Well it depends on your priorities – you can technically afford anything you want, if you prioritize properly.
The least amount of coverage any bride should have is a day of (or month of – depending on the coordinator) coordination. The coordinator will not really do much planning – that will have been your job. But they go over the details of the wedding to ensure that nothing has been forgotten because they want to ensure your wedding runs as smoothly as possible.
A wedding coordinator is hired to ensure that the day goes by smoothly and ensures that any issues are taken care of and that you will be a guest at the wedding. They ensure that everyone who needs to know things (i.e. schedule) is kept in the loop, for example if you are running late from your photos they will let the kitchen know your ETA. They are there to ensure that you receive what you have paid for, for example if your rentals show up without the chair covers you ordered.
Day of coordination usually starts at $650 – $2,500 depending on the coordinator (experience, education), number of hours, and duties.
Some coordinators/planners have a combination package a package with a bit of planning and day of coordination. This allows you to pick your vendors and do most of the leg work and the planner will come in and help you with the details and then coordinate the wedding day (as above).
Now, if you want it all you will have the full planning & coordination – which usually includes everything and anything. You will have the planner help you choose appropriate vendors, create your vision and coordinate your wedding day. A wedding planner & Coordinator will save you countless hours and money by avoiding costly mistakes that most brides & grooms make. Not to mention the sanity you will have and the free time.
Now this usually runs for 10-15% of your total budget starting at around $1,200 (again this depends on the coordinator). Considering day of coordination starts at $650, that is a pretty good deal!
It has been reported that 70% of brides who didn’t use a planner, wish that they had. Ask yourself much is your sanity worth?
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