b'12+ MONTHS WEDDING PLANNERS LAURA KELLY PHOTOGRAPHYWhy hire Planning a wedding is stressfultheres no way around it! Finding vendors, staying on top of payments, mastering DIY decor, and dealing with family is a full-time jobonea planner? that most of us go into with little to no experience in. If you find yourself wishing therewas someone to help, advise, or guide you along the way, then you may want to hire awedding planner. Financial advisor colors or menu options. Theywith some extra help, you get to Wedding planners have yearswill ensure that everything getshand over the stress, so that all of experience, so theyve met adone on time, handle any crises,youll remember from your big lot of people! At every wed- and keep your wedding party onday are the fun parts!ding they plan, they meet newschedule on the big day.vendors and strengthen connec- Fairy godmothertions with vendors they knowYou have more important thingsQUESTIONS TO ASKDo you need so that when you come to themto do than negotiate packages1. How long have you been a weddingplanner?with a vision, they know just thewith vendors. You have a full- planning events? person for the job. Plus, theytime job, a home to take care of, 2. How many weddings do Do you have amay be able to get you specialand a fianc to adoreplan- you plan per year? busy schedule? discounts, help you to avoidning your special day is your3. Do you have a portfolioDo you like to costly mistakes, and advise youwedding planners full-time job!and references? save money? on budgeting.They will dedicate all of their4. Can you negotiate ratesDo you hate Stress reliever time, ideas, and experience towith my vendors? stress? Your wedding day is a once-in- making sure that no detail is5.Will you handle all aspects Then the a-lifetime event. So, of course,overlooked. They know the lat- of the planning?answer is, Yes! est wedding trends, theyve seen6. What kind of packages do you want to be relaxed, excited, and fully present on that day what works and what doesnt,you offer? and they will ensure that your7. How often will we talk or not rushing around perfecting final details and taking callswedding vision is made a reality. meet? from your caterer! Hiring a wed- Trust us: you wont regret hiring8. Will you be thereding planner will give you thea wedding planner. You willthe day of?time and space you need to baskalways be the final authority on in the glow of your engagementwhat your wedding day looksDont forget to ask theinstead of stressing over napkinlike and how it is planned. Butgeneral questions on page 410 TODAYS BRIDE|12+ MONTHS UNTIL I DO|WEDDING PLANNERS'