Wedding Planner???? To have, or NOT to have, THAT IS THE QUESTION

As you all are aware, I am a florist and have planned and executed weddings from all aspects. But, more times than not, a planner has been brought in on the wedding by girls who believe throwing away money because someone said to is a great idea. Not that I am apposed to all planners, but more times than not, they are horrible.

Something has gone terribly wrong in the world of wedding planning. The girls and women who are now showing up on the scene, lack manners, skill, and their ego's far surpass their abilities. I believe these girls are getting into the world of wedding planning because of a stupid movie that made it look glamorous. Well, there is NOTHING glamorous about planning the day for your bride. It is a lot of hard work, nerves of steel, and strategic planning for the unplanned! Being an asshole to other vendors does NOT make you look like you're smarter, it makes you look like a bitch that will surely make your name spread like wild fire because no one wants to work with you. There are 2 such planners on my list  to date.

Being in the floral business for years (over 30) means that more likely than not, I have been in this business longer than most wedding planners have been out of diapers, OR picked up the planning career after retiring from a NOT SO FUN JOB! I think it is wonderful if what you do for a living is also your fun time. Sure does make your work life a lot easier to deal with. But in that respect, you can't hand off your duties when it becomes not so fun, especially if you have been paid for a whole job.

Planners, HEAR ME. We of the wedding industry do not find your bad behavior cute, nor do we like being second guessed on what we know works. Talking down to any other vendor is NOT acceptable. We are there for the same reason you are, to make the bride and everything about that day shine! One more thing, taking credit for what the other vendors do, not cool either, especially if you are a "DAY OF" planner.

You may thinK that I am anti-wedding planner. I am not. I have met some seriously wonderful wedding planners. But, yes, they are few and far between. Believe me when I say, if any of your vendors wrinkle their noses at the name you throw out as your "PLANNER", or the price goes up because of where your wedding is and who is helping you, ask WHY! There is normally a very good reason. No vendor wants to turn away business, but sometimes, being compensated at a really high rate is the only way to go when it comes to working with unreasonable planners.

Want the name of great wedding planner in Charleston? Tannis Jackson! Trust me, she may not remember me, but I remember her, and she is everything you need in a planner! Take your vendors seriously, none of us want anything but for your event to be perfect. And sometimes that may mean switching planners or cutting them loose all together. Good luck, and happy wedding!