Why should I hire an event planner?

Photographer: Cameron Ingalls [Source: Green Wedding Shoes]

A commonly asked question we know that every bride asks, or even just ponders is,"Why should I hire and event planner?" I'm creative....I already know what I want...I've had lots of parties before....I helped with my best friend and sister's weddings....I can't afford it...the list goes on!Today we were asked by an editor at Exquisite Weddings Magazine, what are the top reasons we think why it is important to hire a coordinator, so I thought we might just share with our readers a few of the things we expressed to them...

• You don’t know, what you don’t know. Often times, by the time you figure out the answers to those questions, it is too late. The money has been spent and the contract has been signed.
  
• Have you ever hosted 20-40 people at your home for a dinner party? Try to imagine how it would feel hosting 100, 150, or 250+ and you are the main attraction! How are you going to be the Star and still run around demanding when you want the bread and butter to arrive and let the DJ know when to start the first dance? IT'S NOT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE TO DO THAT! You are there to enjoy your day and be with your guests.
  
• Family matters. Dealing with your family that day is chaotic and managing them that day is a full time job. It is important to have someone there as a mutual third party that can be that person to bounce ideas off and help you stay calm and do things in a orderly manner.
• We are your ally and advocate. Another important piece a wedding coordinator can offer you is that they act as your advocate. The WC {wedding coordinator} will motivate and manage all the vendor teams. That day we manage nearly sixty people who are assisting with that day.
• Money talks. Money is stressful. You have a budget and think, “well, I can work with that amount." But then you find the perfect dress which is $1,000 more than expected. A WC will help you stick with your budget. A couple may say, “well, its only $100 more." But if you do that multiple times, it adds up. The money you spend with a coordinator will more than make up the amount they help you save, and because of their relationships with vendors, a WC can get you better deals in a variety of ways.
• The home stretch. The last week, the list of details is huge. There is a lot to accomplish that week and the last thing anyone would want is to have their friends and families running around stressed. The last week or more, everything should be communicated through the WC to avoid frustration and pointless questions.
• And lastly, having a planner on board allows you to slow down and take a deep breath and truly enjoy the process of planning your wedding!

Love,

Ashlyn+Heather

C&C