Why should I use a Wedding Planner?
Don’t they cost a lot of money?
Surely I can do all the research and planning myself?
Plus all that planning and organising will be fun, won’t it?
The above is a common theme when faced with the question of using a wedding planner, so how can we answer those questions?
Our fees are flexible and kept low so that they can be accessible to all, with packages starting at just £99
We have excellent relationships with many suppliers - helping couples find that perfect supplier or venue without all the frustrating research
Many of our suppliers offer us unique discounts - for example a 10% saving on a £2000 photography package can mean our fee is already partly paid - that's just on one supplier
So much time is taken up searching and planning, most of it is mundane and just simply takes time (like invitation writing and table plans etc) if this is carried out by a WP it allows the couple more time to themselves
Couples can choose the bits they want to get involved in and the bits they don't – giving total freedom of choice
Hiring a WP means you can be sure nothing is forgotten - etiquette is followed - an excellent party is given to guests
A WP can do a range of tasks, some more delicate than others, like contacting family members and explaining why the table plan is set how it is!
Ideas - sometimes a bride wants something different but doesn't quite know what - we can help with ideas and experience of what works and what won't
Experience also brings status - a WP won't think twice about bartering a supplier for a better deal, a nicer album or an extra course on the menu
Most of all a good WP should save you both money and time, an average wedding can take up to 18 months to plan (or 78 weekend days) trawling fairs and suppliers, surely this time would be better spent together enjoying the build up but without the stress
It is your day – do you want to remember it as a stressful and potentially exhausting build up or an amazing relaxing experience?
Do I need a wedding planner?
It seems like you can’t read a book, magazine or even watch a wedding film without a ‘wedding planner’ appearing. In fact 26% brides now hire a planner for their wedding, an amazing increase from recent years. But why the popularity? Years ago couples were happy for a small simple wedding organised by their Mother, but now with so much choice and couples working more hours time is precious and money is too!
Weddings are becoming increasingly complex with an average number of 15 suppliers to source, negotiate and book. Brides can spend weeks agonising over plans and details to ensure their wedding day is wonderful. Films such as ‘The Wedding Planner’ and ‘Confetti’ have raised the profile of wedding planners in the UK over recent years, hence the increase of planners now being hired.
A professional wedding planner is not as expensive as you may think many offer various packages to suit every wedding budget. In most cases your planner can get discounts from suppliers ensuring you are getting the best possible price. And don’t forget every supplier will have been vetted and credentials checked ensuring they are professional. A good wedding planner will also have input into your ideas and help you bring dreams into reality.
Most importantly working with a wedding planner should be more a relationship, you should be able to trust each other and enjoy each other's views and ideas. A wedding planner is there to save you time, money and stress. Isabella Weddings will be there every step of the way and on the big day to ensure you are number one and that you are enjoying your day hassle-free. Let us take away those jobs you don't want to or need to be involved with allowing you time to relax and enjoy the build up.
What type of bride hires a planner and is it for you?
- Do you and your partner work long hours?
- Is your job stressful and demanding?
- Do you have to travel frequently with your job?
- Are you living outside the area of which you plan to marry?
- Do you want your wedding to have the wow factor?
- Are you worried about putting pressure on your Mother?
- Do you want a professional edge to your wedding?
If you answer yes to any of the questions above you may wish to consider hiring a planner. But, how can you ensure the wedding planner you hire is professional and experienced? Always ensure your planner has experience and a qualification in the wedding industry, the IWPA for example. Also try and see some references or testimonials, better still ask around for recommendations.
Arrange to meet the planner for a consultation, personality is a huge part of being a wedding planner. They will be privy to personal and confidential issues so they have to be someone you trust. Prepare a list of questions to ask them to check their experience and suitability.
Facts to find out about the planner
- How long they have been in business?
I have been working with wedding couples since 2003.
- How many weddings they have organised. Can they provide references?
I organise around 10-15 weddings a year and yes i have plenty of references.
- How do they charge, hourly, fixed fee or % of your wedding budget? Do you feel comfortable with this?
All the packages shown are to be used a a guide, I prefer to tailor each package to each couples' needs and this can be done after a free initial consultation in the comfort of your own home before any booking is made.
- Do they accept commission from suppliers is it passed on to the client?
Isabella Weddings pass on all savings to the couples.
- Do they operate on a full time basis or do they have another job?
I work from home as a wedding planner on a part time basis, Isabella Weddings was set up after I worked as a full time venue specific wedding planner. Our first daughter was born in 2007 and from here I decided to launch Isabella Weddings. Working from home allows me to work around my family commitments and gives me the time to really enjoy what I do.
- Ensure they have public liability insurance.
We do! We do however also recommend every couple take out their own wedding insurance to cover every eventuality
- Do they have a portfolio for you to look at?
Yes, I can provide information, pictures, thank you's and details of past weddings
