Wedding Planning is an elaborate affair considering the types of weddings we have in India panning over all regions, religions, communities and languages.A wedding in the family is an exciting event for all since it involves putting together a number of elements to the satisfaction of all, to a fixed budget
For those without a budget constraint planning a wedding may not be difficult since it is a matter of bringing together the best of things and getting it to a shape. With choices galore, the rich and the famous only need to decide on what they require and even the most unique of things can be created since money is not a constraint. As for talent we have the best of artisans and craftsmen in India.
For those with budget, time or manpower constraint it is definitely wise to appoint a wedding planner or event manager to put together all that is required without any hassles. But the choice one makes needs to be prudent else the purpose of appointing a wedding planner is completely lost. AA
There is a very common misconception that only the rich and moneyed class people can approach wedding planners since it is extremely expensive. Wedding planners are generally sought out by people doing weddings out side their home town, people without support in terms of manpower for getting all arrangements done. weddings to be performed at short notice or by non resident Indians who wish to perform the wedding back in their village, hometown or city.
There are some who despite having the time and finance still look for wedding planners for the simple reason that they would want to source the best and make their family wedding a unique experience.
In such a situation who is the wedding planner best suited for you ? How do you decide on this ? There are no set rules by which a client goes. To a large extent your personal judgement and comfort levels with the wedding planner matter the most.
There are three types of wedding planners. The first types gets about arranging services going by the budget given by the client and charges a professional fee for it.
The second type gives you innumerable options over a wide budget and lets you choose, which invariably increases your budget.
Then there is the third type of wedding planner who takes a personal interest in every project and puts his name and reputation ahead of money and goes all out to understand your needs and works creatively within your scheme of things.
Honesty and accountability should be the prime traits a client should look for in a wedding planner. Honesty in terms of projects done, services offered and taking responsibility is very important for development of trust and confidence. A wedding planner should genuinely showcase his / her work alone and not undertake to do something that they have no knowledge about or not ventured into yet.
This genuineness helps in bonding better with a client since expectations are not too high and the working relationship is founded on truthfulness
Respecting the clients budget is of utmost important. In case the client has no idea of the cost involved and is asking for the unrealistic elements the wedding planner should have the patience to explain and let the client absorb reality.
If possible the wedding planner should look to provide less expensive options or alternative for the same and clinch the assignment.
Most important is the factor of being open to suggestions. The wedding planner at all times should keep the views and interests of the client in mind and be open to experimenting and creating the best of what is available. The wedding planner should not force his/ her opinion on the client because it makes his / her job easy and comfortable.
Client satisfaction is foremost and hence that should be borne in mind at all times.
Always look for a wedding planner who can raise up to the occasion with quick decisions and presence of mind to tackle any untoward emergencies. It is true that the client should be taken into confidence at all times but there will be occasions that call for quick decisions and the wedding planner needs to take a call sensibly and in the general interest of all.
Being accessible is another important element in choosing a wedding planner. A real professional will always be prompt in answering, messaging, mailing or returning calls. Regular follow ups should be done by the wedding planner and not the other way around.
Getting updated on the proceedings and arrangements is the prerogative of the client and the wedding planner should be prompt in this.
The working relationship between the client and the wedding planner should be optimum for the success of any event. Over a couple of meetings the client should be able to judge the wedding planner and come to a decision on whether to proceed or not
Word of mouth references are another fool proof way in which to go for the right wedding planner