November 02 2011
Do I Need A Wedding Planner Or Not?
Tagged Under : baby shower, big picture, birthday party, book computer, business connections, clear vision, computer task, fiance, impulse purchases, professional manner, style book, task calendar, track expenses, wedding budget, wedding planner
Answer these questions honestly and keep track of how many times you answer ‘no’.?
1. I have experience working with budgets (I can create one, track expenses, etc)
2. I am a financially responsible person (I can control my spending, separate my emotions from my decisions, and avoid impulse purchases)
3. I have a clear vision for my ceremony and reception (how it will look, what will take place). If not, I know I am able to see the ‘big picture’ and I’ll be able to pull all of the aspects of the event together to create a cohesive theme and style?
4. I can conduct myself in a professional manner during meetings and negotiations with vendors (no Bridezillas welcome, please!)
5. I already use some form of calendar-based planner to organize my errands, appointments, etc. (a wall calendar, daytimer-style book, computer task calendar, handheld device)
6. I have organized special events successfully in the past (child’s birthday party, parent’s anniversary, baby shower, etc)
7. There are several reliable people I can realistically count on to help me with planning, set up, and with running the event (friend, fiance, family members – don’t forget to take into account what is going on in their lives as well as their proximity to you).?
8. There is one person I can rely on to manage the event while it takes place – someone to confirm that everything arrives at the venue, is set up properly, and that the program of events is followed.?
If you answered ‘no’ to more then 3 of these statements I strongly recommend that you hire a wedding planner.
While a wedding planner will take up part of your wedding budget – they can also save you money due to their experience, planning skill, and business connections. ?Even if you only answered ‘no’ to three or less of the statements ?- take the time to look at them closely and try to correct these issues as soon as possible. For example, research online to fill in knowledge or experience gaps.?
Other Options
Some planners provide a consultation service that can start you off on the right track to plan your own event. Or, perhaps you have a very good (and reliable) friend who is interested in gaining some experience in event planning who will take over all responsibilities for a low fee (or trade for baby sitting).?
Friends, fiance or family questioning your ability to do this on your own?
Show them this quiz and talk about your answers. Perhaps your perception of yourself is inaccurate. Or, perhaps they’re not willing to help as much as you thought.
Part B
The real test: How did you keep count of your ‘no’ answers during the quiz? Did you a) use your fingers or draw a line for each ‘no’ on a piece of paper, or ?b) did you just try to keep count in your head, or guess? If your answer is ‘b’ then you need a wedding planner.
