planning

Answers courtesy of Ashley Gain Weddings & Events

Q: Why should a bride hire a wedding planner?
People always say that the wedding goes by so fast, you can barely remember it. But the truth of it is that brides remember the planning just as much as they remember their day. Some brides have told me that their wedding was great, but planning it was so stressful. That’s their memory of their wedding. By hiring a wedding planner, you are securing happy memories of an enjoyable experience. Your planner will be with you from beginning to end, from “Yes” to “I do.”

Q: What if the venue already has a wedding coordinator on staff?
There’s a big difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding planner. The venue coordinator’s main priority is the venue, from what your guests will be eating, to how long you’ll be there, to setting up the chairs and tables. They do an amazing job, but wedding planning is not their job. They’re not going to be able to help you with things like choosing your invitations, picking colors, and finding a florist that fits within your budget.

Q: How do wedding planners charge for their services?
There are two ways that planners typically get paid. One is a flat fee. It’s not contingent on how much the bride spends or what vendors they use. There are also planners who charge a little bit up front and then on the back end, they’ll make money from the vendors. To me, hiring a planner is an investment because we have so much experience with what things cost. In the end, we’re going to help you spend your money more efficiently, which helps counter the money you’re spending on the planner.

Q: What advice do you have for brides just beginning to plan their weddings?
Thinking about the wedding day can get really overwhelming. I tell brides to think of their wedding almost like taking a college class. When you walk in the first day, you wouldn’t be worried about the final exam, so just look at it week by week and you’re not going to feel nearly as stressed. Every week, we’ll build and we’ll grow and each little piece will come together.