Let me ask you this: do you need a doctor to deliver your baby? Or would you prefer doing it yourself? Okay, that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get what I’m saying…
If you are giving a small, intimate party, have lots of time and you enjoy entertaining then no, you do not need a planner. However, having a large event (at times) is similar to producing a play or show and this requires time and experience to produce.
I have interviewed more than one client who has mentioned that hotel or location managers often insist they don’t need a planner–well, these folks are wrong. There is a lot that happens before the day of the event that needs to be managed.
Now comes the bad news: there are great planners and then there are the planners who give the business a bad name. Being also a part of the planning industry, I have had the joy and pain in working with both good and bad. Here is my humble opinion on how you can tell the difference:
Good planners: They make the process as easy and painless as possible, respecting the client’s time and level of involvement.
vs.
Bad planners: They think they are the show. They create drama were there should be none. They over-involve the client, and they need lots of attention.
Good planners: They give their clients realistic budget expectations, telling them what things really cost.
vs.
Bad planners: They unrealistically promise clients they’ll get quality for less and drive all the vendors crazy asking them to lower their prices.
Good planners: They get their normal fee from their clients and they do not accept commissions from vendors, which puts them in a better position to negotiate.
vs.
Bad planners: They collect a fee from clients and also quietly blackmail vendors into paying them commissions. (For example, they say something like, “If you don’t pay me a commission, I won’t use you or your services.”)
Good Planners: They are very open to creativity, yet respectful of the vendors and artists they work with.
vs.
Bad planners: They are frustrated designers and seem to think they know what is best for the design. (Though, to be fair, they have seen a lot of designs, which gives them the right to have an opinion.)
So yes, I do think having a good planner is a very essential component to having a successful event. I have often found myself explaining this (and why) to my clients. What do you think?
PREVIOUS
George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Brittany Allen
April 6, 2010
I agree with you! Being a Novice in this Business of Event Planning I find that because of the good planner-bad planner issue customers end up only questioning whether they should use one. However, I believe that you will only know if you have a good planner if you do a little research and live through an experience. I believe that I am a good planner and my work proves it! Being that I am a novice it makes my customers more hesitant, but I do assure them I am qualified. Great tips!!
Brittany Allen
Wedding & Event Planner
http://www.diaryofaplanner.blogspot.com
Lucia Paul Design
April 6, 2010
Amen, Mr. Bailey! Very well said. With the plethora of “planners” coming on the scenes these days, the consumer needs as much information available to them so they are able to discern the good from the bad. Just because some planner offers you the world for next to nothing, doesn’t mean that you will get what you really want. I hope that more consumers realize the value of a good planner/designer. You get what you pay for!
Tanya Malott
April 6, 2010
Good planners: They get their normal fee from their clients and they do not accept commissions from vendors, which puts them in a better position to negotiate.
vs.
Bad planners: They collect a fee from clients and also quietly blackmail vendors into paying them commissions. (For example, they say something like, “If you don’t pay me a commission, I won’t use you or your services.”)… See More
I had this exact conversation with a fellow photographer (he’s Denver based) today. He said “most NY planners expect 6%’ and what would I do?
I have 20 years experience as a wedding photographer, and have never paid or received a commission for any job. One well known NY planner said she worked this way, and I refused to work with her.
I am always happy to give planners photos (made at my expense), not to mention glowing word of mouth and written reviews, but I would say I refer a planner as often as I am referred by one. I think taking a commission, especially in this economy is just WRONG. And brides rarely know it is happening.
Again, thank you for your post. You are a true pro, and I could tell every time we worked together.
Elner
April 6, 2010
You are right on target. I have been doing this for eight years and have worked with the good and the bad. I never pay planners any fees, however I will give their clients a discount from time to time. I want those in the industry who work with me to do so because the respect my work, not because their are being paid.
Brides need a planner, friends will back out and mothers can’t enjoy your wedding if they are working. I can always tell you what is going to happen when the brides don’t have a planner. It always shows. The last minute calls for items they forgot, their time lines are a disaster and their weddings start late.
Thank you for this information, I will be recommending it.
Karen Morris
April 6, 2010
I think you are absolutely right. You need a planner.
Emily Tolve
April 6, 2010
Kudos again, Preston! I can’t disagree with any part of what you said. We have a big problem with planners in Colorado using vendors solely based on the commission they get from them. It’s frustrating on our end for obvious reasons- but it also devalues what those planners do, which is unfortunate for the client.
I’d add that it’s always a good idea for a client to hire a planner. Especially for weddings when things are so hectic, and it’s great to have someone to take the stress of you (the client) & the vendors. It makes EVERYONE’S life easier, without a doubt.
Carolina Wedding Design
April 6, 2010
Great article. It’s so helpful for brides to read this and really be taught how to differentiate between a ‘good’ and ‘bad’ planner. So many out there that are confusing brides and bribing vendors and it’s pathetic. Thanks for taking the time to write such an educational article. We’ll be sure to promote on our end as well. Happy Planning!
Heather Bryson & Cortenay Matters, Carolina Wedding Design
Lia
April 6, 2010
While I agree on most parts, there are some things I don’t know I can be completely on board with. Often vendors extend discounts to planners as a token of good business, not planners blackmailing for a kickback. I believe, the planner should act in such a manner that will best suit their client and the budget. If the budget needs some help, then by all means, pass along the savings to your client, but if the budget is intact, the planner should be able to have a clear conscious to accept the additional income from the vendor.
Additionally, for me being a good planner goes hand in hand with being a designer. Having come from a theatrical background, I view the planner like the director – they initially have the visions that are carried out by the set director (vendors). Without the initial vision and design, there is no continuity to sometimes multiple day events! A great planner knows how to guide the vendors to create amazing creations, but doesn’t have to be physically involved with the creation. In my world, the director designs and the designer directs!
I’d love to hear anyone’s thoughts on that!
Just my two sense,
Lia
Aleah + Nick
April 6, 2010
Preston,
As always, your posts are so right-on. More times than not we keep our clients under their budget by directly passing along any “industry” discounts through linen, china, and furniture rental companies. There needs to be a code of honesty upheld in our industry. We step away from vendors who nudge us with “commissions” or those pushing this on us for referring their services. We refer on quality, attitude, and reputation, not based on who would offer a commission. It’s our duty to work on behalf of our clients and to be honest and up front with them and treat their budget like it is our own, whatever that budget might be.
Thank you for your insight!
Aleah + Nick Valley
Amira Harris - Posh Productions Calgary
April 6, 2010
Amen Preston – Great article. It’s so helpful for couples to do there research and also to know what is a good planner vs. bad planner from your article. A good planner would NEVER accept a kickback or commision and doing this you really lose sight of what’s important….the best interest of your client. Vendors should be recommended to your client, based on merit and service. Not because you are receiving extra incentive to book with them.
I think it’s great when a vendor does provide a discount or a value added service to your client however that should be provided directly to your client and is just an added bonus if they are saving the client money. Happy client = happy planner
)
Martine Chery
April 6, 2010
Well said! I remember when I was building my vendor database, I meant with a photographer who didn’t understand when I told him that I wanted to meet him to have an overview of his services and prices to better situate my clients upon their needs and budget and I think he almost faint when I told him that the discount he’s giving me will be for my clients. He told me it was the first time he was hearing that from a wedding planner because the other wedding planners he’s worked with was asking a commission in exchange of referrals. Also, for most of the time, he never even meant with the couple until the wedding day because the Wedding Planner was always the intermediare between them. Thank God, I stand by my code of ethics of not accepting kickback and placing my clients first. I think it’s always a great feeling of accomplisment when you act in such a manner that will best suit your client. After all, the Wedding Industry is mostly a referral business so you need to act professionally!
Dianna K. Shitanishi, CPCE, CMP
April 7, 2010
I absolutely love this post! We have many that realize the importance of having someone there on the wedding day, but don’t understand all of the work that is done before the day! Hiring a good planner not only can relieve stress, but saves time and often time can make sure you are hiring a vendor that is best suited for you. I’ve had the privilege of seeing you speak at one of our NACE conferences and love your work!
Bisi Bordley
April 7, 2010
AMEN to all you said!!
William
April 7, 2010
Preston:
Very well said working from a hotel standpoint, I always suggest that a Bride hires a wedding planner for I was not hired from the hotel to be the planner plus I cannot attend off site appointments. 98% of my weddings hire a planner, its just easier for them and myself and also makes the event run extremely smooth without a hiccup. I just wish that a lot of other hotels felt the same way. I always say this, “if your hotel say’s they will be your planner, what if they have another event that day? or for that matter are they even qualified to understand items such as decor, florals, lighting and much more” Hire a planner and in the end it becomes a peace of mind and stress free, if they are a good planner!
Diane Kunze
April 7, 2010
Great article! The influx of new wedding planners/vendors need to read this type of article. As a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), it is against the corporate policy to accept commissions. The extra money may sound great in the beginning, but giving the bride that discount and having her refer you is worth far more than that commission. Thanks for a great article! ~ Diane
Janet
April 7, 2010
I’ve been in the business for quite some time and I do not believe that planners should collect or expect commissions; it is totally wrong and they are essentially “double dipping.” End result; stealing from the client.
Thanks for this great article Mr. Bailey and keep up the good work!
Janet
No.10 Wedding Design & Management
April 7, 2010
Mr Bailey you are absolutely right! Here in the UK it is exactly the same, with many inexperienced so called planners entering the industry and, who think they know more than the suppiers/vendors they hire on behalf of their clients. These inexperienced planners (you know the one’s I mean, I did my own/sister/cousin’s wedding) they are all about design, but fall short when it comes to the practicalities involved in organising an event. In my opinion, it takes more than cutting and pasting design ideas from Etsy and Martha Stewart to be a Wedding Planner! There is a real problem in the UK now with newbie planners charging far too little, because they don’t know how to set their fee, which then has a knock on effect for those of us who are more experienced. Of course brides may be attracted to a planner charging a low fee, but their inexperience soon comes to light and, by then it is too late, the damage is done and the industry gets a bad name.
Well done on your article and, I love your work!
Lester (UK Wedding Planner)
Barbara Clark
April 7, 2010
Preston: Thank you so much for addressing the issue of wedding planners. I have been planning wedding for over 14 years and during that time have seen planners come and go. I am always amazed when I hear that some planners are difficult to work with and seem to think it is “all about them”. Many planners out there do give us a bad name. A planner needs to be professional and NOT take commissions from vendors. I see this as a conflict of interest and always let my brides know where I stand on this issue. My goal is always to provide the very best for my brides and the best reward is when they say “it was just as I envisioned it to be thank you so much!” I know I have done my job .
Tiffany
April 8, 2010
Amen – Period, that was great.
MELISSA
April 8, 2010
DID NOT USE A PLANNER FOR MY WEDDING AND IT WENT WONDERFULLY….
I DO HAVE TIME LOVE TO DESIGN AND HAD THE LOCATION AT MY IN LAWS ESTATE…
I DID NOT HAVE A DOCTOR AT HAND WHEN I HAD MY SON AND IT WENT WONDERFULLY TOO… MIND YOU WITH LOT’S OF BEFORE PLANNING ON BOTH…
XXOO
MELISSA
Selena Jamieson - Events... i do! - Toronto
April 8, 2010
Preston, thank you for creating and posting this article. It’s very refreshing to see that there are still those who truly overstand and respect what they do as a professional in this industry.
Heidi Gruenspan-Wedding and Party Planner-Toronto
April 9, 2010
I was so pleased when I read the article. I agree with every last word. I pride myself on being a “good” event planner. I have worked hard for many years to create an excellent reputation in the event planning industry. I truly work for my clients benefit!.
Thank you Preston.
Alec Pinilla
March 7, 2012
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