To Hire a Wedding Planner or Not to Hire a Wedding Planner

Thousands of women each year embark on their own journey down the aisle. For most brides, this is their first journey. For some it is their second (third, fourth, or fifth) journey. Especially for those making the walk for the first time, planning this very special day can be completely overwhelming. There are so many details that go into this type of planning that it quickly sends brides into a panic. Many turn to a professional wedding planner for help. Is this the right thing to do?

5 ways a professional wedding planner is your friend

1. They know what they're doing. Unless you're their first client, your wedding is not the first wedding a wedding planner has planned. Some have dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of weddings under their belt. They know what works and what doesn't work. They know what the etiquette is, and they know how to steer you in the right direction, so you don't make mistakes along the way that can cost you time and money.
2. They save you money. Most brides think that hiring a wedding planner is an added expense they can't afford, but this isn't necessarily true. Since wedding professionals are repeat customers to wedding vendors, they often receive discounts that the common bride wouldn't receive. Wedding planners also know cost effective ways to provide you with the same look as an expensive Martha Stewart wedding look without the expensive price tag. They have an inside scoop on ways you can cut down and cut out costs completely that you may not think of on your own. When it all boils down, all of the money they can save you more than covers the wedding planner's fee.
3. They know the big players. Wedding planners already have their own network of wedding vendors. They've worked with these vendors. They know that they're reputable, that they fit into your budget, and that they're going to show up and do their job on your wedding day. What may take you months to do, wedding planners can do in a matter of hours--put together a team of the best wedding vendors in your area.
4. They keep you on track. Wedding planners are the ultimate of anal individuals. They live by their calendar, their lists, and their plans. They are super organized and make sure that you are always on track and on schedule with your wedding plans. They are the "mothers" of the wedding world.
5. They remove the stress from your shoulders. You have enough stress in your life with work, family, friends, etc. Add in the stress of planning a wedding to the mix and it may just send you over the edge. Wedding planners remove the stress from your shoulders by handling all of the minute details that go into planning a wedding. They are a friend, professional, counselor, and organization guru all wrapped up in one package.

Resources for finding a wedding planner
National Association of Wedding Planners
Association of Bridal Consultants
The Knot
Party Pop