A few generations ago, the average wedding celebration consisted of a church ceremony followed by a wedding breakfast for close family and friends. These days, it's not uncommon for celebrations to stretch over a number of days, with stag and hen parties taking place on the other side of the world. With weddings becoming more and more elaborate, many are asking themselves whether or not a wedding planner is worth the expense.
To decide whether or not a wedding planner is right for you, have a discussion with your partner about how big or small you want your wedding to be. Even those who want a simple wedding can find the stress of organisation spiralling out of control when more than a hundred guests are invited, so work out who you want to invite early on so you can manage the scale of your wedding. Similarly, if you have big plans but a small guest list, you may find that hiring a wedding planner helps things go according to plan.
Wedding planners are ideal for those with busy schedules or those working within a tight time-frame. They can take care of everything for you, from booking a venue and wedding transport to organising your seating plan, catering and evening entertainment. But while having a planner on hand is undeniably a valuable resource, not everyone has the funds to incorporate their services into their wedding budget.
Can't afford a planner? Don't panic! With a little forward planning you can relax and enjoy a stress-free wedding day. Make sure you get your RSVPs well in advance, so you know exactly what you're working with, and try not to leave anything to the last minute. A specialist wedding venue will have the experience to assist you in planning your big day, while established and reliable entertainment and car hire companies can ensure that each individual element is well taken care of.
Whether you decide to employ the services of an experienced wedding planner or to go it alone, organising as much as you can with plenty of time to spare will ensure that everything runs smoothly on your special day.