Having been a bride prior to becoming a wedding photographer gave me some insight into the madness that comes along with wedding planning. Details ranging from centerpieces, to ‘save-the-dates’, to groomsmen suits and everything else related can become a whirlwind of wedding extravaganza. Quite frankly, it can slowly spiral into a mess of stress. Wedding planning should be as joyous as the day itself. Let’s face it, usually when planning a wedding, it’s the first time planning something of such magnitude and importance.
I remember very clearly just a couple of days before my nuptials, how forecasted the skies were and the pressure of endless calls and emails I had to deal with. I just wanted to call it all off! Yes, I totally admitted that. To say that it was a lot emotionally, physically and time consuming would be an understatement. The list of to do’s was unbearable, and the finances of it all were just the cherries on top. I had help from friends and family, but I didn’t have a go-to person who had experience with this kind of colossal event. If there was only a fairy godmother J-Lo type Wedding Planner that I could call on.
One of the first questions I ask to any bride-to-be is, “do you have a wedding planner?” The reason being is that it makes a world of a difference for both the team working on that day as well as your family and guests. A wedding planner just makes the world a happy place.
Just a few days ago, I had the honor and incredible privilege of shooting Samar’s beautiful portrait, from BLISSFUL EVENTS. Luckily, I was granted access to some of her insight and some of the crazy shenanigans she’s witnessed on weddings, that I as wedding photographer would have totally missed had it not been for her. She also graciously granted me privy information to relay to prospective brides (or just little girls with big dreams to marry one day!). She
explained the reason hiring a wedding planner is not a luxury, but a necessity. Here are some of her answers to the most frequent questions you have but probably didn’t ask.
Thanks to Acre Coffee for letting us use their space
What would be your #1 advice to any bride dreaming of a smooth and carefree wedding day?
Hire a wedding planner! A wedding planner will help you stay within your budget and will also help you divvy up your budget pending on your priorities and what is important to you. A good wedding planner will also help you save money in the end. Usually, wedding professionals will give certain discounts because you are referred by a wedding planner or will simply give you more bang for your buck. In the end, a wedding planner will end up saving you hundreds of dollars. It’s proven that having a wedding planner will pay for itself! Besides googling and referrals, how else can you find all wedding professionals and details? What I say to clients is that anyone who I recommend to them is one who has previously delivered above and beyond services, or I have heard great things about them in the industry.
So, having a wedding planner not only saves you money but also save you time and energy?
Most people have full-time jobs and planning a wedding is a full-time job. Handling two full-time jobs is not ideal–it’s too stressful. The wedding planning time is a time to share and celebrate because it’s happening while you’re engaged. It’s not a time to work and hustle. Sometimes couples can become very stressful while holding their day-to-day responsibilities, full-time jobs and planning a wedding. As a wedding planner, I just present the best options based on budget and interests. Clients get to choose and go about their day.
What is a difference between a wedding planner and ‘day-of coordinator?’ Are there nuances and overlapping roles?
Day-of Coordinator means that the client has done the majority of the work, and the coordinator helps pull it all together. The difference between what I do as a ‘day-of’ coordinator, is that I make myself available to the clients prior to the wedding. I respond to whatever kind of questions or concerns they may have in regards to wedding professionals, vendors, and details. If I have information for my client that will reduce time and stress, I’m more than happy to share it with them. It may not be traditionally part of a ‘day-of’ coordinator package, but I feel that by doing so, I can get to know my client better. Regardless, of what package they select, I’m servicing them by rounding out their day as flawless as possible.
No two couple is the same. Everyone has different availability and interests. I like to be able to cater to their needs based on that.
Do you think that a wedding planner is needed whether the wedding is a smaller more intimate affair or if it’s full-on Great Gatsby style?
Yes! I have experience from planning a wedding with 15 people as guests to a wedding with 400 guests. There’s still the same amount of vendors, details and traditions occurring. The only difference is the amount of people that are expected to attend. A caterer is still required, a photographer is still needed, and the cake and bouquet are going to be tossed. A wedding planner is going to be coordinating all these events and happenings.
What if a bride really wants to hire a wedding planner but feels that maybe they can’t afford it?
I’d recommend considering the budget and seeing what is possible to fit into the budget. Cut out a slice of that budget to afford the wedding planner because at the end it can help afford more with your budget. It’s just a matter to carve out funds for the wedding planner. They’re all kinds of wedding planners that can work with your budget and match your style. Don’t be afraid to ask.
What if I have a family friend or relative that can take on the role of being the point person in charge? Is that advisable?
The idea of having a friend help can seem exciting. However, your friend may know just as much as you do about wedding planning. For most brides, this is the first time planning a party or an event of this size. Hiring a professional will help you save money and time. The wedding planner will know how things should be done, which unless your friend is in the industry, won’t have the repertoire to unravel the wedding planning process. It becomes difficult for your friend to be able to enjoy the actual wedding as a guest and to help coordinate at the same time. Most likely, they won’t be able to create memories with you.
Having a wedding planner allows you to have a peace of mind. It relieves you from worrying about the time and about what’s next. You can have your cake and eat it too. If you want to make sure that your groom is waiting for you on time at the altar, that you’re living the bridal bliss and that your photographer is capturing it all flawlessly, consult a wedding planner.
Special thanks to Samar for taking the time to give a little bit on her insight. To contact her for her services and information you can email her at samar@blissfuleventplanning.com or go to her website here.
Special thanks to Acre coffee in Petaluma, CA for their yummy almond milk latte and letting me invade their space with my camera.
Comments
It was such an honor to be photographed by you and to have the opportunity to chat weddings!! Thank you so much!! Can’t wait for more work together!!
Its no surprise Blissful Events is a successful business. Look at the strong, passionate woman behind it. You are beautiful Samar, inside and out! This is a great blog about your complaint and you!
Thank you Cielo!! You are such a sweetheart! And your makeup art is what made me so beautiful!! Thank you for taking your time and doing such an amazing job!