What does a wedding planner do? Myths, dispelled

Chances are, if you are reading this, you are newly engaged – congratulations! You are about to embark on a very special adventure – one that I’m certain will bring you lots of joy and laughter as you plan your lives together. If you have just started to discuss details (or even if you’re amidst the planning process) the question of hiring a wedding planner may have come up. With weddings taking on average between 200-500 hours to plan, many couples find they simply do not have the time. Juggling a demanding job, long hours and social commitments means you are already pretty busy before you add wedding planning to the mix. This is where the role of a professional wedding planner comes in.

Like the role of CEO, influencer, or modern royalty the role of a wedding planner has taken on a mythical quality with many people unable to articulate exactly what a wedding planner does or how they help their couples. Don’t worry, as a modern wedding planner supporting couples in London, Surrey and throughout the UK, I’m here to separate fact from fiction and debunk some common wedding planning myths along the way.

Myth #1 – Only celebrities or the uber rich hire wedding planners

Nothing could be further from the truth! Wedding planners cater for all types of clients and 99% of them are regular, busy people who value the peace of mind that comes with hiring a planner to save them valuable time. There is nothing ‘diva-ish’ about seeking support and outsourcing to an expert. If you decide to build your dream home, it’s unlikely you would draw up the plans and then pick up the bricks yourself – instead you would collaborate with an architect and hire builders. Working with a wedding planner is a similar process, they are experts in their field, and want to bring your dream to life. Most planners work with a variety of budgets and offer a range of different services for couples to choose from. A modern wedding planners’ job is to work with you to understand your likes, dislikes, personality, tastes (and budget!) and translate this into a vision better than you had ever imagined.

Myth #2 – A wedding Planner will encourage you to spend more money

This is a common myth and one I’m only too happy to dispel. We are much more likely to save you money in the long run (yes really!). It is a huge misconception that a planner will encourage you to spend more money. As a wedding planner, one of the first planning conversations I have with my couples is about finances. From there I will create a detailed wedding budget, allocating a percentage of the total to each area of the wedding from band to bouquet; allowing the couple to see clearly where the split of money is going, and which areas they have identified as their top priorities. As a planner it is my job to bring your vision to life – within budget, and to recommend the very best quality suppliers that are in line with your vision and finances. Wedding planners use their industry contacts to track spending and utilise the budget for maximum impact.

Myth #3 – If I hire a wedding planner, they will make all the decisions and take over my wedding!

A good wedding planner will always listen to you, support you and work with you - collaboration is key! The planning process is a fully bespoke service that is tailored to your needs. Couples can have whatever level of involvement they desire and will be kept up-to date throughout the journey. I always ensure there are carefully curated options to choose from and that my couples get to do more of the things they enjoy i.e. cake tastings! And less of the things they don’t (hello wedmin!). At Amie Jackson Weddings, as a modern Planning, design, and styling service, I always take the time to really get to know my couples to ensure I can authentically and beautifully tell your tale – after all, the day is all about you and you deserve to have a joyful, considered and carefree planning experience.

So, what’s the reality?

Here at Amie Jackson Weddings, I believe that hiring a wedding planner is more than just having a confidant, friend, wedding PA and mentor (although that is a huge part of my role!). Enlisting the support of a wedding planner will give you peace of mind and an exceptional experience – that I can give you this is something I take enormous pride in. Whether you view it is a luxurious treat or an absolute necessity, a wedding planner will ensure you have the most positive, stress-free, and fun engagement possible.  Should you wish to have your planning meetings over long lunches, an evening cocktail or in the comfort of your own home it’s my job to create a calm and memorable journey meaning you enjoy the engagement as much as the main event.

Have questions or want to find out more? Get in touch here to book a discovery call.

Photography by Claire Graham