Planning a wedding is a monumental task, filled with excitement, joy, and—let’s be honest—stress. As a professional wedding planner, I’ve witnessed firsthand the various mindsets that couples bring to the planning process. One of the most perplexing trends I observe is the illogical approach to budgeting, particularly regarding the value of hiring a wedding coordinator or planner.

The Value of Expertise

One of the most critical roles in the wedding planning process is that of the wedding coordinator. Think of them as the manager of your event—an expert responsible for overseeing every detail, from the initial planning stages to the final moments of the celebration. A skilled coordinator not only manages logistics but also anticipates potential issues, problem-solves on the fly, and puts out metaphorical fires that couples may not even be aware of.

A wedding coordinator’s expertise goes beyond just organizing the schedule. They are well-versed in the intricacies of wedding logistics, from vendor management to timeline coordination. This level of detail requires a deep understanding of every aspect of the event, ensuring that everything flows smoothly. For instance, if a vendor is late or an unexpected weather change occurs, the coordinator is there to make necessary adjustments without the couple even noticing.

Given that couples often spend upwards of $80,000 on their wedding, it becomes essential to recognize the value of hiring a seasoned professional to manage this investment. Hiring someone with a decade or more of experience and professional certifications means entrusting your special day to an individual who understands the complexities of event management and knows how to navigate them effectively.

Protecting Your Investment

When you consider the scale of your investment in this one day, it becomes illogical to skimp on hiring a competent coordinator. Spending close to six figures on your wedding and then hesitating to allocate a reasonable budget—say, more than $2,000—for a wedding coordinator who will manage all of these investments is counterintuitive. The coordinator is the individual who ensures that your vision is realized, your vendors are synchronized, and your guests are cared for.

We understand that it’s hard for couples to understand the true value of a wedding planner/coordinator especially if they’ve never had a wedding before or been involved in weddings. However, what often happens after the event is complete and my couples have now had the opportunity to experience my work from start to finish is an overwhelming realization of what my job truly encompasses. Many couples over the years have approached me at the end of the wedding to tell me that I should charge more for my services.

In essence, your coordinator becomes the backbone of your wedding day. They are the ones who ensure that every dollar spent is maximized and that your hard work in planning translates into a flawless event. When couples understand this dynamic, it becomes clear that investing in a capable coordinator is not just an expense; it’s a smart decision that safeguards the entire wedding experience.

Illogical Budgeting

A great example of mismanaged priorities in budgeting is the difference in investment between a DJ and a wedding coordinator. Couples often allocate substantial budgets for entertainment, willing to spend significant amounts on a DJ who may only work for 9 hours on the wedding day plus a few more for their prep ahead of time. Yet, when it comes to hiring a wedding coordinator—who dedicates 50 or more hours to planning, coordinating, and executing the event—many couples hesitate to invest more than $2,000, often expecting a myriad of services for free.

Pitfalls To Avoid

Beyond the misconceptions surrounding coordinators, there are other common logical pitfalls couples face while planning their weddings:

1. Focusing on Trends Over Substance: Many couples get caught up in trendy ideas and forget what truly matters to them as a couple. Prioritizing personal touches that reflect their relationship will create a more meaningful experience.
2. Overlooking the Importance of a Good Venue: Couples sometimes prioritize decor over the venue itself. A beautiful venue can significantly reduce the need for elaborate decorations, saving time and money while enhancing the overall aesthetic.
3. Neglecting to Budget for Contingencies: Unexpected expenses can arise at any moment. Couples might not consider setting aside a contingency fund, which can lead to stress and rushed decisions as the wedding day approaches.
4. DIY Overload: While DIY projects can be fun and cost-effective, taking on too many can lead to burnout. Couples should carefully evaluate their time, skills, and energy levels before committing to extensive DIY decor or arrangements.

The Cost of Free Decor Setup

Another common misconception is the expectation that wedding coordinators will set up decor for free, especially when multiple decor items are involved. Setting up the typical items such as a guestbook, table numbers, welcome sign, etc. is expected and perfectly normal. However, when couples take on too much DIY that’s where the issues arise. While it’s understandable to want to save costs, the truth is that setting up decor takes time, effort, and expertise. That’s why decorators and florists charge a labor fee. We understand the desire to source and create your own flower arrangements, but consider first whether you really want to be building bouquets the day before your wedding, or worse, the day-of among all of the other things you have going on that weekend. Don’t you want to be present on your wedding day and enjoy this sacred time when all your people come together? If you source your own candles, what are you going to do with all of them after the wedding? Spending a little more in decor means getting back your sense of peace and time on your wedding weekend and saves you the hassle of dealing with the leftovers after the event. Now, given the amount of work that goes into decor setup why should you expect your coordinator to handle this for free? Coordinators, should and often do, charge a small fee for this service because it requires not only physical labor but also a keen eye for design, ensuring that everything is placed perfectly and aligns with the couple’s vision.

Conclusion

As wedding planners, we strive to guide couples through this intricate journey, helping them to see the bigger picture and value the services we provide. By recognizing the importance of investing in a skilled coordinator and making informed budgeting choices, couples can craft a wedding day that is not only beautiful but also stress-free.

Remember, your wedding is a celebration of your love. It deserves the care and expertise that only a professional can provide. Don’t let misplaced priorities detract from the joy of your special day. Embrace the planning process with a clear understanding of value, and you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.