Tag Archives: wedding parties

Wedding Planner Recruiting

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If you’re engaged and have started planning the big day, one decision you might be considering is whether to hire a wedding planner or not. Wedding planners aren’t necessary – you can plan a wedding yourself – but a planner can be a practical and emotional support during a time of great change. Hiring a wedding planner can be costly, so you should consider several factors before making a decision. Here are six reasons you might want to enlist the help of a planner when arranging a wedding.

1.  You have limited time

Even if you’re planning a small wedding, making all the arrangements involved in this special occasion takes time. Whether you have a demanding job or existing family commitments, a wedding planner can save you weeks of planning and often thousands of dollars in mistakes made by making all the practical arrangements for your big day.

2.  You have very specific ideas in mind for your wedding

A wedding is one of the most special days you will experience, and many people want to mark the occasion by doing something original. Wedding planners are usually very well connected, and know a lot of professionals in the industry, so if you have a specific idea in mind for your wedding, a planner could help you turn it into a reality.

3. You want a large wedding

The larger your wedding, the more planning you will need to do in advance, so if you’re planning a big event, enlisting the help of a wedding planner will make the process easier.

4.  You’re on a budget

Hiring a wedding planner when you’re trying to stick to a budget might sound counter-intuitive, but one of a wedding planner’s main tasks is to try and help reduce the cost of your wedding. Planners can help negotiate discounts with vendors, potentially saving you more money than you spend on their fee.

5. You’re not sure how to plan a wedding and want some expert advice

If you have no idea where to start when planning your wedding, or you’re feeling overwhelmed with everything you need to do, involving a professional could reduce your stress levels. Experienced wedding planners will be familiar with the process of planning and executing a successful party, so will be able to offer guidance and advice.

6.  You want things to run smoothly on the day

As well as helping with the planning process, a wedding planner will be there to support you on the day, acting as a go-between between vendors and any third-party contractors, and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so you can enjoy your party.

7.  You want someone to mediate conflicts.

Weddings are a time of celebration, and also a time of transition. During periods of change, emotions can run high and conflicts can emerge between the wedding party and vendors, and between the different families involved in the wedding. Planners are impartial so don’t get emotionally involved in the situation, which makes them a useful source of support and mediation when needed.

Wedding planners might seem like an unnecessary expense, but if you have the budget, hiring a planner can reduce your stress levels, and help you enjoy the wedding of your dreams.

Wedding Day Tips and Top 10 Checklist

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A wedding usually lasts between one to three days, however the planning involved in this kind of celebration can take months, if not longer. As well as the major life changes that come with getting married, the event itself can cause stress for the happy couple. Here are 10 tips that will help reduce the chance of any mishaps, leaving you and your significant other to enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate your union

1.  Book everything well in advance

Many people choose to host their wedding at an external venue, and hire caterers and entertainers for the reception and after-party. Booking any external services or venues well in advance leaves less room for problems closer to the big day, and gives you time to plan the finer details. Apps like iFlipTips can help you create a record of all tasks you need to complete in preparation for your wedding, so you can keep track of what you need to book.  Apps like iPartygram is also a great app for iPhone or iPad to manage invitations and wedding party pics/snaps.

2.  Research vendors well

You want to make sure you hire reliable vendors, especially if you have a large wedding party. Try asking married friends or contacts about their wedding experiences, and see if you can get a number of recommendations. Wedding websites and forums are also useful places to find reputable vendors with a proven track record.

3.  Confirm with vendors the week before

Booking vendors well in advance is advisable, but for peace of mind it’s also wise to double-check arrangements with the individual or company the week before the wedding. This makes sure any last-minute details are fresh in their minds when the big day comes, and still gives you just enough time to switch to plan B if they back out at the last minute.

4.  Have back-up plans for food and entertainment

This step might not always be possible for couples with a large wedding party, but it’s helpful to try to create a back-up plan in case something goes wrong with either the food or the entertainment.

5. Enlist the help of family and friends

Take some of the stress off you and your partner by asking trusted friends and family members to help with small tasks on the day. This might include seating guests, collecting gifts, or liaising with vendors. Asking someone else to take on these roles will give you both more time to socialize and enjoy the celebrations.

6.  Consider hiring a wedding planner

Similar to tip five, a wedding planner can help with various tasks and last-minute details on the day. Hiring a planner also alleviates some of the stress associated with planning the wedding, as they will usually take care of all the practical arrangements.

7.  Create a seating plan

Weddings are a time of celebration, but family dynamics can also cause tension to run high. Creating a seating plan rather than leaving seating open can help avoid arguments both at the wedding and the reception, so make a chart in advance and request that guests stick to it on the day.

8.  Plan for enough food and drink

Guests expect the couple to provide food and drink on the day of the wedding, so it’s important to plan for the right number of guests. You should also check whether some guests have dietary requirements or preferences in advance so you can ensure you have a selection of food and drink that will be suitable for everyone.

9.  Be generous to guests

Your guests will most likely be attending your wedding at some personal expense, whether this comes from purchasing a gift or paying for transportation. Some might have travelled a long way to attend your ceremony, so it’s polite to thank them. Consider giving favors, gift bags, or organizing a pre- or post-wedding meal for guests who have gone out of their way to attend.

10. Expect the worst

While this might sounds negative, planning for the worst can help you resolve problems that might arise on the day of the wedding quickly and efficiently. For example, if you’re having a wedding outside, build a marquee in case it rains. Try to cover as many realistic issues as possible to limit the amount of problem-solving you have to do on the day.