How to Choose (or Create) the Perfect Wedding Planner

One of the most important investments you're going to make when you're putting together the pieces for your big day is your wedding planner. No, I'm not talking about the woman who steps in and puts everything together for you (although she's great to have around too!). I'm talking about the little three ring notebook full of lists, checklists and well intentioned advice for today's bride on a budget who's decided to take the organizing of her wedding into her own hands!

Choosing the right wedding planner is an important part of making your wedding planning process flow smoothly, saving you hundreds of dollars in Excedrin and helping you overcome the irresistible urge to elope as the big day gets closer! Why? Your planner's going to keep everything in one place, help you keep all the information you need at your fingertips and keep you from getting overwhelmed by letting you break the process down into bite sized pieces!

A poorly chosen planner isn't going to do any of that, so here's the advice I give my brides when they come in looking for wedding favors and panicking because the day is coming and they feel like they're farther away than they were when they started!

1) Choose a planner that has the different pieces broken into categories and has a place to prioritize by date so you know what has to be done, what you have to do to accomplish it and when you have to have it done to keep from losing thousands of dollars in deposits.

2) Pick a planner that gives you some basic guidelines, but leaves you plenty of room to personalize it for your plans. I've met some wedding planners that made me feel like I might as well be working with the real thing, because there was no wiggle room and I was left feeling more overwhelmed than I felt when I started! Online wedding planners are great for this, because you have access to a huge library of articles whenever you want without having to flip back and forth. Just keep in mind you can't take an online planner with you when you go wedding shopping!

3) Pick a planner that gives you information, not just lists. I love planners with practical advice on writing your own vows, choosing dresses for your bridesmaids and getting your flower girl and ring bearer down the aisle without tears, tantrums and a magically disappearing wedding band!

4) Choose a planner with pockets. Big ones. A three ring binder would be better. (You can also use a three ring binder to make your own wedding planner if you don't like the ones in the stores.) Some consultants recommend keeping a separate folder for receipts, etc. I say an extra folder is just one more thing I'm going to lose! Get a notebook that keeps it all in one place.


With a well organized wedding planner you'll have all the details under control and be able to sit back and enjoy the big day.