A wedding planner will typically start by meeting with the couple for a consultation in order to understand their needs and wants. This includes not only the particulars for the wedding day itself, but for any other related events (the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, the next day brunch etc). The planner will also ask what the couple's budget is, and based on that, explain what services they can expect to get for that amount. Getting a clear feel and understanding for the couple's taste and their overall vision is important; this is where great listening skills come into play.

The wedding planner will present the couple with a contract for their services, outlining in detail what they can expect to get. An experienced wedding planner has many contacts in the business, and has successfully organized many previous weddings, therefore is able to knowledgeably suggest reception venues that have the perfect view, or wedding locations that have an amazing feel and vibe. They know what they can accomplish with the budget they are given, and can either introduce the couple to vendors and services that can accommodate a lavish wedding, or vendors and services that specialize in catering to small budgets. They are also quite often able to get discounts on services, which they can pass on to their clients.

Some of the services a wedding planner can provide include:

• arranging the florist
• arranging the caterer
• arranging the printer (for invitations)
• help with choosing bridesmaid dresses and other wedding party attire
• help with choosing a bridal gown/groom's wear
• help with picking wedding favours
• help with designing reception look and feel
• help with lighting and visual details
• help with any details that may have been overlooked
• help create an overall unified feel and look
• meeting and negotiating with vendors
• being there for deliveries
• handling any unexpected hiccups
• running the rehearsal
• setting up the ceremony
• setting up the reception
• setting up the timelines (for both the wedding and reception)
• making sure the wedding party is on time
• making sure the wedding party is in the right place at the right time
• dealing with any unruly guests (or uninvited wedding crashers)
• making sure that the venue is left clean
• making sure that the deposits are given back
• making sure that any rentals or borrowed items are returned

A wedding planner doesn't have a typical nine to five work schedule, and sometimes needs to work a combination of days, evenings and weekends in order to meet their client's needs. Clients typically work during the day, and therefore want to meet with their planner after work or on weekends.

Most weddings are on Saturdays, so during the busy months of the year, a wedding planner can count on working almost every weekend. Busy months vary, depending on where you live. If living in the south, the busy months will be spring and fall when the weather is more optimal. If living in the north, summer months will be the busiest time of the year.

During the actual wedding day, hard physical work is to be expected. Wedding planners are on their feet all day long, and well into the night (wearing high heels is not recommended). They could be helping with table linens, moving boxes, lighting candles, setting up flowers, or putting out any number of small fires and overseeing a plethora of small details - the ultimate goal is to always make sure that the bride and groom are blissfully unaware of any upsets. It can be mentally exhausting work as well, as a wedding planner has to be on top of their game all day long.

The reward comes from seeing their hard work come together, seeing their client's joy and happiness, and knowing that the day will be remembered for years to come.

• 

  Wedding Planning Tips : What Do I Need to Become a Wedding Planner?

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9-X56RuslY

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  Starting a New Career as a Wedding Planner

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p60EStbJZgw

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  Twelve Tips for Wedding Planners

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6zFB1Nn7Kw

• 

  What does a Wedding Planner do?

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nefq5rb6hPg

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  The Pros & Cons of Being a Wedding Planner

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fyeHUMAUY8

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  How I Became a Wedding Planner & Why I Love It

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbGItlNmSN8

• 

  Wedding Planners in Action - Love to Plan Ltd

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhymVbGlXsA

• 

  How to Become a Wedding Planner - What is Your 'Why'

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgT05FyvbJM

• Good Qualities of a Wedding Planner work.chron.com

  Planning a wedding can be an extremely stressful undertaking, and many brides turn to wedding planners to help them organize what could be the biggest day of their lives. A wedding planner helps the bride plan all aspects of the wedding, from the bigger pieces like the church and reception hall, to smaller details, such as table favours and bridesmaids dresses. Good wedding planners have certain qualities that help them to fulfill their duties.

• Day In The Life - Wedding and Event Planners www.plannerslounge.com

  We feature wedding and event planners from around the world with many different levels of experience.

• A Day In The Life of a Celebrity Wedding Planner www.fastcompany.com

  David Tutera, party planner to the stars, has kickstarted entire industries with his decorating decisions. That whole long table trend happening in farmhouse weddings across America right now—he started that. (Or so he claims.)

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