When it comes to wedding planning you may not be familiar with the expectations that comes with having a wedding planner. Mostly because this service has not been inquired about before this very moment. A very important journey of the two of you walking down the aisle and saying I DO. You have the ideas or maybe not a clue, you have the bridal party line up, but what’s next, who do you trust as a vendor, price over quality, what will be your stand on things? Then maybe you want to hire someone to help you, a wedding planner, so asking the question: What does a wedding planner do? Is completely understandable.
So what exactly does a wedding planner do?
A wedding planner have many titles, counselor, psychologist, friend, advocate, that not all of them can be listed, but think of it like a general contractor. A wedding planner help brides and grooms manage the entire process of their wedding, by breaking down the logistical elements of the wedding into phases. The goal for doing this is to keep things less overwhelming. Here you can read more of different level title that will offer different level of services.
There are several level of services a wedding planner offers, so the duties may be different based on which level you have selected. But, it all start from the initial consultation. Today, based on our experience and on our business practices, I will give you a few basics of what a wedding planner does.
At the initial consultation not only you will get to know more about your wedding planner, but it is also a great time for them to get to know you. This will determine if you are a good match for each other, not only budget wise, but personality wise. That’s when you will share your vision and the expectations of your wedding. Discuss the budget, the date, and any other important details.
After the initial consultation, and you have decided that your wedding planner is the right fit, and vice versa, and both feel comfortable with the working relationship, a contract is signed and a retainer is paid. Then, the wedding journey fun begins!!!
When you come on board as a client, a wedding planner, get to know you, your likes, your dislikes, this will help in designing a wedding unique to you. We Do a lot of research to pair you with the right vendors.
Create a wedding budget:
This is one of the first things that we do by dissecting the budget and allocating every single penny in its own category, including the contingency one.
Finding your ceremony and reception venues:
Hiring a wedding planner before selecting your venue is very important. Not only, it helps in telling your story via your wedding vision, but it also help negotiate terms of the contract.
Suggest Vendors:
A wedding planner recommend wedding professionals that match your style, your value and budget. You get the final say as who will be part of the team.
Review and negotiate vendor contracts:
Reading contracts carefully is necessary, and your wedding planner can help ease your mind in carefully reviewing and negotiating terms.
Manage guest list and RSVP’s:
Keeping track of all your guests and their RSVP’s can be a daunting task that your wedding planner handles. From tracking the choice of food, to noting allergies, wedding planners are here to make it a smooth process for you.
Secure accommodation for out-of-town wedding guests:
Wedding planners can help find the right accommodation for your out of town guests. Instead of spending endless time looking at places, a wedding planner can help narrow down locations, activities, and visa requirements if necessary.
Plan pre-wedding functions (engagement party, Sangeet, Garba, bridal shower, bachelor party, etc.):
A wedding planner would be able to help in planning those events, which results in a cohesive guests experience week/weekend.
Create floor plan for wedding ceremony and reception:
A wedding planner takes measurements at your chosen venue, and help with the layout of your events to transform the rooms and use them to their full advantage.
Accompany couple on wedding vendor appointments:
Sometimes due to your busy schedule you can’t attend all meetings, but this is one of the reasons why you hire a wedding planner, because we fight for you, your time. We attend those meetings for you, and make sure we have all the necessary information needed for the process. If you are available, even better, we attend those meetings with you.
Create a wedding-day timeline:
A wedding planner knows the ins and out of the event at hand and knows how to make it flow smoothly and for a timely. From hair and makeup, vendor arrival to tear-down, every details goes in the timeline.
Direct the wedding rehearsal:
The day prior to the wedding day, a wedding rehearsal takes place to allow couple and the entire bridal party the chance to know what to expect and what to do on wedding day.
Design wedding look/theme:
Not all wedding planners can design, but that is one of our specialty. Mostly provided with Full service and Design, this service starts from choosing the right colors, linens, vendors, building structures, sketching, taking your ideas and turning them into something unexpectedly extraordinary.
Oversee all wedding day activities:
On the day of, wedding planners are the first to arrive and the last to leave. They are there to oversee set up, and putting out fires when they arise, without you even knowing. They make sure you, your escort cards are set up, menu cards are set up, walk down the aisle on time, dinner service, cake cutting, bouquet toss. You name it, wedding planners get it done.
Overall, making sure everything goes according to plan is what our job is. We take the stress away from you and your family, by protecting your investments and making sure your wedding day vision come to fruition. Most importantly we help in making sure the wedding planning process and the day itself goes smoothly. Forget about lifting a finger on your wedding day, we help you by making sure you truly get the chance to have fun at your own wedding.
Georgette Casimir is the owner and creative director of Pea to Tree Events, a boutique planning and design company specializing in Multicultural, luxury weddings and highly personalized events. PTE is based in Florida and serves all of South Florida, Tampa, Orlando, and destinations beyond with impeccable and exclusive wedding experiences. Connect with Georgette today at 727-537-0737 or Events@peatotree.com about your special event.
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