Hiring a Planner: What a Wedding Planner Really Does

I posted this video simply because it is one of the single most accurate explanations of this profession. Wedding planning is not a game, a hobby or anything like the movie with J.Lo. This is hard work! It is a commitment to clients and to the wedding industry. If you are a bride and are considering hiring a wedding planner please be sure that she/he has experience, is a member of ABC, is a committed professional not a hobbyist, is certified or has some sort of educational background in the field. Your wedding planner should be there to help you, not boss you around. She should be there to guide you and comfort you and assist you with everything or at least try. The services a planner offers should meet your needs and give you solutions to your wedding problems. For example: you work full time and haven't got the time to commit to planning. However, you still want to be in control of the planning process and make all the decisions. A planner should be able to take care of vendor appointments that you can't make it to, research and refer professional vendors, inspect multiple sites for your ceremony and reception and form an accurate report that you can read and understand.
Here is a list of WARNING SIGNS to watch out for when choosing a planner:
1. She cannot be found anywhere on the Internet.
2. It is hard to contact her or get in touch with her during normal business hours. (and this is before hiring her)
3. She is not a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants or any other wedding association.
4. She is unprofessional (tardy all the time, bad mouths other professionals, unprofessional appearance etc;)
5. The planner calls what she does "on the side" or "a hobby" or "moonlighting".
6. Her website and blog or outdated, office phone disconnected etc;
7. At your first meeting she seems very unorganized, no letterhead, price lists, explanation of services, brochures or business cards. She cannot give you anything to take home and look over. She doesn't jot down any notes while you tell her what you are looking for. (yes they are out there so be careful).
8. She does not offer you a contract to sign. BE CAREFUL when signing anything be sure to read over the contract and its inclusions before signing.
9. Your gut says she will be hard to work with; she seems uncooperative or her overall attitude is unprofessional.
10. During your meeting she has a hard time listening. She does all the talking, she doesn't ask questions and is focused on selling you rather than finding out what you need and what your vision for your wedding is!
11. She seems only focused on one aspect or area of your wedding. Seems funny right but there are hobbyists who love to do specific things like decorating or floral design or favors and invitations. A REAL professional wedding planner asks questions that pertain to logistics, coordination, planning, scheduling and overall wedding management.

Brides-to-Be, be sure to do your research on your planner and any other vendor that you plan to pay for services. The best way to do this is to go straight to the horses mouth. (Sorry for the expression) You can ask friends and family members but the best way to connect with a professional is to meet with them and talk to them yourself.
Look for a professional appearance, experience, a listening ear, professional correspondence, timely responses, a friendly demeanor, and a overall concern to make sure your wedding day is a success!

Happy Planning!