What does a wedding planner actually do?

I'm curious about everything a wedding planner handles. Do they just work on decorations and venues, or are there other tasks involved? I'm thinking about careers and this seems interesting but I want to know what it's really about.

A wedding planner takes on a variety of tasks to ensure that a couple's wedding goes smoothly. As with many occupations, the roles and responsibilities can vary significantly depending on the specific situation, but here are a few common tasks that most wedding planners handle.

1. Event Planning and Coordination: This is perhaps the wedding planner's main responsibility. They will work closely with the couple to understand their vision for the day, and plan all aspects of the wedding accordingly. This might involve sourcing and booking a venue, arranging for decorations, planning the ceremony and reception timelines, and coordinating with vendors like florists, caterers, and photographers.

2. Budget Management: A big part of a wedding planner's job is to help manage the wedding budget. They will work with the couple to understand their financial constraints, and will then work to ensure all aspects of the wedding stay within this budget. This often involves negotiating contracts and prices with vendors.

3. Vendor Management: From florists and caterers to photographers and videographers, there are usually quite a few vendors involved in a wedding, and the wedding planner is typically responsible for coordinating all of them. This might include researching and selecting vendors, coordinating their involvement in the wedding, and managing their contracts and payments.

4. Problem Solving: No matter how well a wedding is planned, unexpected issues inevitably come up. A key part of a wedding planner's job is troubleshooting these issues, which could range from a last-minute vendor cancellation to a problem with the wedding dress.

5. Advising and Counselling: Many wedding planners also provide guidance to the couple throughout the planning process. This could involve providing advice on etiquette or tradition, helping resolve disputes between family members or the couple themselves, and providing emotional support during what can be a stressful time.

6. Day-Of Coordination: On the actual day of the wedding, the planner is typically on-site to oversee all aspects of the event. This might involve coordinating vendor arrivals and set-ups, managing the wedding timeline, and addressing any last-minute issues that come up.

So, while venues and decorations are certainly part of a wedding planner's role, the job spans far beyond that, encompassing everything from budget management to vendor coordination to day-of oversight. It's a demanding and multifaceted role that requires a wide range of skills, but can also be incredibly rewarding for those who love seeing all the pieces come together to create a memorable event.