If you’re involved in the wedding industry, you know there is more to the planning process than overseeing menu choices or floral arrangements. Organization plays an extremely large role, but when a client wants to delegate the little details, who should they turn to? Wedding planners and designers are increasingly popular in the industry and for good reason. Hiring one (or sometimes both) can relieve a lot of stress for the couple and makes for a painless planning process. But which choice is the better fit, and how does this help you in terms of knowing which services to offer? Let’s break it down so that the next time you are posed this question, you will have the perfect response ready.
Photo courtesy Jenny DeMarco Photography – www.jennydemarco.com
What’s the difference?
Let’s start with a common question–what’s the difference between a planner and a designer? To break it down, a wedding designer is focused strictly on the design and overall vibe of the wedding, from color palettes to linen choices and pulling together the correct vendors. A designer is typically brought in before any real planning is started.
A wedding planner is there for the operational portion of the wedding, more for logistical purposes. They can be available just for the day-of, or from day one. A planner isn’t necessarily the one that books everything, but rather the client books their vendors and the planner’s duty is to manage on their behalf.
“If the client already knows many details of the event, such as what venue they want and what the overall feel will be, but is also too busy to meet and negotiate with vendors, hiring a planner is a good solution.”
When to recommend a designer vs. a planner
What one couple needs in order to plan their wedding may be completely different from another couple’s requirements. For example, if your clients have no idea where to start, a designer might be their best bet. This is especially recommended if there’s no vision in mind, or if the couple disagrees on overall design they’re looking to showcase.
If the client already knows many details of the event, such as what venue they want and what the overall feel will be, but is also too busy to meet and negotiate with vendors, hiring a planner is a good solution.
Fees
The client should be aware that hiring a planner or a designer will also include additional fees for their work, generally negotiated based on how much work is put into the overall event. Most designers have a flat fee for the design plan, and then another rate for the actual management portion.
Since most planners will need to bring in another person to help execute the actual event, a planner will likely have a higher rate for the management portion. Fees can also vary depending on how much movement has to happen with the event. For example, wedding planners sometimes need to make arrangements to transport staff from the ceremony to the reception, so any traveling may require additional fees.
Pros of hiring
For most couples, planning a wedding is usually their first time doing so. This adds the stress of pulling off the event and making sure their vision comes to life, which some aren’t completely comfortable with. A designer will help their clients with coordinating colors, florals, and overall table layout.
Hiring a planner is really important if the clients have limited time to meet with vendors, or struggle with organization. A planner helps them understand any minor details they might be missing, or let them know when to for-go unnecessary items. This includes paying bills, meeting deadlines, scheduling appointments, and more.
Should the couple hire a team that does both?
The answer is mixed here: yes and no. The more vendors a couple chooses for their event, the harder it is to stay organized, even in the event of hiring a planner! The clients have the potential to save money and stress if they choose to pursue a full-service company that offers both design and planning, plus having an already-established relationship to ensure the wedding is exactly what the client wants.
However, hiring a separate designer and planner presents the risk that design choices may get lost in translation. That being said, this may be a choice for your clients if they’re looking to be exposed to more vendors than if they decide to go with a company that provides both design and planning.
Educating your clients on these services or even expanding your business model to provide them can make a world of a difference in the process leading up to their big day. Good luck to you all!
Catersource 2019 will feature a solid track related to weddings and other special events. Click here for the latest information!
