You’d think hiring a wedding planner would increase your Big Day costs, wouldn’t you? Not always. The right, experienced professional can save more than it costs to hire him or her. Such was the case with Elaine Atencio and Albert Nam, who estimate they saved thousands with their pro planner, Wendy Lee of Weddings by Wendy in Toronto. “She kept us on budget and looked for places to help us save,” says the couple. “She’s about smart spending. And she definitely saved us time and anxiety.”
Certified by the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada, Lee has been in the business for more than 10 years. “Experienced wedding planners have built up a network of trustworthy suppliers and the industry knowledge that allows them to see easily where clients should spend and where they should save. Couples should be able to present their budget and receive advice on vendors who fit their style and resources,” she says. “And honestly, I just love a good deal. Why spend a lot of money when a little legwork and effort can cut costs? A better price just makes everything that much sweeter.”
As well as hunting down deals at every turn, Lee also passes savings onto her clients via preferred rates she’s negotiated with her most trusted photographers, florists, jewellers, makeup artists and venues. Because she’s saving them the trouble of searching out business, her suppliers are happy to offer services to Lee’s clients at a discount. “Referrals from a wedding planner streamlines the process,” says Trina Turl, a photographer from The Art of Weddings.
Nicole North, owner of Petals, Stems & Leaves in Richmond Hill, actually doesn’t discount. But working with Weddings by Wendy simplifies the process for her as much as it saves money for Lee’s clients. “Wendy is unique,” she says. “Wendy understands flowers and building arrangements so well that she knows exactly where to she can make adjustments without compromising the impact of the final product. I don’t have to explain complicated floral-design concepts or undermine my own high standards.”
For Lee her career is about helping people create the dream day they’ve always wanted. “It’s not about what vendors I want to work with or what decor I want to see. The clients make the decisions. What they want is my focus,” she says. “I’m here to help with advice, research, and know-how, to save time and maximize all resources, but it’s the clients’ day, built to their wishes and personality.”
For spend/save tips and how Elaine and Albert saved, see Budget-Friendly Planning in this weekend’s edition of Metro. Because saving on the day of your wedding dreams, of all days, is a thing of beauty.
Image of Wendy Lee courtesy of Weddings by Wendy, www.bridal.net. Photography, Alexis Jardin.
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
So true, especially most wedding planners have connections and they work around your budget :)
Exactly! Sheesh. I need a life planner.
Come to think of it, I do too! :D
I wonder how Daniel Craig and/or Clive Owen would fare as my life planners? Perhaps I should have them audition? I’d go halfsies with you — swap every couple of months?
Did you do the makeup for Wen, J? It looks great. She should wear that look more often. I didn’t hire a wedding planner for our wedding. Although, I probably could have saved more $$ and saved myself some of the stress, if I had. I planned everything myself and had a friend coordinate things on the wedding day. It was the control factor and the satisfaction of saying I pulled it all together myself with little help. I wanted to be sure that the wedding reflected every bit of my personality and taste. Having friends in the wedding cake, dress-making and vintage car rental business has helped me save $3,500+, as they offered the “friend price.” I probably saved an additional few thousand more, as my brother and a few other friends are musicians. We of course, tipped them with “Chinese red pocket money” for the favour. Would I do it all over again or offer my wedding planning help to a friend in need? — ummm…NO!!! I would suggest they hire a professional.
I did, thanks. I just can’t believe it’s taken me this long to dig deeper into what she does and how respected she is in the industry for her honesty, integrity and talents. I always thought hiring a planner would be an added expense, but Wen hunts down the best deals you’d never expect, in every area from dress to jewelry to wedding favours to invitations… she amazes me with her unrelenting mission to make sure everyone is looked after.
Holy geez, that’s a lot of stuff you dealt with! I totally understand the wanting to be able to say you did it yourself. I have the same need for certain things (like running this blog all by myself while working the freelance circuit), but I know for sure I’ll be getting a certain pro’s help if I ever get hitched! For something with that many details I could love, I’d need an editor or it would take me forever. It’s already taking ages to step a toe outside of singledom! (Good thing I rather like my life :-)
Any tips about being in a bridal party and getting out alive? heehee!
Know what? I’ve not been in many bridal parties! Just two, I think, ever! Good luck with that… *grin*
Wedding planners are professionals & have the resources to help tremendously. Although I’m not getting married anytime soon, I’ll definitely look up a planner when the time comes.
They’re rather like interior designers, aren’t they? They help you put your own stamp on a space — or day — as efficiently and suited to your budget as possible! Yeah, I’m with you!
I’ve been a bridesmaid 4 times before becoming the bride. So I understand both worlds. Yes, Janine — it’s never too late…your life partner (Clive O?) is out there somewhere, you just need to find each other! Before agreeing to being a bridesmaid, determine what the bride’s expectations are first. If you don’t think you can handle it nor have the time or patience to help on assigned tasks, then better to kindly decline than be eaten alive. I’ve heard a few horror stories from friends (brides and bridesmaids) who had to “fire” bridesmaids from their “post” because it was taxing on the friendship. You must also be the type of gal that can take a few emotional beatings from the bride. Although it’s an exciting time for everyone, it can also be very stressful…you’ve probably heard of the term “bridezilla.” Not every bride becomes one, but just be prepared for the possibility. Like any relationship, open communication is key. I was the type of bride who did almost everything herself, therefore my bridesmaids only had to go for their fittings and assist me on the day of the wedding. I wanted them to enjoy the process and the day of the wedding by setting low expectations. Plus, they were all mothers with young children…
Wow, thanks Wynne! Actually, I thought I’d make things easier by splitting the life partner duties between Clive-O and Daniel-C. Neither gets too much responsibility to handle, and I have double the fun…
I love this piece! I have to say, Wendy, with all of her experience, also thinks of things you, as a bride, haven’t even thought about. That’s what makes her great. She’s got compassion and a commitment to make your day as beautiful as ever.
Very informative, Janine! Brides to be should take note! I will link to this post :)
Ali
Thanks, Miz Ali! I learned a bunch writing it!
And thanks for your comment, Michelle! True about Wendy’s nature. She’s rare. I love that she can actually MEDIATE tricky family conflicts that sometimes arise in wedding-planning times! Her social-work background, I think. And that she clearly states that the company doesn’t accept kickbacks (it’s in her contracts). She’s cool.
Hi
I’m not getting married, but I read the article with interest and thought that it would be very useful for someone who was. Especially for people who are getting married for the first time, and don’t know what to expect when it comes to planning a wedding.
Rosey
Thanks for reading, Rosey. I know I’ve tucked the info away for my own future use. Hope I get to use the info before I’m 94, mind you… sheesh! :-)
Very informative, easy to read and to the point. Great article! All brides should read and consider!
Thank you! I’m still a little gobsmacked at how much sense — and cents — hiring a good, experienced planner makes. (One of the things I like about writing: I learn stuff!)
Trina from the Art of Weddings was a great photographer. She was pleasant and professional and we loved her pictures. We highly reccomend her. She is super nice.