To Plan Or Not To Plan?

How do you know if you need a wedding planner?hourly rate?
Where do you start? Ali Klaver talks to Sara* Do you have relationships with quality suppliers?
Sabey from Chameleon Events to find out more.* Ask for a contract.
Why would a bride need a wedding planner?Can a wedding planner organise one part of the
In my experience, there are four reasons whyevent and leave the rest up to the bride?
brides need wedding planners:While some wedding planners will only organise the
* They are time poor. In reality, few couples areentire job many will get involved as much or as
able to spend the amount of time required to planlittle as the couple wants. Chameleon Events is
a wedding. It can feel like a full-time job becauseoften employed four to eight weeks from the
there are so many little details that need to bewedding day to pull together the final touches and
taken care of.provide on-the-day event management. This is a
* They live interstate or overseas. Whethercost-effective way to have a wedding planner
couples are planning to get married in the cityinvolved because you've done some of the hard
they grew up in or at a holiday destination, theyyards yourself.
will find having someone local looking after theirWhat value does a wedding planner offer a
interests can be invaluable.couple?
* They would like a short engagement. If a coupleA professional wedding planner can provide a
gets engaged in winter and have their hearts setcouple with a wealth of creative ideas,
on a spring or summer wedding, they often needconnections with the best suppliers in Melbourne
help, even if it is for only part of the planning.and outstanding negotiation skills. The good ones
* They want perfection. Brides who want aare skilled in wedding etiquette and dealing with
well-organised event often turn to an expert. Adifficult situations.
wedding planner will make sure the event isProfessional wedding planners can recommend
successfully executed and managed on the day.suppliers that match a couple's vision and style,
What kinds of services do wedding plannerssaving them hours of research.
offer?They can also assist with making budgets and
Most wedding planners offer a wide variety ofdeveloping timelines and checklists so that no
services and will get involved as much or as littledetail is overlooked. They know what is expected
as you want. Chameleon Events offers full-serviceof suppliers and what is fair and standard practice.
wedding planning, partial planning and on-the-dayCouples are often surprised at how affordable
co-ordination. We also help plan engagementwedding planners are. Often the money a wedding
parties, hens and bucks nights and kitchen teas.planner can save a couple due to their events
What questions should a bride ask before hiring aexperience far exceeds the cost of their service.
wedding planner?By far the biggest value a wedding planner brings
* How long have you been in business?is to alleviate the stress of planning a wedding.
* What are your credentials, including professionalHow can a bride find a wedding planner?
events experience?It's a good idea to start by asking brides who
* Do you enjoy what you do? Are youhave had well-planned weddings for
passionate about event management andrecommendations. Reputable wedding suppliers
weddings?might also have suggestions.
* How many weddings do you organise a year?Bridal magazines and websites are also good
* What services and packages do you offer?references, because many wedding planners
* How do you charge? Percentage, flat fee oradvertise or are listed in these.