There is a very common misconception that your wedding planner’s main job is to get you amazing deals with wedding vendors.

That’s wrong.

Very wrong.

If you want discounts and deals, I suggest you head to Groupon or Thumbtack. If you want an expertly guided and planned wedding, where you are matched with the best vendors suited for your style and budget, I suggest you get a wedding planner. It may sound harsh, but I assure you– nothing is more frustrating and exhausting than sitting with couples who believe your sole goal is to get them discounts. It discredits your talent, skill and experience with one question– “What kind of discounts can you get us?”

Some ill-advised publications have led couples astray with the concept with wedding planners send so much business to a vendor, they in turn, discount their services for the wedding planner. I’m not saying it doesn’t happen. I am saying, don’t bank on it, and most certainly make that your sole reason for hiring a wedding planner. Any discounts that a vendor extends is done so at their sole discretion, not as an expectation.

So if your wedding planner can’t get you discounts, what can they do?

Glad you asked.

Your wedding planner will:

• Help you establish and maintain a realistic budget
• Assist in reconciling your vision with your budget
• Match you with vendors that can help execute your vision within your budget

This can only be done through experience and good wedding planners have it.  With a wedding planner, their service and expertise is worth far more than a one time discount.  When managed correctly, your wedding planner can assist you in staying on budget and within vision, versus helping you afford vendors that may have  been out of your financial comfort zone.  And yes, your wedding planner may be privy to exclusives, price concessions and preferential treatment, but how they serve you is worth their weight in gold.