Planners advertise "planning packages" because the packages generally cover the requirements of the majority of weddings.
The package description makes it easier for the bride to understand the steps involved in planning a wedding.
The package also stream lines the implementation of the planning process for the planner, ultimately, making the process less expensive for the bride.
It is less time-consuming and less expensive to address the elements of a wedding in the package format rather than handling all of the elements separately.
However, for brides who really want specialized planning, planners will offer their services in a combination of packages.
Some planners will also custom design a package around the bride and her special needs and desires.
When a package is customized by adding or subtracting from the initial package, the price of the package will change depending on how much more or less work is involved for the planner and the planning team.
Some planners charge more when a bride requests the planner to work on separate items instead of bundling all the services together in a package.
For example, it is more expensive to hire a planner for hourly assistance, which requires preparation and follow-up, than to obtain the same service and information as part of a package.
Brides have the option to choose full packages, partial packages and day-of-wedding only services.
Every planner and planning company offers different packages.
Most planners publicize their packages on their websites so prospective clients can see the items included in each package.
However, most brides are not aware of what is actually involved in the wedding planning process.
Following is a step-by-step outline of the process: Pre-Planning • Initial Get Acquainted Meeting (1-2 hours) The initial meeting is a consultation, session during which the bride and the planner determine whether they will work together well.
• Guest List Spreadsheet Template Many brides are not familiar with this important tool.
It is a spreadsheet and template in which the bride enters all of the guest information.
The spreadsheet enables the bride to keep track of the current head count, any special food requests and the guests' choice of entrée.
It assists the bride in counting out-of-town guests to determine the number of welcome packages that must be assembled and delivered to the hotel.
Many planners offer this service online.
• Expert consultation and guidance on wedding etiquette (1-2 hours) Rules of etiquette change very quickly in this age of technology.
It is necessary to have a knowledgeable person with their "finger on the pulse" to ensure the wedding experience is perfect.
Planning • Unlimited consultations in person, via telephone, text message and email.
This is a very important service.
As the wedding quickly approaches, things that seemed so minor or were overlooked by the bride may pop up at unexpected times.
A good planner will be available and prepared to answer any questions and address issues at any time.
• Unlimited access to the head planner and assistant when you need them.
Make sure this is included in the package.
Some planners to not offer this bonus to their clients • Attend the required meetings of the church or ceremony location to make sure that all deadlines are met and materials are turned in on time.
This is not included in every package.
The number of visits will vary by location.
Some locations will require as many as five visits.
• Final vendor confirmations/follow-up three weeks before the wedding Most planners will include this service in every package.
It is important that the vendors are instructed where to be, at what time, and given a timeline of services to be provided for the day.
• Vendor Selection from only the best and brilliant professionals for your style, personality and budget.
Vendor selection will vary from client to client.
A good planner has a team of wedding professionals from which to refer depending upon the client's needs, desires and budget.
For example, if the client is on a limited budget and wants a great band, but is not as concerned about the quality of food, the planner will recommend a fantastic band at a higher cost and good, but not exceptional, food at a reasonable cost.
In addition, a good planner will only recommend vendors with good track records.
A good planner will offer vendors in three price ranges.
In order to serve a wide-range of clients, a planner must offer vendors at low, medium and high price points.
In addition, a planner should have a number of vendors at each price point to insure the best blend with a client's personality.
A good planner will recommend a group of vendors best suited for the client's personality, style, budget and desired outcome.
• Schedule and facilitate vendor appointments around your availability.
In full planning packages, and in some partial planning packages, the planner will attend the vendor appointments with the client to insure that the planner is aware of any changes the client and the vendor make.
The planner will also make sure that everything is going smoothly between the client and the vendor and intercede when necessary.
Since the planner is ultimately responsible to make sure that your wedding day is all you envisioned, the planner must be aware of any and all changes, however minor.
• Review and negotiate vendor contracts.
Once the client and the vendor have reached an agreement, a good planner will review the agreement to make sure there are no provisions harmful to the client.
The planner will ensure that everything agreed to between the client and the vendor is addressed in the agreement.
The planner will make note of the correct dates and amounts of payment so no mistakes are made which could cause problems for the bride.
• Attire selection (if desired) Many brides request assistance with choosing attire for the wedding.
Not all planners offer this service.
• Guest Accommodations- Many brides arrange hotel accommodations for out of town guests.
This service is usually included in full planning packages.
The planner will negotiate and arrange a room block for the guests.
Typically, either you as the couple or the parents of the bride and groom pay for a room block so the guests can reserve rooms less expensively, or the guests pay the going rate and the hotel blocks off rooms that aren't sold to others until approx a month prior to the wedding.
• Create guest amenities.
Include welcome bags, favors, programs, in addition to other requests The planner performs these services after you have a final head count.
The planner delivers the assembled welcome packages to the hotel to be provided to the guests at check in.
The client may also opt to pay a small fee to the hotel to arrange for the package to be placed in the guest's room by the hotel staff.
This option really depends upon the hotel and its practices.
The planner will also assemble the favors and deliver them to the reception location to be set out at each place setting or on a table to be taken as guests leave.
• Guest and Bridal Party Transportation.
Guest transportation involves transporting guest's to/from the airport to the hotel.
It also involves transporting guests from the hotel to the wedding ceremony and reception then back to the hotel.
The Bridal party must be transported to the ceremony, reception and then to two different hotel locations, as most couples opt to spend their wedding night at a different location than their guests.
• Menu and Beverage Selection and Tastings, as needed.
Usually, only one tasting for food and beverage is required.
The caterer prepares several small portions of items that the couple requested.
Upon occasion, a second tasting is needed for a last decision.
• On-going vendor maintenance.
Vendors ask questions throughout the planning process and especially on the day of the wedding.
Depending upon the planning package chosen, either the planner or the client will respond to vendor questions.
It is more expensive to have the planner handle vendor issues, but it makes it much easier for the bride.
The planner will work closely with the vendors to make sure that all aspects of the wedding day will flow perfectly.
This service includes making deposits and payments to vendors at the scheduled times.
• Schedule Salon and Spa Services.
The morning of a wedding day can be very stressful to both the bride and her mother.
A good planner will strongly recommend to a bride that the wedding party distress at a spa with a massage and soak before the wedding, if it is at all p