Preferred pricing, vendor recommendations and day-of coordination are just a few wise reasons to bring a wedding planner on board. But what about all the perks that aren't widely publicized, like monitoring your registry or assembling welcome bags? Here are four things you probably didn't know a wedding planner could help you with. Bridesmaid dress at bellasdress
1. They know what decisions could indirectly be very costly
For example, when a bride and groom choose to have their ceremony and reception at separate locations they're unknowingly tacking on transportation costs, points out Phoenix, Arizona-based wedding planner Chandra Keel, owner of Chandra Keel Events. "You and your wedding party will need transportation to and from each location, as well as additional trips if you have yet another spot to get ready at. A couple is generally too early in the planning process to realize that they just made a $1,000 decision," she explains. Fortunately, a wedding planner can anticipate these costs and help couples see the full picture of every decision made.
2. Help creating and monitoring your wedding registry
Because if you don't know already you soon will, wedding registries are a ton of work and extremely time consuming, too! "We get to know our couples really well, and that means we can do a pretty good job of pulling items that make great gifts, giving your guests a bunch of options," notes Keel. Keep in mind that the registry also has to be monitored on a regular basis to ensure that there are still items available at all price points. "We can do that for you and leave you to simply receive the gifts," she says. Um, talk about a weight off any bride's shoulders!
3. Welcome bag assembly and delivery
Check with your wedding planner to see if he or she offers this service, but more often than not, your planner can take care of welcome bag assembly and delivery for out of town guests. This includes purchasing all the items for the bags (you just foot the bill later), putting it together nicely and dropping them off at the hotel or hotels to be distributed to your friends and family. You may not think you need it now, however, it's definitely a huge plus when you're in the home stretch and can't possibly fathom doing anything else wedding-related.
4. Making sure you eat and drink the day of
Your bridesmaids may be on your case to do so while you're getting ready. After that though, most couples are too busy to eat or grab their own drinks. Luckily, planners like Francesca DiSalvo-Follmer of Pure Luxe Bride, ensure the bride and groom not only eat, but stay hydrated at their wedding as well. "If it's a stationed dinner, we'll walk the stations for the couple, then have them sit down to enjoy their meal. We also find out our client's favorite drink beforehand and make sure they have a fresh one all night long — alternated with water of course!"
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