Wedding Planners & Coordinators = The Key to a Successful Day!

Most often, people feel either one of two ways going into the early planning stages of a large event or wedding. You could be either very intimidated and overwhelmed with the process, or completely confident in your planning abilities and the decisions you’ll have to make. Once you realize how many things go into planning something like this, then the feeling of being overwhelmed may start to set in. But do not fret! Hiring an event planner or even choosing a venue with an event coordinator can be a huge stress reliever. Here are common things that can happen while planning an event, and how your event planner/coordinator can help you avoid them.

Not booking a venue in time

One thing that any event planner will be experienced with is booking a venue or space or area for you and your event and all the necessities you will have to have on the big day. For example, let’s say you’re planning your own wedding. Some things you may not realize that are necessary are the size of the venue, the number of  tables your guests will be needing, chairs, the best way to set up the room for optimum functionality, and the list goes on. One thing that always needs to be considered early on is the date in which you’d like to have your wedding. In general, the best time to book your venue is about 12-14 months in advance from the date you’d like to book. Not only does this give you a better chance of securing the spot you’d like, but it gives you more time to do everything you want to do (obviously). This includes reaching out to other vendors for catering, booking a photographer, more time for bachelor and bachelorette parties, etc. Another huge plus to booking anything early is the fact that you’ll simply have more time to pay everything off. With more months between the booking time and the event time, you’ll be able to pay smaller amounts each month and therefore have that much more money to spend each month while you prepare for your wedding. 

How to pick your locations for the event

The things you should actually start out with, besides choosing the date you’d like to be married, is what kind of venue that you’re looking for. Where do you picture your wedding happening? Inside or outside? Ballroom wedding or church wedding? Destination wedding or not? How many guests will you be inviting? You should be aware of the size you need for you space. All these variables are very important things to think about before you begin the journey of planning. Now, with a wedding planner, they would help you narrow down all your options in minutes. Price-wise, size-wise, and location-wise, they know the ins and outs of their industry, and they want to help you do what’s best for you and your future spouse. 

Everything running smoothly

Even though we want everything to run smoothly on your big day, there will sometimes be speedbumps to work though but certainly not anything that a well educated planner/coordinator can’t make totally disappear.  A vendor may not show up on time, hair and makeup could take longer than predicted, and or even someone in your wedding party could have some sort of issue going on as well. One strong thing that wedding planners will always bring to the table is their experience in the field giving them the knowledge necessary to make sure the day of, everything is booked and taken care of so that you will have a stress free day when the time comes.

In the end, having peace of mind when it comes to one of the most important days of your life is worth any price. One of the most special days of your life deserves the best and strongest attention. And by the way, did you know The Renaissance comes with a venue and coordinator included?

Leila Fleischman is a senior at VCU majoring in Public Relations, she is currently interning at The Renaissance and specializes in Social Media, Marketing and Events. The Renaissance is an all-inclusive weddings, event, and banquet venue.