Do I Really Need a Wedding Planner? (And What I Wish I Knew When Planning My Own)
You just got engaged (!!!) and now your phone is blowing up with Pinterest boards, group texts, and questions you didn’t even know you’d need to ask.
One of the biggest ones?
“Do I actually need a wedding planner?”
Totally fair question. And one I hear all the time.
A lot of couples start off thinking they can DIY it—maybe with a super-organized friend, a venue coordinator, or a good spreadsheet. I get it. I thought the same thing.
My Own Wedding? I Didn’t Hire a Planner—and I Learned a Lot
When I planned my own wedding, I figured I could handle it. I’m organized, detail-oriented, and surrounded by people who wanted to help. I also had a fantastic day-of coordinator who truly saved the day—and I’m so grateful for her.
And while I loved my wedding, looking back, I realize how helpful it would’ve been to have full planning support from the beginning. Someone to help me find the right vendors, navigate all the moving parts, and take the pressure off me so I could be more present throughout the process.
I didn’t feel like things fell apart—but I did carry more than I needed to. And that experience is part of why I care so deeply about what I do now. I know how much smoother, more fun, and more connected this process can feel when you have someone in your corner early on.
Why So Many Couples Regret Not Hiring a Planner
In the beginning, planning feels fun and exciting—and it should! But then come the endless decisions:
How do you actually find vendors you can trust?
How do you build a budget around your priorities—not just some average you found online?
Who’s making the timeline? Handling vendor calls? Managing last-minute changes?
What if something goes wrong on the big day?
Most couples don’t realize how much goes into it… until they’re knee-deep in contracts, to-do lists, and pressure from every direction. And by then, they’re already overwhelmed.
What Wedding Planners Actually Do (That Might Surprise You)
Planners aren’t just there for design help or day-of coordination (though that’s part of it!). When you bring on a full-service planner, here’s what you’re really getting:
Clarity and calm. We help simplify decisions so you’re not drowning in options. You still have full control—but with guidance that saves you time and stress.
Cultural navigation. Especially for multicultural weddings, planners act as cultural translators. We help you blend traditions, manage family expectations, and make sure everything feels cohesive.
Budget protection. A good planner doesn’t just “add cost”—they help you spend smarter. From finding the right vendors to avoiding expensive mistakes, we make sure your money goes toward what actually matters.
Problem-solving (quietly). If something goes sideways? You’ll probably never even know. We’re already on it.
But My Venue Has a Coordinator—Isn’t That Enough?
Venue coordinators are amazing—but their job is to manage the venue. That means things like tables, timing, and policies. They’re not handling your vendor team, design details, or Auntie’s last-minute seating chart drama.
A wedding planner is your advocate. We’re there for you. Zooming out, seeing the big picture, and making sure everything—from the welcome dinner to last call—feels intentional and smooth.
So… Do You Really Need a Planner?
Here’s a gut check. If any of these sound like you, it might be time to bring someone in:
You’re working full-time and don’t want planning to become a second job
You’re blending cultures, religions, or families and want it to feel seamless
You care about aesthetics and logistics, and want the day to feel cohesive
You want to actually enjoy your engagement (instead of stressing the whole time)
Still not sure? That’s totally okay. I offer complimentary discovery calls and bite sized support (check out my Ask Me Anything Kit) so we can talk through what you’re envisioning and see what kind of support makes sense—no pressure, just real talk.
Final Thoughts: Why I Do This Work
Hiring a wedding planner isn’t just about avoiding stress. It’s about protecting your time, your energy, and your vision. It’s about making space to be present, to feel grounded, and to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime season.
Because by the time most couples realize they need a planner… they’re already exhausted. And you?
You deserve better than that.
Interested in learning more about how we can work together?
Reach out here or explore my wedding planning services.
