Ever wonder what a wedding planner REALLY does?
Most people rely on movies like “The Wedding Planner” to form their definition of a typical wedding planner. For the most part, J. Lo as a “star of the show” headset is a fantasy when it comes to being a wedding planner. Unlike Matthew and Bridget’s unlimited budget, you will be hired for your budgeting skills. But your girlfriend will be stressed out and this is where you shine. You will be called and hired or not hired based on your abilities to perform under pressure, as if there is no pressure. Knowing your role in bride and groom weddings is the first piece of the wedding planning puzzle. Below is a list of the 3 most recognized service picks that your clients can choose from. We refer to these as “packages”. However, I’m here to tell you that if you want to stand out beyond the cookie cutter wedding planner, then it’s up to YOU to define these packages by adding your own flair to your unique services.
Wedding planner – def (n)
A person who creates magic, gets answers from the hat, and performs a flawless wedding (without breaking a sweat).
There are many services that a wedding planner can provide to a bride. Depending on the needs and personality of the bride, it is up to the wedding planner to cater to the needs of her client. Not only is it important to meet customer expectations, but exceeding their expectations will enhance your referrals to help you find your next customer.
Full service planner
A full service planner can really help the bride from the beginning to the end of her planning. From the moment the groom asks the question, the bride enters the planner’s office to begin the journey. This girlfriend is often new to the area, easily overwhelmed, does not like to make decisions, or is very busy in her career or education. The main responsibility of a planner is to be the representative of the family and to keep the lines of communication open between all parties involved. Becoming a mediator is often a crucial role in this phase of the planning process.
Main responsibilities of a full service planner:
oSet the budget (stay within budget throughout the planning process)
o Find the place of the reception / ceremony
o Book sellers (photographer, videographer, florist, entertainment)
o Negotiate prices for all providers involved
oCreate a personal decoration style for the bride and groom
o Create Vendor Schedule / Bridal Party Schedule
o Attend all meetings
oOrchestrate the rehearsal and the wedding day
o Personal family assistant
o Keep track of various post-wedding tasks
Partial planner
This is the most popular program that wedding planners can offer their clients. Brides will come to the appointment with some of the options already made, but would like some professional guidance in the middle of the planning process. Brides think they can do it all on their own only to find frustration and an endless list of things to do, therefore they hand it over to a planner. This type of girlfriend likes to have the last word in the decision-making process, but she wants a professional opinion every step of the way.
Main responsibilities of a partial planner:
oCollect all the client’s information / contracts
oEvaluate the budget
o Get to know all the family members involved in the planning process
o Create a roadmap / set goals for each month with the client
o Providers of other books
o Negotiate prices when available
oPersonal decoration (update program)
o Create Vendor Schedule / Bridal Party Schedule
o Wait for final catering meeting
oOrchestrate the rehearsal and the wedding day
o Personal family assistant
o Keep track of various post-wedding tasks
Planner day
A Day Of Planner is someone who walks in and picks up all the pieces (often referred to as the family’s personal assistant or general wedding manager). The main responsibility of a day planner is to make sure that the plan that the bride and her family have created runs smoothly according to their expectations. The decoration of the reception and the timing of the ceremony are crucial on the wedding day. The most important piece of the puzzle is making sure the vendors are directed to the right place at the right time in conjunction with the bridal party. The timeline is the heart of the event. Without a solid timeline, people won’t know where to go or when to report. A planning day is only as good as your timeline. 5 minutes outside of the wedding day time, means hard filet mignon in the hot box. This is often referred to as “Game Day”.
Main responsibilities of a Day of Planner:
oCreate a timeline
o Call all providers to verify arrival time and place
o Farewell meeting with the bride and groom (pick up personal items)
or get help
o Assign staff with bride (help dress)
o Assign staff to decorate the reception (implement the plan)
o General manager for the family
oOrchestrate the rehearsal and the wedding day
o Keep track of various post-wedding tasks
There are three main services that a wedding planner can provide: full service, part service, or day planner. Knowing what type of service the customer is looking for will help define the type of program that will sell them. Each customer is unique and some programs may need to be customized to meet their needs. Remember, the bride is the client, you are the manager. It is up to the director to guide the client towards the appropriate program that suits their needs.