Even though hiring a planner is certainly an up-front cost, we often are able to save couples so much money that our services almost pay for themselves. Seriously!

We have great connections – we know awesome vendors and can help you in your selection process. When a wedding planner truly understands your wedding vision, she can steer you in the right direction to vendors who will work well for you – and sometimes, even just having a planner on board will keep vendors on their best behavior!

I once had a bride who was just days away from signing a four-figure contract with a rental company that specialized in massive tents. (I am withholding the names here to protect the not-so-innocent!) Now, the rental company that I frequently worked with in that area generally gave the option of either a clear-panel top (perfect to see the stars on a country night!) or a standard white-panel top. But somehow, when this rental company owner learned that bride had her heart set on a clear-panel top, he worked in a $100 up-charge on clear panels… $100 per panel! It was, he insisted, a ‘premium quality PVC.’

Ladies, PVC is PVC – and as soon as I got on-board in the planning process, I got on the phone with him and told him so myself. On behalf of my client, I told him the price we were willing to pay for this ‘premium:’ Zero. This was his chance to redeem himself and not, I warned, have news of his questionable business practices spread on social media.

In the end, she got the panels at no charge – as well her heat lamps included as a gift, to apologize for all of the ‘confusion.’

You need someone on your side who is as caring for you as she is ruthless with your vendors. Luckily, that’s my specialty 😉