Weddings can be very expensive, so it’s understandable that couples want everything to go according to plan!
Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy. Weddings have many moving parts: venues, officiants, caterers, cakes, DJs, dresses and tuxedos, limos, photographers and more. With all those moving parts, things can go wrong for a few reasons; honest mistakes are inevitable, but doing prior research is essential for investing in hiring a wedding planner.
A recent BBB Scam Tracker report stated, "They pretended to be an wedding planning service but the closer to my date it got the more i inquired about it and the more suspisious i got. They sent me porfolios of photographers but when i used google lense on the pictures the "porfolio" was made up of multiple photographers photos." This consumer reported losing $7,000 to this scam.
Wedding services vary depending on your needs; consultants can help you plan the wedding from start to finish, while “day-of planners” will only be there to help with the ceremony you already planned. Whichever it may be, consider the following factors to help you choose the right wedding planner:
- Understand your budget. Knowing your budget for the wedding will help you determine if hiring a planner is right for you. Wedding day coordination planners may be the more budget-friendly option, but if hiring a full-time wedding planner is within your budget, it’ll save you time and stress. Keep in mind that planners usually charge in one of three ways: a flat fee; an hourly rate; or a percentage of your overall wedding bill. Typically, couples designate around 10-20% of the overall budget to hiring a planner.
- Do your homework. Start your search for a trustworthy wedding planner at BBB.org. Be sure to check out the planner’s past work to see if it is what you imagine your wedding to look like. Odds are, planners have a certain wedding style they’re best at, so finding a planner that fits your aesthetic vision makes it easier.
- Have options. Asking family and friends for recommendations isn’t a bad idea. If they have worked together in the past, you are more informed of how the consultant operates. When you have a list of potential planners, meet each of them in person to get to know them more. Having options to choose from eases the pressure of settling for one. You will be spending a good amount of time with them, so make sure you both mesh well.
- Ask questions. With many questions in mind, write them down before your meeting to make sure you get them all answered. A few common questions are: What’s your availability? How do you charge for your services? Will you charge extra for mileage and supplies used for the wedding? What will your service cover? Do you have references or certifications? What background knowledge do you have with event planning? Do you work with a team? Will you go with me to my dress fittings? The list goes on!
- Get everything in writing. Before signing any contract, examine it carefully. Make sure the dates of service are correct and the compensation is what was agreed upon with no hidden fees. Don’t feel pressured to pay everything upfront before the service is provided.
Whatever your experience, BBB wants to hear about it! Report scams to BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others. If you have an issue with a business, you can file a complaint with your BBB. If you had a great experience, leave them a positive on the business's profile.
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