Wedding Planner

Kimberley04

Hi

I've been lurking and reading for a while, but only just starting to post.

I am getting married in July 2012, a long way off, and am looking to spend no more than 12k

I was thinking about hiring a wedding planner, and wondered if anyone has ever used one and if they have, what they thought.

I am in the manchester area, and thought about 2 planners, Fabulous Day and pink sugar.

Horace

Can't say I have ever used one because I am one:D

Have a look at the Institute of Professional Wedding Planners - you can even get a wedding planner for free or for very little and these will be students, however, the students are nearing the end of their course which is incredibly intense. An email is sent to the students and the students decide whether or not to work with you.

A good wedding planner can save you money and can have as much or as little control as you want them to have, a good planner will always remember that you are the client and won't take over.

Are the planners you have suggested members of any professional body eg. Institute of Professional Wedding Planners or UKAWP?

Some planners will charge a percentage of the cost and it is very difficult to get a price out of them. If you see someone offering a bespoke price then that is a price that is unique to you, bespoke shouldnt be seen as expensive, yes there will be a cost but not the never ending cost that you will get from a planner that charges a percentage. Some I know will charge a fee of say £1300 with a percentage fee on top.

Phyzelda

But it's part of the fun planning your own!!!

Kimberley04

You're right, planning it is part of the fun - but I know myself, and I am definitely NOT creative - and I just wouldn't be able to pull off the 'dream wedding'.

Horace - thank you for your idea of getting a student. i think this is a wonderful idea. Do I just email the UKAWP with all my details?

Of the two planners I was looking at, Fabulous Day are accredited by UKAWP but charge £2500. Pink Sugar don't say whether they are or not but charge £1500.

How much do you think would be a reasonable amount to offer a student?

Horace

Email the Institute of Professional Wedding planners - they have a website and you can linky from there.https://www.inst.org/wedding-planner-courses/free.htm

I don't know if UKAWP offers the same service as I didnt do my diploma with them. Don't offer the student anything - the student will say if they want a nominal figure. The student will be doing it for much needed experience.
Planning your own wedding is fun if you have the time..it takes 6 weeks solid work to organise a wedding from start to finish including sourcing the venue. A wedding planner will have some unusual venues on her books as well as photographers etc - any discounts she gets are passed to her clients.

frannyann

Sorry to OP, but quick question to Horace, would you recommend training to be a wedding planner??

Horace

Sorry OP - quick message for Frannyann...yes I would recommend training as a wedding planner, I now have letters after my name and a logo for my website. Being a professional and having a qualification puts you head and shoulders above someone who has just decided to set up as they are more likely to make mistakes, rip you off and generally leave you in a pickle. I loved my course which was hard and we got true life scenarios for our assignments which were then marked by professional wedding planners who run their own wedding businesses as well as mark the courses. Am currently part way through the Events Planning Diploma (again I want a logo for my website) but although this is a good course it only has one chapter devoted to weddings.

Anyway, despite me normally getting paid for what I do, I don't mind sharing my knowledge with those on more limited budgets such as those on MSE.:D

floss2

Horace wrote: »

...Anyway, despite me normally getting paid for what I do, I don't mind sharing my knowledge with those on more limited budgets such as those on MSE.:D

And we're all very grateful - you've always been very helpful & generous with your thoughts & suggestions :A

Kimberley04

Thank you so much for this information so far.

I have one more question if that's OK.... My wedding will be in 2012. How far in advance is the appropriate time to contact a planner?

I'd really like to start booking things this Summer so it's as stress free as possible....

frannyann

Thanks Horace and apologies to Kim for going off topic.

Kim, I think two years is a good time frame to start planning, our venue was all booked up for fridays and saturdays in October 2010 by sept 2009!!

Horace

You could contact a planner now especially as venues are booking up, or you could wait until you have got your venue sorted out and use the planner for the rest of the wedding or even on the day co-ordination. Remember a planner will do as much or as little as you want.

Expect to have a free 2hr consultation with a planner where they will discuss your budget, help you choosing a theme etc.

There is a fab venue in Manchester called The Monastery - it is licensed for civil weddings and yet the building is an old monastery and looks very much like a church which is great.