BE WELL PREPARED

The best laid plans

YOU’VE BEEN DREAMING OF PLANNING YOUR DREAM WEDDING FOREVER, WHY SHOULD SOMEONE ELSE TO DO IT FOR YOU?

Well, actually, wedding planners do not exactly plan your wedding. Obviously you do that. What they really dois help make all your plans and dreams come true as smoothly as possible. They are also a source of important information and could well remind you of the small details that are so easy to over look. A good wedding planner/organiser can knock hours off your planning time and Euros off your budget

Theyare coordinators for all the services you need. He or she will ensure everyone involved, from catering, and the reception venue totransport and accommodation for foreign guests, understands what is required of them. The experts are nothing if not versatile and those who are not patient and charming with everyone from guests to service providers do not last long!

More often than not the couple are not the only people involved in their wedding. Family members like to contributeas well, and see their ideas merge into the splendour of the occasion. Even when this is welcome conflict can easily occur in all the excitement. A wedding organiser is often a good listenerwho cantactfully find solutionsto keep everyone happy.

And while you obviously have a clear vision of your perfect wedding, it is very easy to be side-tracked when turning theseideas into reality. Companies and individuals providing all the wedding services and items you will need will all be showing you the best they can offer, and you may be tempted to go over budget. Your planner has your back and will make sure you don’t get carried away on unnecessary extras that will make little or no difference to the overall effects of your big day.

They will also make certain you get the service you expect,because most wedding service providers realise that if they do not deliver the planner will think twice about recommending them if a couple asks for their advice.

Of course, online ideas, information,wedding items and the input of family and friends are so readily available, you might ask if a wedding organiser is worth it?

Remember, this is someone who, on top of everything else, can take over your need to remember and check every little detail, leaving you free to actually enjoy your preparations. You will soon realise what a life saver that could be.

Someone who understands what you want and not only pulls out all the stops to achieve your dreams, but also has a skillful way of anticipating possible complications and a plan B in hand, just in case,could be one of the most important people in ensuring your wedding really will be the best day of your life.

YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A WEDDING ORGANISER IF:

◊ You both have full-time jobs that will prevent you from holding meetings with providers whenever you need to. ◊ You don’t have close family and friends with any experience of organising a wedding to call on. ◊ You are planning a wedding with a particular theme or at an out of the ordinary location. ◊ You are thrilled about the whole thing but secretly worried about everything it entails. ◊ You know what you want but not how to get it. ◊ You are already considering eloping.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING PLANNER

◊ Word of mouth; if you have been to a brilliant wedding find out who was responsible. But consider other options too, so you have someone who you can easily communicate with. ◊ Ask for, and check references. ◊ If you have personal preferences for designers, florists, caterers and venue, make sure he or she is happy to work with them,and visa versa. ◊ Be absolutely clear about the nature and extent of the services your organiser will provide. ◊ Different planners and organisers can be involved in individual aspects of the event, from running the whole shebang to simply being there on the day. ◊ Make your choice based on the type of assistance you think you will need and, very importantly, on whether you think this is someone you can get on with and trust. ◊ And, as soon as you make your choice, decide payment terms immediately.