DO YOU NEED A WEDDING PLANNER OR COORDINATOR? WHAT TO EXPECT FROM BOTH

One of the important decisions a couple planning a wedding will have to make is whether they need to hire a wedding planner or not. An average of 3 in 10 couples in Nigeria would be willing to engage the services of a wedding planner, while the remaining 7 would prefer to plan their wedding themselves with the help of families and friends.

Today, more than ever, the wedding planner is the best investment you can make into your wedding as you can’t afford to go wrong at the last minute. It doesn’t matter whether you are planning a big or small wedding. It is important you entrust your day in the hands of a professional wedding planner if you can not handle it yourself.

Hiring a wedding planner is not a luxury reserved for the affluent. To some people, it is just adding another expense to already expensive day. But others, hiring a wedding planner means saving time and money. Every couple planning a wedding should be able to accommodate a wedding planner within the budget.

Below are top 3 reasons why a wedding planner can help you make your day everything you wanted and more...

1. We have a budget and need to stick to it....It may initially seem that by hiring a wedding planner may increase the cost of your wedding. In truth, doing this can actually save you money due to the amazing discounts you couldn’t otherwise access. Event planners are members of ‘underground’ network of wedding professionals. They know the best vendors with the best possible prices. They also have a lot of contacts that may be willing to help you achieve your dream even if it means cutting into their profits.

2. Basically, the wedding planner takes care of all those small details that the couple just does not want to worry about. Most importantly, a wedding planner will keep your day running on time and in the manner that couples desires. A wedding planner truly gives the couple the ability to enjoy their day essentially worry free.

3. We don’t want to worry about anything on the day of our wedding...This is one of the biggest reasons why couples hire a wedding planner- the coordination of the actual day. Most couples do not worry about anything on the day of the wedding and this is where the planner comes in. Amongst other things, the wedding planner makes sure the Dj arrives on time, the decorator has delivered the bouquets and centrepieces to the correct locations, and that the favors have all been placed at everyone’s place setting.

The differences between a Wedding Planner and a Wedding Coordinator are:

A Wedding Planner: A certified wedding planner is a man or woman who engages his/her services to interpret your dream wedding and bring it to reality. They plan your function from the beginning, bringing in the right vendors and ideas into play to make your event a success and most importantly to exceed your expectations. Their roles include:

Helps to manage your budget to suit your style of wedding and should be sincere enough to advise you otherwise if necessary.

Sources the most reliable vendors to suit your budget and wedding theme. /

Advises on your theme and best ways to achieve it,’

Takes all family stress off and will be there to act in your own interest.

On ground at the venue to make sure that everything goes according to plan.

A Wedding Coordinator: Is an alternative for couples who can not afford a full wedding planning package. They physically attend your wedding activities, to make sure everything is going as you had planned. Their roles include:

Ensures bride has everything in place for her big day. She is expected to coordinate the party according to the couple’s job description.

They take care of all big and small details, such as, making sure the vendors are doing what they are paid to do, and most importantly that everyone is happy.

She and her crew of professional hostesses see to the well being of guests and ensure a hitch free event.