Your Main Purpose As a Wedding Planner

 Ever wonder what a wedding planner REALLY does?

Most people rely on movies like "The Wedding Planner" to form their definition of a typical wedding planner. For the most part, J.Lo as a headset wearing ''star of the show'' is fantasy when it comes to being a wedding planner. Unlike Matthew and Bridget's unlimited budget, you will be hired for your budgeting skills. But your bride will be stressed and this is where you DO shine. You will be called upon and hired or not hired based on your abilities to perform under pressure, like there is no pressure. Learning your role in brides' and grooms' weddings is the first piece of the wedding planning puzzle. Below is a list of the 3 most recognized service selections your clients have to choose from. We refer to these as ''packages.'' However, I am here to tell you, if you want to excel past the cookie cutter wedding planner, then it is up to YOU to define these packages by adding your own pizazz to your unique services.

Wedding Planner - def (n)

A person who creates magic, pulls answers out of hat, and performs a flawless wedding (without sweating).

There are many services a wedding planner can provide to a bride. Depending on the bride's needs and personality, it is up to the wedding planner to service her client's needs. Not only is it important to meet the client's expectations, but exceeding their expectations will enhance your referrals to help you find your next client.

Full Service Planner

A full service planner is able to really help the bride from literally the beginning to the end of her planning. From the moment the groom pops the question the bride comes into the planner's office to begin the journey. This bride is often new to the area, gets overwhelmed easily, doesn't like to make decisions, or is very busy in her career or education. A planner's main responsibility is to be the representative for the family and keep communication lines open amongst all parties involved. Becoming the mediator is often a crucial role in this phase of the planning process.

Main Responsibilities of a Full Service Planner:

-Set budget (stay on budget throughout the planning process)

-Find reception/ceremony location

-Book vendors (photographer, videographer, florist, entertainment)

-Negotiate pricing for all vendors involved

-Create personal decor style for bride/groom

-Create vendor timeline/bridal party timeline

-Attend all meetings

-Orchestrate the rehearsal and wedding day

-Personal assistant to family

-Follow up with miscellaneous tasks post-wedding

Partial Planner

This is the most popular program wedding planners can offer to their clients. Brides will come into the appointment with some of the choices already made, but would like professional guidance in the midst of the planning process. Brides think they can do it all themselves only to find frustration and an endless list of things to do hence, why they turn it over to a planner. This type of bride likes to have the final say in the decision making process, but wants a professional opinion each step of the way.

Main Responsibilities of a Partial Planner:

-Collect all information/contracts from client

-Evaluate the budget

-Meet all family members involved in the planning process

-Create road map/set goals for each month with client

-Book remainder vendors

-Negotiate pricing when available

-Personal Décor (upgrade program)

-Create vendor timeline/bridal party timeline

-Attend final catering meeting

-Orchestrate the rehearsal and wedding day

-Personal assistant to family

-Follow up with miscellaneous tasks post-wedding

Day of Planner

A Day Of Planner is someone who comes in and picks up all the pieces (often referred to as the personal assistant to the family or the manager of the overall wedding). The main responsibility of a day of planner is to ensure the plan the bride and her family has created runs smoothly according to their expectations. Reception decor and ceremony timing is crucial the day of the wedding. The most important piece of the puzzle is to make sure the vendors are directed in the right place at the right time along with the bridal party. The timeline is the heart of the event. Without a solid timeline, people will not know where to go and when they are to report. A day of planner is only as good as her timeline. 5 minutes off the time of the wedding day, means tough filet mignon in the hotbox. This is often referred to as "Game Day."

Main responsibilities of a Day of Planner:

-Create timeline

-Call all vendors to check arrival time and location

-Punch out meeting with bride and groom (collect personal items)

-Get help

-Assign staff with bride (assist in getting dressed)

-Assign staff for reception decor (implement plan)

-Overall manager for family

-Orchestrate rehearsal and wedding day

-Follow up with miscellaneous tasks post-wedding

There are three main services a wedding planner can provide: full service, partial, or day of planner. Knowing which type of service the client is seeking will help define the type of program to sell her. Each client is unique and some programs might have to be customized to fit her needs. Remember, the bride is the client you are the director. It is up to the director to guide the client into the right program to suit her needs.