Planning a wedding is hard work. In fact, for many people, it’s a little like having a second job. From securing a venue to managing a team of vendors and slotting each piece of the puzzle into place, it requires a lot of time and emotional energy. (Over 500 hours, according to a recent study!) That’s why every couple needs help, whether they get it from a family member, a troop of willing bridesmaids and groomsmen, or a professional wedding planner. Knowing whether to get a pro on your team isn’t always an easy decision since every wedding has its own unique set of circumstances. But if any of the statements below sound familiar, It might be time to hire a wedding planner.

You have no extra time to commit to wedding planning. Hiring a wedding planner is the easiest way to cut down on the amount of time organizing your big day will take. If both of you have demanding jobs, that can be a lifesaver. Plus, your wedding planner can handle things like mid-week appointments with vendors and site visits, that you may not otherwise be able to attend.

Budgeting and planning aren’t your strong suits. Some people are natural-born organizers. For others, the idea of sourcing and following up with vendors, creating and sticking to a budget and dealing with contracts is a nightmare. If this sounds like you, then hiring a wedding planner to do the legwork is a great idea.

You only have a few months or even weeks to plan. A wedding typically takes around nine to thirteen months to plan. If your timeline is six months or less, you’ll have to squeeze in all the work while also trying to find vendors who are still available. This is a great reason to make use of a wedding planner’s expertise and network of contacts.

You’re short on ideas. Some couples love taking on the creative challenge of designing their wedding, right down to the last meaningful little detail. Others just aren’t that into it or feel overwhelmed. When you hire a wedding planner, they’ll incorporate the ideas you do have and take them to the next level. You’ll have a wow-worthy wedding, without all the hours scouring Pinterest! And even if you aren’t short on ideas, a planner will help tie all your creative thoughts together in a cohesive and appealing way (with some potential editing too).

You’re planning a destination wedding. Planning a wedding close to home can be challenging enough. When it’s out of town there are a lot more logistics to consider, especially when leaving the country. Hire a wedding planner who is local and bilingual, or who specializes in destination weddings, and it will be smooth sailing all the way.

You’re way behind schedule. Perhaps you locked in your venue and photographer just after getting engaged, but haven’t done much since. Now you’re way behind schedule, with a million things on your to-do list. It’s time to get some help!

Wedding planning is taking a toll on your relationship or mental health. Some pre-wedding stress is normal. But if you find yourself feeling exhausted, overextended or burned out, it’s probably time to call in the cavalry. Going it alone is never worth sacrificing your health or the health of your relationship.

You want to feel fully present on your wedding day. When you hire a wedding planner, you know that your big day is in safe hands. That means you can enjoy every second of getting ready, walking down the aisle, and celebrating with your family and friends. If problems arise, your planner will handle them. This is especially important if you’re getting married at a unique venue without the infrastructure and staff of a hotel property.

Your wedding plans have been affected by Coronavirus. If you’ve had to postpone your spring or summer wedding thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ll already know how complicated contingency planning and rescheduling can be. And with things still uncertain, you’ll not only need a Plan B going forward, but a Plan C, D, and E! Why not get a professional on board to help you navigate these uncharted waters?

It’s important to know that when you hire a wedding planner, you aren’t signing away your authority or creative input. It’s about making sure you have the support you need. And that support is even more critical in times like these when changes need to be made and crisis occurs. That way, you can focus on the fun bits and let the experts take on the stress for you!

xoxo,
Mindy

Image by Amy and Stuart Photography