Should We Hire A Wedding Planner Or Do It Ourselves? Wedding Planner vs. DIY: Which Is Right for Your Big Day? DIY Wedding or Professional Planner? Let’s Weigh the Options. Stress Less or Save More? Deciding on a Wedding Planner.
Deciding whether to hire a wedding planner or take on the planning yourself depends on a few factors, like your budget, time, and stress levels. If you’re working full-time, have a busy schedule, or just feel overwhelmed by the idea of planning such a big event, a wedding planner can be a lifesaver.
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They typically cost around 10-15% of your total budget, but they can save you time, stress, and even money by negotiating with vendors and keeping everything on track.
If you enjoy organizing, have a clear vision, and feel confident in managing details, you might prefer the DIY route.
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Start by breaking down tasks month by month, so you don’t get overwhelmed. There are also partial planning options, where you handle most of the work but bring in a planner for the final weeks to tie everything together.
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Remember that doing things yourself means you will have to carve the time and exert effort. This is of course doable. But it will be helpful to also be honest with yourself. Evaluate what’s on your plate and see if you can take on more responsibilities.
If there are aspects of your wedding that you *really* want to handle, you can still do so. However, other things like putting things together, or booking other things that might not hold that much importance to you might be something you can outsource.
If you are not looking into working with a full-on wedding planner, consider partial planning, or also a month-of coordinator. Some event planning firms also offer wedding consulting where they can still help you put together your ideas and help you put things in order without the commitment of time like that of a full-on wedding planner.
Considering your comfort level is also important. Perhaps working with someone so closely might not be something you’re comfortable with, and this means you might be better off doing things by yourself if it means you will be uncomfortable the whole wedding planning journey.
But if you are okay with someone “helping” and “holding your hand” as you go along to alleviate the demands and pressure of the wedding, the better. Even a wedding consultation will help you get started on the right foot so you won’t feel as overwhelmed.
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If you choose to go solo, make sure to set aside extra time for research and vendor meetings, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. Either way, make sure you’re making the choice that lets you enjoy the process and the day itself.
