After saying “yes”…

Most brides become completely overwhelmed after they have said “yes” to getting married.  The engagement period is a great time for both families to become better acquainted with one another. This is also a time when major decisions need to be made. There is a growing trend for couples to buy their first home before they get married, which simply adds more stress to the engagement period.

Here are some effective ways that a couple can announce their engagement and to friends and family

• Personally telephone them
• Mail out ‘Save the date’ cards
• Publish an announcement in the local paper
• Announce the engagement at a party
• Create a wedding website

Some couples want to plan the wedding but do not want to worry about the details on the day while other couples want professional assistance right from the beginning to the day of the wedding.

Below are some of the more popular choices for service options that couples can select from:

1. Hourly consultation:charge per hour for your time. This type of consultation is designed for the couple who has just a few questions for a planner or would like some details reviewed and finalized. Fees for this service can range from $40 to $100 per hour.
2. ‘Day of’ Coordination: This type of service is designed for a couple who would like to plan their own wedding but does not want to worry about all the little details on the day of the wedding. Wedding planner would be to finalize all the information with the vendors (set up times, take down times and arrival/departure times), direct their rehearsal and execute the wedding agenda/itinerary. This also includes all the little things such as setting up the guest book, place cards and programs. This service can range from $500 to $1,500.
3. Full service planning
   This service is designed for a couple who requires assistance with many aspects of the wedding. The services can include any of the following

• Referring and sourcing new vendors
• Providing creative options (theme design and color selection)
• Negotiating contracts
• Tracking budgets
• Coordinating logistics
• Arranging travel or accommodations
• Developing floor plans
• Developing back up plans (What if it rains?)

Fees for this service can range from $1,500 and up.