Did you know that the average modern wedding takes 528 hours, or 22 full days, to plan? 22 full 24-hour days of planning. Life does not stand still when you get engaged and free time does not magically appear for a 22 day span!
So the question might be, how does anyone fit in wedding planning and creating the best day of their lives?
You may have heard of the terms “partial planning,” “month of planning,” or “day of coordination,” but I’m here to let you in on a little KKWE secret that has been 12 years in the making… These types of planning simply do not exist. Or at the least- SHOULD not exist.
We believe in the value of full-service wedding planning.
A partial planner is usually hired to come on board and help with the planning process much closer to the wedding day. At this point, the couple has done a lot of the leg work planning their wedding and larger decisions (like vendors) have been made.
There are many downfalls to partial planning, but the largest falling onto the bride and groom. Lack of industry knowledge and ample opportunities to drop the ball, creates a tricky spot for the bride and groom to be in. By the time the planner comes in, there may be irreversible mistakes and questions unanswered, leaving the partial planner to pick up the pieces.
For our brides, this is simply not the answer or the KKWE way.
Cons of partial wedding planning:
- Unorganized process
- Timing when you come in as a planner
- Not getting full-service attention
The better alternative: Full service wedding planning and design
Full service planning and design is the way to go in hiring a wedding planner, especially for our destination couples. Typically, a full service wedding planner is hired immediately after your engagement and is responsible for countless things leading up to the big event.
Pros of Full Service:
- Your planner will be your advocate every step of the way throughout your planning process
- Budget Management from the beginning so you don’t make costly mistakes
- Planner plans and produces an appropriate timeline with many details that outline the day for the entire team involved with producing your event
- Planner suggests vendors that fit in with your budget and style
- They manage communication with your creative team of vendors
- They are present at meetings and tastings with you to help you make the best decisions for you and your guests
- They handle countless hours of emails, discussions, and phone calls so you can preserve your time and energy for your big day
Your wedding planner can be a key player in making your wedding day truly come together from the beginning to the end. There is not much that a full service wedding planner does not have a hand in, but every planner is different so it’s important to really educate yourself on every planner’s company culture and values to ensure your expectations are met and needs fulfilled.
How do I know if full service wedding planning is right for me?
So how do you decide what’s best for you? Answer these questions:
1. Do you have the time to plan most of your wedding without a planner until about 6 months out?
If you answered yes, partial planning may be an option for you. BUT tread lightly. Just remember… full service wedding planners will hold your hand every step of the way and make sure you all the “I”s are dotted and “T”s are crossed! If you answered no, I would strongly consider a full service planner.
2. What is your budget?
Full service wedding planners are more costly. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. If you have the means and budget for a planner that offers full service wedding planning, this is the only way to go.
Happy planning!
XOXO
Kelly
“From the Desk of Kelly Karli” is based on Kelly Karli’s professional experiences in her 12 years of experience as a Wedding and Events Planner.
Kelly Karli Weddings & Events has been named one of the best Denver Wedding Planners of 2022 by Expertise.
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