Hiring a wedding planner may seem like a luxury that a couple with limited funds can’t afford. In reality, this is not necessarily the case. Wedding planners come in all shapes and budgets. Believe it or not, you can afford one even if your wallet is tight. Not only that, but a proper wedding planner will actually end up saving you money in the long run.
On average, a good wedding planner can save you up to 20% off the total wedding costs and make up for their fee. This may not seem like that much, but when you add everything up, it is quite significant.
How is this possible? Professional wedding planners do far more than you think. They not only help you organize your wedding, but also your big day finances. And in addition to their wide network connections, they have keen insight into the industry and know all the tips and tricks to pinch pennies without sacrificing the overall vision. So, before you discard the idea of having a pro plan your special day, give the following benefits some thought.
1. They’ll Track Spending and Help You Stick to a Budget
One of the key things that a wedding planner should do is help you set and stick to a budget. So, prepare to come up with a spending plan together after you discuss your dream nuptials. As you continue working together, they will keep track of where the money’s going and if you’re overspending or underspending in certain areas. This will ensure you don’t end up with an unexpected surprise bill after you tie the knot.
2. Their VIP Network May Get You Exclusive Discounts
Every wedding planner has contacts with various venues and vendors in both their local area and farther destinations. With that, they have the privilege of giving their clients special access to places or professionals that are normally hard to get. In fact, some venues may not even work with couples without a wedding planner. In addition, these built-up relationships often guarantee you a discount that someone not working in the industry wouldn’t be able to get.
3. They Can Offer Substitute Suggestions
Aside from their network, wedding planners tend to know their way around venues and vendors in general and know how to do their research. Meaning, if the person/place you want to hire is out of your budget, they can suggest stunning substitutes that won’t force you to overspend. Even if your inspiration is a royal wedding itself, a good planner can work with your inspiration board and make it come to reality even if you’re tight on cash.
4. They Can Negotiate Contract Quibbles
Even if a wedding planner recommends a certain vendor, there can be caveats in the contracts that might cost you a good amount you weren’t prepared for. Luckily, wedding planners read the fine print so you don’t have to, keeping an eye for red flags. They can also help renegotiate a contract if it doesn’t match the proper terms, and work to remove any “hidden fees” or unnecessary extras— both of which are not all that rare.
5. They Can Save You Opportunity Cost
There’s cost and there’s opportunity cost. It’s no secret that planning a wedding is time-consuming, even for a pro. So, imagine how much the process could take away from your day-to-day life if you know nothing about it. Not to mention, many couples end up making multiple costly mistakes if they don’t know what they’re doing. If you find that coordinating a wedding is taking time away from your work, relationship, or mental health, it might be worth it to spend a few extra bucks and enlist some help.
6. They Have Top Secret Tips
As mentioned before, professional wedding planners will well know their way around the wedding industry. And thanks to their experience, they are very familiar with all the cost-cutting corners when it comes to any aspect of your big day. Whether it’s knowing which dates are at a discount for specific venues, or what flowers can be indistinguishable substitutes at a cheaper price, a good professional has literally hundreds of bits of knowledge that can save you thousands in a pinch.
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