Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator: Which Do You Need?

It’s no secret that planning a wedding is no small task, which begs the question; Should I get a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator?

How do I know which one I need?

In this blog series, we will be discussing the key differences you should be aware of to help you find the best fit for your special day.

Wedding Planners: Fundamentally, their role is to manage and execute all of the logistics involved in planning your day. From sourcing and booking suppliers to managing contracts and developing timelines, while keeping track of your budget.

1. Provides vendor referrals and negotiates contracts; schedules and attends all vendor meetings.

2. Creates detailed timelines and floor plans.

3. Helps determine and manage your budget.

4. Attends site tours and menu tastings.

5. Brainstorms style ideas and coordinates design details.

6. Coordinates hotel room blocks and transportation.

As every planner comes into the industry with a totally different skill set, experiences and training. Planners with a creative background are more passionate about the creative aspects of the day, while those who have worked in more organisational roles may be more spreadsheet and timeline driven. So, the right planner for you, will be the planner whose skills compliment your overall vision and needs for your special day.

If you’re managing most of the wedding preparation yourself, you can be more flexible when it comes to when to choose to hire your wedding planner. On the other hand, if you require full planning services, it is best to hire a wedding planner ASAP as most wedding planners on average take on 8-10 weddings a year, so bookings aren’t readily available especially during the peak summer months.

A Wedding Planner can take on as little or as much of the organisation of your wedding as you want, giving you the option to tailor their involvements in planning to meet your requirements. Hence why most planners offer a range of services to suit multiple needs.

In terms of where to find a wedding planner we suggest you try the UK alliance of Wedding Planners website as this will provide you with planners across the UK. You can also use social media - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to get a good idea about the planners personality and specialisation, especially if you find yourself constantly looking and liking their posts.

Bonus Tip: When you’re comparing proposals and quotations from planners, don’t simply look at the figure alone. When looking at the amount consider the level of support and service you will be getting for the amount you are paying to determine whether your quote is good value for you, i.e. site visits, travel, calls, admin etc.

So before you dismiss using the services of a Wedding Planner, either to plan the whole event or just part of it, look at the big picture and see the benefit they can add to your big day.

Stay tune for our next post as we will be looking at the role of a wedding coordinator.

Until then, stay safe

Mannuela x

Choosing Your Wedding Band Part 2

Buying your wedding band is a massive deal and after all, this will be one of the most important object to represent your commitment to your spouse.

There are lots of different ways to go about it, hitting the high street, visiting your favorite jeweler or having bespoke bands designed for you. With so many options to choose from,

we hope the second segment of this blog series (be sure to read the first part if you haven't already) will make it easier to find the best rings within your budget and your style.

Tip Number 5: Choosing your preferred metal

Years ago wedding rings were mainly purchased in a classic gold style, however nowadays wedding rings can be designed in a number of different materials that all possess their own advantages in terms of looks, sturdiness and cost.

Material options for wedding rings consist of two types of metals:

• Precious metals: gold, silver, platinum.

• Alternative metals: cobalt, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten.

Alternative metals provide a more lightweight and modern look.

Each type of metal has benefits and drawbacks, its best to narrow down your search to find what suits your personal style and lifestyle, for instance:

Platinum:

• Usually more expensive

• Extremely durable - doesn’t tarnish or oxidize

• Although it will wear and scratch but jeweler can polish your band to remove scratches.

Gold:

• The alloy mixed with gold affects its colour, so there are a hundred possible mixtures, but options generally include: yellow gold, white gold, green gold and pink and rose gold.

• Gold is mixed with other metals/alloys because it's soft and easily damaged.

• Buff your ring with a soft cloth to keep it shiny and smooth

Silver:

• Most affordable of the precious metals

• Pure silver mixed with copper or other metal to make it more durable

• Loses it shine quicker

• Can get scratched and marked easily
  

Tip Number 6: Size It Right

Most people rarely take off their wedding bands; they wear them through summers, winters, exercise, pregnancies, all times when your fingers swell and contract from heat, cold, water retention or weight gain.

When buying your wedding band(s), always make sure you do the final ring sizing after morning hours, and ideally when your body temperature is normal. Your fingers swell for many reasons throughout the day. Everything from exercise, pregnancy, cold and hot temperatures, and times of day can impact the swelling of your hands.

So, don’t worry, don’t stress and enjoy this time of wedding band shopping.

Happy Reading,

Mannuela x

Choosing Your Wedding Band Part 1

When it comes to our individual jewellery styles, we all have our personal tastes. Whether you’re minimalist, traditional or a little eccentric. At times this can be hard to navigate as there are so many options to consider, different metals, profiles, widths and finishes. So, I have decided to share a few tips to make your purchase that much easier!

Tip Number 1: Timing is everything! - Many couples make the mistake of waiting too late to purchase their wedding bands.

• They overlook production times and don’t give themselves enough time to have their ring completed.

• Generally, allow about 3-4 weeks to have your rings sized and ready.

Recommendation: Begin to search for wedding bands 3-4 months before the wedding date as this gives you ample amount of time to try several rings and market research before making the final decision.

Bonus tip: If you are having your wedding rings custom made, allow even more time. Certain styles can take longer, and retailers may require about 3-6 weeks to custom make your wedding bands.

Tip Number 2: Budget, Budget, Budget! - Wedding bands are not only a symbol of love, but also an investment.

• On average most couples spend between 3-5% of their wedding budget on their wedding bands.

• Depending on the style and quality of the band, the prices for a band can range from £100 to £3000+

• Prices will vary depending on the style and weight of metal you choose so consider this when discussing your initial budget.

Tip Number 3: Finding a Trusted Jeweller - After saving all that money, a way to ensure that you are getting a quality band, is to purchase your rings from a trusted jeweller.

• Buying from a trusted jeweller doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to get a quality ring.

• Look for a jeweller that offers a certificate of authenticity with your purchase, as this is a sign that they are a reputable business and that the product you are purchasing is of good quality. Also try to find one that offers conflict-free diamonds and has an easy and hassle-free return policy in place.
  

Tip Number 4: When Choosing Your Wedding Band Keep Your Lifestyle In Mind - Your wedding band should be something you can wear everyday, so the goal is to choose a ring that suits you, for instance:

• If you play sports or an instrument, a slimmer ring with rounded edges (appropriately called the “comfort fit") may be the most suitable.

• If you work with your hands, you may want to search for a simple, solid metal ring and avoid gemstones that can come loose or carvings, which can trap dirt.

• If you're super active, go for platinum, which is extra durable (when scratched, the metal is merely displaced and doesn't actually wear away).

Bonus Point: Consider Maintenance - To keep a wedding band with stones, clean and sparkling, you'll need to wash and soak it in warm sudsy water, then gently brush it with a soft toothbrush or eyebrow brush (too much pressure can loosen the stones from their setting), rinse it and pat it dry with a soft lint-free cloth. If this seems too much, you may want to opt for a fuss-free gold or platinum ring—simply rub it with a soft, lint-free cloth and you're good to go.

I hope you’ve found these few tips useful, and I can't wait to share the second part with you next month.

Stay Safe x

Mannuela