One of the most frequent questions I am asked as a photographer is, “Why should I hire a wedding planner?” To answer this question I inquired from the wedding planner professional, Natasha from Hytched Weddings & Events to share why couples would benefit from hiring a wedding planner.

“Florist: check. Photographer: check. Caterer: check. Wedding Planner: wait… we don’t really need a Wedding Planner right? We can do this on our own; Aunt Shelby said she would help!”

As a Wedding and Event Planner, I see the above scenario so many times. Couples are convinced that a Planner is not necessary to make their big day run seamlessly. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize how important a Wedding Planner is until the day after the wedding; and by then it’s too late.

Here are the Top Seven Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner:

1. Peace of Mind
   You have no idea how difficult it is to coordinate twenty vendors, a rowdy bridal party, friends and family, and a demanding venue. Nobody should have to worry about every tiny little detail on their wedding day. A Planner will do all the task and allow you to enjoy yourself.
2. Expertise
   How should “no children allowed” be worded on an invitation? Can a ceremony and reception be held in the same area? When are peonies in season? These are all questions your Wedding Planner knows the answers to.
3. The Network
   There are so many creative professionals who need to come together to make your day a success, and Wedding Planners know the best professionals in town. Planners work with their team very frequently, meaning that they are referring you to reliable and outstanding people.
4. Pocketbook
   Wedding Planners save you money! Because they refer lots of business to the creative team they work with, vendors give Planners discounts. Those discounts then get passed along to the couple. A lot of the time a Wedding Planner’s fee is even paid for through these savings.
5. Good Cop, Bad Cop
   Working with venues and vendors while balancing the opinions of family and friends is not always an easy task. A Planner will advocate on your behalf and work hard to get you what you want, even if the venue or vendor is hesitant to do so at first. You never have to be the bad cop when you have a Wedding Planner in tow.
6. It’s the Little Things
   I once attended a wedding where the bride was supposed to make a grand entrance in a carriage, but the carriage wouldn’t fit through the doorway at the venue. It was embarrassing. A Wedding Planner would have thought to measure everything, to make sure it would actually fit, which would have saved this couple lots of heartache. (See an incredible designed outdoor Arizona wedding here.)
7. Cheerleader
   Planning a wedding is lots of fun, but it can also be very stressful. At the end of the day, a bride may just want support after a surprisingly difficult bridesmaid lunch, and a good Wedding Planner is perfect for that. We are there to cheer you on and encourage you while you put together this awesome occasion.

I would love to hear stories from those of you who had Planners, and those who didn’t. What are your opinions, and what would you do differently if you had a second chance?” Natasha from Hytched Weddings & Events.

See Natasha’s wedding designs at the Historical Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix that was featured on Ruffled.