Let’s be honest—weddings are a lot. There is a lot of planning, decisions, and opportunities for stress to sink in. But it doesn’t have to feel that way. Enter the wedding planner—our heroes and the experts of seamless, beautifully executed wedding days. You may wonder, “What are the pros and cons of having a wedding planner?”
As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing so many love stories, and I can confidently say that the presence of a wedding planner makes an incredible difference. When a planner is involved, the day flows—your stress is minimized, timelines stay intact, and I get to focus entirely on photographing you at your best rather than tracking down a missing boutonniere or figuring out who’s supposed to walk down the aisle next. If you’re wondering whether a wedding planner is worth it, let’s break it down. And because I genuinely believe in the power of a great planner, I’ll also share a few of my favorite local professionals to help you find the perfect fit.
Wedding Planner Pros
1. A Stress-Free Experience for You and Your Loved Ones
Your wedding day should be about celebrating and being present, not worrying about logistics. A planner handles the big and small details so you (and your family) can enjoy the day. They’re also pros at troubleshooting behind the scenes, fixing problems before you even know they exist.
2. Keeping the Timeline on Track
From the moment you get ready to your send-off, a planner ensures that everything happens when it should. Without one, I’ve seen timelines unravel, causing rushed photos, missed moments, and unnecessary stress. Everything flows with a planner, allowing for a relaxed and positive experience.
3. Seamless Orchestration of Important Moments
A wedding planner ensures your day unfolds exactly how you envisioned. Here’s what they handle so you don’t have to:
- Organizing the getting-ready process to keep the morning running smoothly
- Preparing for the first look (or ensuring you avoid seeing each other if you’re waiting for the aisle moment!)
- Ensuring the processional lineup is accurate and that music cues happen at the right time
- Leading guests from the ceremony to cocktail hour without confusion
- Managing the family photo list to ensure efficiency and no missing people
- Gathering the wedding party for the grand entrance
- Cueing the DJ, band, or speakers for special moments like toasts and dances
- Keeping everything running smoothly throughout the reception (so your dinner stays warm, your guests stay engaged, and no one’s wondering what happens next)
- Coordinating the send-off so it feels like a perfect ending
4. Attention to Detail
Planners have an eye for the things most people don’t think about—like making sure the napkins are folded just right, the candles are lit at the perfect moment, and the ceremony backdrop isn’t slightly crooked. They make sure everything looks and feels flawless.
5. Vendor Management & Collaboration
A team of vendors work together on your wedding day—florists, caterers, DJs, rental companies, makeup artists, and more. A planner acts as the point person, ensuring everyone is aligned, questions are answered, and issues are handled without you ever getting involved.
For me, as a photographer, this is a game-changer. Instead of answering timeline questions or helping direct people, I can focus on capturing every detail.
6. Expert Problem-Solvers
Things happen—weather shifts, dresses bustle incorrectly, and bouquets get misplaced. A great planner doesn’t just react; they anticipate. They have backup plans for the backup plans and the kind of quick thinking that keeps stress levels at zero.
Wedding Planner Cons
1. Budget Considerations
A full-service planner is an investment. For some couples, it might not fit the budget. If this isn’t realistic, consider a day-of coordinator or partial planning services, which can still provide significant stress relief without the full cost.
2. Desire for Full DIY Control
Some couples genuinely love the process of planning every detail themselves. If that’s you, a planner might feel unnecessary—though I’d still recommend at least a coordinator for the wedding day itself to handle execution so you can enjoy everything you worked so hard to plan.
My Favorite Wichita Wedding Planners
If you’re considering hiring a planner, here are a few incredibly talented professionals I highly recommend. I’ve worked with them, and they genuinely know how to make a wedding day feel effortless and stunning:
- Bel Amour Events—Specializing in high-end full-service planning and coordination. (They also worked on this featured wedding gallery!)
- Events by Emily E—Personal and intentional wedding planning services starting at $2200.
- Blush Events—Streamlined wedding planning experiences with all budgets in mind.
- Sugar Bliss Event Coordination—Fun, vibrant, and incredibly thorough in executing every aspect of your day.
If you need help deciding which planner might be the best fit, I’m always happy to chat and connect you with the right one!
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Hiring a wedding planner is about allowing you to soak in the moments that matter fully. It’s about taking the pressure off so you can laugh, dance, and celebrate without a second thought about what’s happening behind the scenes. And selfishly? It helps me as your photographer, too. When a planner handles the moving parts, I can focus entirely on capturing your love story in its purest, most beautiful form.
Okay, you’ve heard the wedding planner pros and cons, but if you’re on the fence about whether a planner is right for you, let’s talk! I’d love to hear more about your wedding vision and help guide you toward the best decision for your day. And if you’re already sold, even better—let’s make some magic together.
