Resort Wedding Planner vs. Independent Wedding Planner

WHATS A GIRL TO DO?

What's the difference between hiring a wedding planner at a resort OR hiring an independent wedding planner? Believe it or not this question get's asked a lot. So let's cut to the chase and give you the scoop!

A WEDDING PLANNER AT A RESORT caters only to the resort. This is where their loyalty lies first and foremost.  It is likely that your planner will have daily staff meetings, corporate groups and many more tasks required of them in addition to planning your event.

A wedding planner at a resort has a pre-set sales quota to meet. This means that their salary and bonuses are dependent on what they sell you. The amount of revenue they bring in also defines their position within the corporation making them extremely driven to sell, sell, sell! 

All of this is not to say that a resort planner should be avoided, just that you (as a potential client) are aware of the differences between a resort wedding planner and an independent wedding planner.


An INDEPENDENT WEDDING PLANNER exclusively caters to their clients. Independent wedding planners are not governed by the corporate world and therefore can openly discuss & secure products, services and venues available to you beyond what resort planners can offer.

Independent wedding planners are not driven by someone telling them that their sales matter more than the client. An excellent independent wedding planner works much harder for you in order to keep up with the worlds perception of value of a resort wedding planner. This means that an independent planner can give you just as much if not more for your money.

In the end what matters most is what the clients really want, and this is an important decision that only they can decide. No matter what the pros and cons, the reality is that some clients are better fitted for a resort wedding planner and some are better matched with an independent wedding planner. Which is best for you?

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How to choose a wedding planner!

INTEGRITY

If you already know that you are going to hire a wedding consultant yet are wondering how to choose a reputable company to help you, then this article is a "must read"!

10 "Must Ask" Interviewing Questions: 
Do you have terms & conditions or a contract that I can look at?
Do you have a mission and philosophy statement? Can I see a copy?
What do your fees include?
What set's you apart from other planners?
Do you have references?
How long have you been in business?
Do you carry liability insurance?
What specific wedding locations do you use?
Where did you receive your training?
What is your process and how do I hire you?

These are only some of the questions that you should ask when getting ready to hire a wedding consultant. During your interview it is very helpful if you tap into your gut. Try and feel for a true connection with not only the person you're speaking with but the organization that you are considering. Especially since, it's the company that is ultimately responsible for the services that you will receive, not the wedding planners themselves.

Your wedding day is no ordinary day. It is one of the most memorable days of your life. So choose wisely and make sure that the company you are spending your dollars with is someone you can totally trust.

STAY TUNED: FCW is geting ready to launch it's pre-qualified directory of wedding products & services and this will be a huge step towards finding out who really warrants your time, and your money. Just think, "finally", an exclusive directory that warrants your trust! 

Trust/honesty/integrity, 3 things that make an exceptional wedding planner.  

Stay tuned for more on this subject!

Which comes first - Wedding Venue or Wedding Planner?

WHICH COMES FIRST, the Wedding Venue or the Wedding Planner?

The Pros & Cons of choosing a Wedding Venue first:
PRO: Client has full control over the venue.
CON: Wedding Planner does not.

*The planning process can be challenging for a planner if the wedding venue is secured first. Reason being is partly caused from needing to control the deliver, set-up and removal times as well as managing any of the on-site details. This would create a much less stressful experience for you.


The Pros & Cons of choosing a Wedding Planner first:
PRO: You have an expert at your fingertips, orchestrating your dream.
CON: If you choose the wrong planner.

*While interviewing planners can be tedious work, it may will be the most important first step in the overall planning process. This is where you have to ask yourself what is more important. Finding an expert to help you or simply doing everything yourself.

SO, WHICH COMES FIRST FOR YOU? The Wedding Venue or the Wedding Planner?