Somebody who re-hashes old ideas, or recreates the same wedding time and again, isn't that talented, and is probably in the wrong game.
