SHoudl I get a wedding planner?

Question

I am in school full-time, well actually more than full-time, because it's an accelerated program, and dedicate about 60 hours a week to just school. However, because I am not working, our budget is tight. I'm figuring about 10k max is what we can afford. I feel totally stressed and bogged down with the planning, getting a hold of vendors and figuring out who to use and who has better prices.

Would it be worth it with my budget to get a planner? Will they be able to help me find vendors in my budget? Will what they save me cancel out the cost of the fee? My biggest concern right now is getting what I want and affording it, is that what a planner does, help me work in my budget?

Answer 1

If your main concern is your budget, I'd stay away from adding on potentially unnecessary fees like a wedding planner. It's definitely going to be tough, considering your school schedule, but this is where it helps to have a good group of people on your side. Delegate to parents, siblings, bridesmaids, make them work! That can sound kind of bad, but that's what they're there for, to help take stress off of you. I'd try to schedule a regular meeting with the people who'd be helping you. Maybe to start off with, once a month, and as you get going increase it to once a week. Give people assignments, have them do research for you, so all you have to do in that meeting is tell them what you like and why, or what you don't like and why. Just try to avoid taking advantage of them, or not being grateful for the help they're giving you.

Good luck!

Answer 2

It all depends on how big of a wedding you want. If its just a small one in say your backyard. Ask your mom and friends to help. If your trying to pull off a bigger one, then you should shop around for a wedding planner.  

Answer 3

I would call one and ask them. Part of a wedding planners job is to help you find vendors within your budget...I am not married but I do watch alot of wedding shows and you can have them be as involved or uninvolved as you want. THey have connections with vendors and so can get better pricing than a stranger off the street. Its worth the call. If they cant help you I'm sure they will just say so...no harm in asking.  

Answer 4

People don't always need wedding planners, but I feel as though you should get one.  More than 60 hours a week in school and trying to plan a wedding with a tight budget can almost be too much.  Don't put that much stress on yourself if you don't have to.  Since you are on a budget, I would recommend getting a newer planner.  They are willing to work for less money because they are trying to make a name for themselves.  and they will work really hard for you, sometimes going above and beyond, because they need it to go right.  They also want a good recommendation.  

Answer 5

Wedding planners can be fairly costly. I know that when I was getting married a lot of the planners I looked into wanted $9k to plan the day.

I don't know if you budget is going to allow for that. Where do you live? If you live anywhere in the Bay Area I've pretty much scouted out every vendor there is in the area in order to get the best deals.

I suggest you recruit your family members, maid of honor and bridesmaids for their assistance. Let them help you find vendors, deals, etc.

You can also go to message boards, like the ones on the knot. They have message boards where brides in specific areas can share information. Chances are there are other brides out there that have been there and scouted out vendors in the area like I did. Let that be a good resource for you.

It never hurts to inquire - so you could contact some local planners in your area. But chances are they will take at least $1500 out of your budget. You may also want to try craigslist in your area. A lot of people will advertise their services on there.

If you have a tight budget I would stick closer to the bay area than in Napa. Napa can be very expensive.

If you want a recommendation I could give you the name of the wedding planner I used. She gave us a flat fee of $1500.00...or if you change your mind and decide to do it in the bay area I've already got some great vendors that will save you a lot of money.

Answer 6

not sure but i have never used a wedding planner and i was married twice it will save you if you plan it your self