The moment has arrived—the proposal. Whether it was a long-awaited event or a sudden surprise, the joy of being asked the ultimate question—”Will you marry me?”—fills your heart (assuming you said yes, of course).
While sharing the news with friends and family, you encounter another pivotal question: “When’s the big day?” Suddenly, reality sinks in—you have a wedding to plan!
This realization might spark either excitement or immediate stress. However, there’s an essential decision to make to ensure the wedding planning phase evokes the same joy and anticipation as the proposal: hiring a wedding planner. Erin Cleveland, the passionate and proud founder of Erin Cleveland Events, explains why choosing a planner as the first vendor is crucial.
MEET THE EXPERT
Based on the East Coast, Erin Cleveland Events is a team of professional planners and designers with you and for you every step of the way.
They know wedding planning can be stressful financially, logistically, and emotionally. So they’re here to be your voice of reason and create and manage your budget and details, down to the type of pens your guests sign your guest book with on the wedding day.
“Wedding planning can be one of the best experiences of your life – we’re here to ensure that happens. We hope to leave a little light and magic with each couple and family we meet.”
Here are some compelling reasons why the wedding planner should be the very first professional to secure for your special day:
1) Budget-Friendly Choices
Choosing the perfect person or team for you and your partner becomes much simpler when you establish a clear budget beforehand. Having a set budget allows you to ensure the planner’s services match your financial plan. Wedding planners can help you allocate your budget efficiently. They offer guidance on where to spend and save, preventing unnecessary expenses and directing you toward reputable vendors within your budget constraints.
Photo: Ashley Eagleson
2) Industry Insight and Recommendations
Wedding planners are seasoned experts with a wealth of experience. Starting with them ensures you tap into their knowledge, including the best vendors and tips that align with your vision and budget.
Photo: Ashley Eagleson
3) Venue Selection
It’s common for couples to select a venue before hiring a planner, but Erin strongly advises securing a planner before this stage. Considering your budget and style preferences, a planner can help you determine the ideal venue that resonates with you. Their expertise enables you to negotiate contracts, secure the best deals, and ensure availability on your chosen date.
Suppose you’ve already booked a venue that’s eating up a significant portion of your budget. In that case, your planner might find it more challenging to uncover hidden costs than to find a venue that better aligns with your vision.
Photo: Tyler Phenes
Photo: Ellie Richardson
4) Efficient Planning Timeline
With a planner at the helm, you’ll establish a structured timeline, ensure tasks are completed promptly, reduce stress, and avoid last-minute rushes.
Photo: Mackenzie Leigh Photography
5) Vision Realization
If your planner also specializes in design, they can seamlessly incorporate your vision into every aspect of your wedding, from the venue to your attire, rentals, and floral arrangements. Each vendor choice contributes to the overall design, making hiring a planner with design expertise a plus!
Photo: Ashley Olson
6) Stress Relief and Peace of Mind
And the most important reason to hire your planner first is for a solid support system. If you and your planner are the right fit, you’ll feel a sense of relief, making wedding planning an enjoyable journey together. On the big day, as you step back and see the unique event you’ve crafted together, it becomes truly yours! Plus, if unexpected issues pop up, your planner has the expertise to handle them swiftly, ensuring a smooth experience for you and your guests.
Photo: Tyler Phenes
From Erin: “This advice is for all couples – the couple who wants a full planner/designer, the couple who wants a partial planner, and the couple who wants a month-of coordinator. While we’re more specifically focused on a full planner experience here, a partial planner and month-of coordinator can give you vendor recommendations that could be extremely helpful in your planning process. At Erin Cleveland Events, we offer full and partial planning/design and month-of event management. We love being the first hire for a couple – it’s best to be on the journey with them.”
Photo: Mackenzie Leigh Photography
Hiring a wedding planner as your initial vendor has incredible advantages. They become your guide, confidant, and coordinator, ensuring that every aspect of your wedding day reflects your love story. If you’re recently engaged, consider finding your planner early in the planning journey—it’s a decision you won’t regret!
