Comparing Planners
I am borrowing this quote, it's a favorite of one of my fellow planners:
"The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten"
This statement rings especially true when I hear of planners charging very low amounts to do as they say "exactly what the other planners do" just for less. I am sorry, but how do they know all the services, experience and attention I give to my brides and their weddings. There is a lot more to what I provide my brides than what is listed on my packages. Unless they are one of my brides and have actually witnessed what I provide, it is pretty much guessing on their part. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I know coordinators just starting out need to charge less, but they shouldn't compare our services when they are not even close to being the same.
There are over 40 coordinators in Austin and plenty of brides to go around. Some brides have a super tight budget and need a planner who is very affordable, but they should not sacrifice on quality. Ask area planners if perhaps one of their assistants can work your wedding at a discounted rate. The worst they can say is "no, we don't offer discounts". If an established company does discounted prices for using an assistant coordinator, you can at least have the confidence that they have worked with an experienced planner and have someone to go to with questions. I am happy to have my budget brides work with one of my assistants for less, because they are in good hands and I know they will be taken care of. Be sure to ask!
There is a price range of $700-$2500 for day of coordinating. We are all different price ranges, because we are all independent wedding planners. We have different overhead expenses with offices, daycare to consider, college tuitions to pay, staff to pay and a million other costs to consider. It is a job afterall and wouldn't you agree that a wedding coordinator should be paid what she is worth? Consider your annual salary, now divide that by 25 weddings a year. Most families need two incomes and being paid a fair amount for a year of work is only fair. I consider myself very blessed to have a career I love. I have worked with Austin brides for over 13 years, that's a pretty good resume regardless of what profession I am. This is not a hobby for me or a part time job, but I do continue working as a wedding planner because I love it.
I am not competing with the coordinators that have a so called "real job" outside of wedding planning and therefore only charge you $400 so they can just do every little detail of your wedding because it's fun. This is a great career, but it is hard work. I am a budget keeper, family mediator, designer, counselor, floral advisor, color expert, caterer, bakery designer and so on. We are the one you turn to when the wedding stress is at it's max and your fiance is not interested in hearing about the bridesmaid's dresses any more. I am just suggesting that you are realistic on what a planner is giving you for $400 and what promises aren't going to be kept.
I know brides need to save money and spend wisely, so ask other brides who they loved working with on their weddings. Ask area vendors who their favorites are and also ask your venue. Those are your top three referrals to consider so your money is invested in the right person.
I will get off my soap box now,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com
"The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten"
This statement rings especially true when I hear of planners charging very low amounts to do as they say "exactly what the other planners do" just for less. I am sorry, but how do they know all the services, experience and attention I give to my brides and their weddings. There is a lot more to what I provide my brides than what is listed on my packages. Unless they are one of my brides and have actually witnessed what I provide, it is pretty much guessing on their part. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I know coordinators just starting out need to charge less, but they shouldn't compare our services when they are not even close to being the same.
There are over 40 coordinators in Austin and plenty of brides to go around. Some brides have a super tight budget and need a planner who is very affordable, but they should not sacrifice on quality. Ask area planners if perhaps one of their assistants can work your wedding at a discounted rate. The worst they can say is "no, we don't offer discounts". If an established company does discounted prices for using an assistant coordinator, you can at least have the confidence that they have worked with an experienced planner and have someone to go to with questions. I am happy to have my budget brides work with one of my assistants for less, because they are in good hands and I know they will be taken care of. Be sure to ask!
There is a price range of $700-$2500 for day of coordinating. We are all different price ranges, because we are all independent wedding planners. We have different overhead expenses with offices, daycare to consider, college tuitions to pay, staff to pay and a million other costs to consider. It is a job afterall and wouldn't you agree that a wedding coordinator should be paid what she is worth? Consider your annual salary, now divide that by 25 weddings a year. Most families need two incomes and being paid a fair amount for a year of work is only fair. I consider myself very blessed to have a career I love. I have worked with Austin brides for over 13 years, that's a pretty good resume regardless of what profession I am. This is not a hobby for me or a part time job, but I do continue working as a wedding planner because I love it.
I am not competing with the coordinators that have a so called "real job" outside of wedding planning and therefore only charge you $400 so they can just do every little detail of your wedding because it's fun. This is a great career, but it is hard work. I am a budget keeper, family mediator, designer, counselor, floral advisor, color expert, caterer, bakery designer and so on. We are the one you turn to when the wedding stress is at it's max and your fiance is not interested in hearing about the bridesmaid's dresses any more. I am just suggesting that you are realistic on what a planner is giving you for $400 and what promises aren't going to be kept.
I know brides need to save money and spend wisely, so ask other brides who they loved working with on their weddings. Ask area vendors who their favorites are and also ask your venue. Those are your top three referrals to consider so your money is invested in the right person.
I will get off my soap box now,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com
Comments