A typical wedding can take around 200 hours to organise if you’ve never done it before - and most people never have.  It’s amazing how time-consuming it can be to organize even the smallest details, let alone booking the venue, reception, transport and flowers.  A co-ordinator will know how to get things done efficiently, make sure nothing gets forgotten, choose reliable suppliers and save you some or all of the time spent organising so that you can enjoy your day instead of feeling frazzled. You may even find that they can get a preferential rate with suppliers which can offset their own charges.

And you don’t need to feel that they have taken over completely – many will be flexible enough to help you with just the bits you find most difficult, such as hiring and dressing marquees, choosing caterers or finding entertainment. Maybe you’d like inspiration for a really stylish, memorable event with imaginative and individual design, lighting and decorations.

Some planners will be great for a traditional feel whilst others will help achieve something fresh that will really express your taste and personality.  So speak to several before deciding who will suit you best, explain how you want the day to look and feel, tell them your budget to avoid misunderstandings and let them know which parts you would like them to do for you. Go with the planner who understands your needs best and then ask for a costed proposal (this may require a small deposit since it will require a significant amount of work). Don’t be afraid to discuss and change anything you are not sure about – after all it’s your wedding, not theirs! And once you have agreed to go ahead, let them know of any changes that may be needed.

That’s the recipe for a happy and successful partnership and a really memorable, stress-free day for both you and your guests.

Thank you to The Big Bash Company for assisting with this article.  E-mail Simon for further advice and information.