Monday, July 20, 2009

SHOULD I OR SHOULDN'T I HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER?

Recently, Paradise Delight Florist, attended a bridal consultant association meeting hosted by the Surf & Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach. It addressed “the value of a wedding planner.”

To me, the obvious answer is “yes!” However, it seemed that the crowd had a different perspective. So this entry and subsequent entries will address wedding planners (value, services offered, questions to ask before hiring a planner).

The wedding marketplace has evolved. Traditionally, wedding planners have been the very first stop when planning a wedding. However, with the information at our finger tips – reality television, do it yourself books, magazines and the internet – the consumers are more educated and savvy than ever before. Brides and grooms are now booking service providers first (florist, entertainment, photographers). As a result, most wedding planners are being booked at the later stage of the planning process.

Wedding planners plays a critical role in a successful celebration. Just like an executive producer, they will help with the overall vision and help navigate clients through the planning process. The set designer (florist and décor designer) creates the atmosphere. The entertainment will captivate your guest. Your photographer captures the moments. The catering attends to the taste buds!

Ultimately, for the bride and groom, it will boil down to value and time. The question is “will you sit back, relax and enjoy the show OR will you be working the show?!”