Some couples inherently understand the benefits of hiring a certified wedding coordinator to help for their wedding, while other couples are new to the idea. Wherever you are on your journey, I have listed out some commonly asked questions about hiring a Certified Wedding Coordinator. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to send me an email to start the conversation.
 

The basics of why you need a wedding planner:

• With expectations and advice from everyone you know, a planner acts as a third party helper and shoulder to lean on who is not emotionally-involved in the process
• Receive vendor recommendations and insider tips from an industry professional
• Wedding planners can help negotiate discounts and manage your budget based on industry standards
• Navigate the planning of your first big project together with a professional who plans weddings for a living
• For busy couples, a planner can be your hands/feet to plan the wedding, negotiate with vendors on your behalf, make the phone calls, etc.
• Having a day-of coordinator is a must.. so a couple can enjoy the day, and to have someone experienced in coordinating with vendors/venues/helpers

What does it mean to be certified?

Certified Coordinators through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC) are upheld to higher standards than the regular event planner. WPIC Certified Coordinators have not only learned about the business, but are upheld to a code of ethics that all are accountable to across Canada. Anyone who is found to be unethical in their practice or undercutting the business will get their certification and privileges taken away.

As a WPIC Certified Coordinator, I am connected to a nationwide network of resources, recommendations and ideas from over 2000 other coordinators. There are many discounts that only WPIC Coordinators are connected to, because of the reputation we have gained over the years. If I can’t find something, there’s a high likelihood that another coordinator has looked for the same thing and found it somewhere.

One other perk is that all the assistants that I bring to weddings are always WPIC Certified and are equipped with what we call a Wedding Day Emergency Kit. If I cannot make it to the wedding because of an unforeseen circumstance, I have a huge network of other competent and experienced Certified Coordinators I can call on to take my place.
 

What kind of services does a Certified Wedding Coordinator provide?

A Wedding Coordinator mainly offers two services – (1) help with the planning and (2) coordinating the day-of (or often a combination of both).

Day-Of Wedding Coordination goes without saying. Sure, a couple can plan their wedding, but they definitely cannot run their wedding; they want to enjoy it! Whether it is a small or large function, it is invaluable to have an experienced coordinator on-site to ensure your day goes smoothly. They are the liaison with the venue, food manager, decorators, MC, DJ, photographer and parents; they pull the pieces of the puzzle together and discretely manage any issues that arise.

How a Wedding Coordinator helps you with planning varies. Planning involves anything from finding your venue or photographer, planning out the theme, to managing the wedding budget. If done a la carte (or pay as you go), a couple can receive help whenever the need arises, whether that be a monthly meeting or a handful of consultations for specific tasks. I offer Partial Planning (10 hours of help), Full Planning (unlimited consultations) or a la carte to meet the various needs of couples.
 

How much does it cost?

As with other wedding vendors, you are making an investment into, arguably, the biggest day of your life. Many couples have never embarked on putting together an event of such magnitude and budget before. This can be a great learning experience, but also a headache. You may think that hiring someone to help plan is an added expense, but really the coordinator will save you frustration, time and money by being a source of ideas, resources and hookups to discounted vendors.

For details on specific services, head to my Wedding Services page or email me to set up a meeting to discuss it in depth. All in all, it is an investment towards a stress-free wedding day.
 

I am interested, what now?

Contact me today to discuss your wedding needs over a relaxing cup of coffee. Hiring a Certified Wedding Coordinator is a small investment towards the biggest event in your life, saving you time, money and stress. Setting up a free initial meeting will be a step in the right direction. I look forward to working with you!