Guest Blog by Diana Moore from Hawaii Vista Weddings

Whether you're planning a small intimate wedding or a large one, it's always good to have a wedding planner to help you enjoy your wedding and keep it as stress free as possible. Here are 5 important reasons you should hire a wedding planner.

When we first opened up, I didn’t realize the importance of having a wedding planner. Couples who were trying to stay on a budget and keep their wedding to the minimal discount by not having a wedding planner were stunned and overwhelmed on their wedding day. As a venue owner, we tried to help as much as we could but it was never enough. Flowers weren’t delivered, catering came late or sat cold, photographers showed up on the wrong date, guests stood around wondering what to do next, and the list goes on.  Couples forget that this is not like hosting a party where you will be out helping and catering to your guests. Usually, the couple is sequestered from guests and taking pictures until the start of the ceremony, leaving guests to figure things out on their own. As much as your Mom or sister say they want to help, most of the time, they really would like to  just show up and enjoy your day with you.

1. Keeping your wedding as stress free as possible

 The most important reason to hire a wedding planner is to keep your wedding as stress free as possible. Wedding planners have a lot of experience in wedding planning. They know the ins and outs of coordinating your special day and  have a vast bank of resources to call on .They'll know what to expect and what to avoid and they can give you unbiased and constructive feedback. First off, make a list of what you want before you start calling wedding planners. That way, your wedding planner will be able to help you better if you know the basics of what you need.Your wedding planner will be on top of everything  so the planning process will be less stressful and you'll have more time to celebrate your marriage. You can leave the  stressful details to your wedding planner so you can take care of the things only you can control. Like being on time, and getting yourselves ready. Or what you can’t control. Like checking on the weather  and making  final rain call decisions.You have to remember that your marriage is unique, and so are wedding planners.  So you should hire a planner who will create an individualized experience for you.

2. Hiring a wedding planner can help you keep on a budget

If you're a DIY bride, you're going to have to deal with the hassle and confusion of finding the perfect vendors for your special day. A wedding planner is in constant contact with other vendors and suppliers, which means that they are aware of special discounts and sales. These savings are passed on to their clients. Sometimes, they  have connections with vendors, so they can recommend the best options. That's invaluable information for a bride and groom. Vendors will sometimes give wedding planners a discount since they are being referred to for many weddings. This partnership is beneficial to everyone. Please watch the video below to help you with your budget.

3. Hiring a wedding planner will save you time

A wedding planner's knowledge of vendors can save you time. They already know who are “good” vendors and who are not.  For example, it can be quite overwhelming to google wedding photographers. It can take you hours and hours to research every photographer. There are so many ,and going with the cheapest  or most expensive is not always the best  decision. There may be a florist, cake, or hair and make up artist that you saw and love on instagram. However, you don’t know if they are professional and will be there for you on your wedding day. Referrals are usually great from friends or family but they may not be the right fit for you. For example, their videographer likes dark and dreamy but you want light and airy. Or their hair and make up does a dramatic look but you prefer a more natural look. A planner is a knowledgeable expert in what to expect at a wedding and can recommend a vendor with whom you'll be satisfied. She or he will talk to you about what your vision is and find the right vendor for you. A wedding planner will handle all of these things on your behalf and ensure a smooth event. 

4. Hiring a wedding planner is like having a best friend there for you

A wedding planner is like having  your best friend on the day of your wedding. He/she has been with you from the start and probably has gotten to know you pretty well. Save the relationships with your friends and family to  just talk about the exciting parts of your wedding. Asking your friends and family to help you find venues or vendors can be overwhelming for them. It can cause a lot of stress for them which can strain a relationship. Wedding planners will help you choose the right flowers, hair and makeup, a photographer with your style of choice, an officiant that is right for you, a videographer with your vision, a cake ,and so much more. Your wedding planner is who will help you to do things like picking up your flowers and having them ready for you in the bridal suite. They will order the food and pick it up for you so it is ready and waiting for you. If you're unsure about where to buy a certain item, your planner can assist you.  They may not know everything you need, but a good one will definitely try to help. Asking your friends and family to pick everything up and set it up for you can be a nightmare. The last thing you want while you are getting your hair and make up done is a bunch of calls from friends asking you about everything and telling you what’s going wrong.Of course all wedding planners have different duties that they do or don’t do so don’t hesitate to ask.

5. Hiring a wedding planner helps you to enjoy your day

Your wedding day is an important day for you and your partner. You should be able to relax and enjoy the day. The wedding planner will handle all of the details of your wedding and will make sure everything runs smoothly. Moreover, she or he will keep you organized. You will be able to enjoy your special day to the fullest knowing that everything is taken care of. The day will be memorable, and a successful wedding will be remembered for the rest of your life.

Hiring a wedding planner can help you plan a dream wedding without stressing.  From beginning to end, you will have someone there for you to  keep costs down, find vendors that are right for you, save you a lot of stress and time and be your friend.  There will always be things that don’t work out. Even with a wedding planner. However, having one will greatly reduce them for this very important day!