Do you need a wedding planner?

.If you know me, you know that I am equal parts “splurge you deserve it” and “don’t waste your money on something you don’t need”. This is why when someone asked me how I felt about wedding planners the other day, I thought it would be a good idea to write a blog post in case you are thinking the same. I know how overwhelming it is when you first get engaged!

After all, when it comes to your wedding day, there are a million wedding vendors screaming “I’m a good investment”. But how do you know what you really need? Can you really trust the internet, who will never be unanimous on either splurging or cutting anything? If you have been asking yourself “do you need a wedding planner”, this one is for you. I’m going to be upfront and tell you: it’s not a need. But depending on your priorities, you may want to cut something else to find some room in your budget.

First – a disclaimer. I didn’t hire a wedding planner for my wedding day. In fact, I didn’t even hire a wedding photographer. I will give you a second to pick your jaw up off the floor.

The truth is, I got married at 22 years old. I was the first of my friends to get married, had zero wedding experience, and Pinterest was *barely* a thing yet. Let me tell you, I’m still madly in love with the man I married, but there are a few things I would do a little differently. You can read more about things I wish I knew before planning my own wedding here. 

A wedding planner doesn’t sell something tangible, they sell an experience.

Not to get too wishy-washy on you, but how do you want to feel? Not only on your wedding day but throughout the wedding planning process? That will tell you right away whether or not a wedding planner is worth investing in. If you love planning and organizing dozens of meticulous details, but you still want to remain present and worry-free on your wedding day, you may consider just hiring a month-of coordinator (formally called a day-of coordinator).

If, on the other hand, you are hoping to have that dream once-in-a-lifetime wedding planning experience, and want to enjoy the “fun parts” of wedding planning without being stressed out the entire time – a wedding planner is exactly what you need.

What’s your wedding budget?

This is so much more than “can I afford to hire a wedding planner”. The truth is, if you are spending more, you want to make sure you are getting what you paid for. A wedding planner can ABSOLUTELY help you save money – by making sure you invest in the things that matter and preventing you from spending money where it won’t be noticed. If you are like me, you don’t mind spending a little extra on things that are worth it. But you don’t want to just throw your money away either. A wedding planner can help you make your money go farther – whether your wedding budget is $10,000 or $100,000.

If you don’t have a wedding planner, who is taking that role?

If you don’t have one, your friends/family – or worse your wedding photographer – have to step into the role on your wedding day. Although I love to help (seriously), any minute I spend running to tell the DJ you are ready to start your first dance or tracking down your great Aunt for family photos, is one less minute I spend taking photos. A wedding planner might feel like a luxury, but at the very least you need someone to help you manage the day.

Last – but not least – a wedding planner ensures you have time to eat the cake.

A wedding planner allows you to be PRESENT on your wedding day which I would argue is one of the most important things. That, and making sure you have time to eat your wedding cake. Trust. Although it’s ultimately up to you, and your wedding will be lovely no matter what, I’m always going to be “team wedding planner” if you can work it into your budget. Weddings run smoother with them – ALWAYS. No matter how type-A you were during the planning. Vendors have questions. Backup plans need to be put into motion. I don’t want you to stress one minute. I want you to just enjoy each moment while I take your photos.

If you have questions about my wedding, or what I’ve seen in the past, let’s have a conversation. You can learn more about my wedding photography packages here. I’m always ready for conversation – so send me a DM on Instagram or slide over to my contact form here.