We’ve heard all sorts of reasons why couples choose not to hire a wedding planner. From “my Aunt loves DIY projects” to, “I’ve got my Pinterest board” we’ve heard hundreds of reasons why couples don’t book a wedding planner. But, did you know that hiring a wedding planner is a TRUE game changer. Ask any of our brides or grooms and they will tell you the impact our team has made on their planning process and wedding day. A wedding planner is there to help you as little as you need, to as much as you need. We are in it for our couples and our couples only! So, let’s settle this once and for all - here is why you NEED to hire a wedding planner. 

#01: From big to small, we do it ALL

We’re not exaggerating. We literally do it all. From small requests, details, or projects to large coordinations of events we do it all. We’ve planned and coordinated elopements for just the bride and groom to a wedding ceremony and reception at max capacity – and we’re talking about 500 guests! Wedding planners are not afraid of the unknown. From meeting and booking vendors, to helping with design or color palettes, wedding planners truly make your Pinterest boards come to life. 

#02: You’ve got a question, we will find the answer!

We keep our communication strong with our clients. Yes, of course we set healthy boundaries – we won’t be taking non-stop calls at 2AM, but communicate with our brides and grooms on a regular basis to ensure that all details are progressing up until the wedding day. A lot of our clients need support with finding vendors or learning more about the wedding planning process. Wedding planners have an extensive knowledge of the wedding industry and have a network of wedding professionals to lean on. At Elegant Affairs, we’ve worked with vendors for over a decade. We’re familiar with costs, understand what vendors offer and can help keep that line of communication open with them. 

#03: Keeping your budget REAL

Oh, the dreaded budget! With a wedding planner, staying on budget is actually easier than you think! Many couples think that hiring a wedding planner will burst the budget, but in fact – we help you stay on track! During our consultations, we meet with couples and explore what their budget is. We will be 100% real and upfront with you about your wedding vision and its alignment to the budget. We will support you by keeping you on budget, hiring vendors that suit your needs, and make sure that payments are handled on time. There’s no hidden agenda and we work to make sure that you are comfortable and knowledgeable about what you are sitting. We even offer budget creation! 

#04: Keeping your wedding day smooth sailing

Wedding planners are usually never alone. We have a team of assistants and interns that make each and every wedding happen. Our team is carefully selected and trained to ensure that each and every wedding is a success. Wedding planners facilitate your day from start to finish. The list of things that we actually do at weddings is so extensive.. In our time we’ve: 

• Sewn a bride in her dress 

• Carried 200 chairs from a ceremony space to the reception 

• Put flowers in the cake

• Made bouquets 

• Filled in as DJ

• Created chalkboards and custom artwork 

• Set up tablescapes and escort cards

• Carried umbrellas for our couples as it poured

• Ensured guests were well fed and happy 

• Took and developed 500 photos for a bride and groom’s parting gift 

• Burnt our fingers on way too many sparklers 

… and we could keep going. There are so many things that we do in the background of each wedding. We are there to make sure the wedding is smooth, but also to support the couple. Our focus is you and making sure that your wedding day is better than you could have ever imagined. 

#05: You’ve got a friend in US

Cue the Toy Story song.. At the end of the day you’ve got a friend in us. We have stayed in this business for our couples. Yes, we love event planning, the florals, and of course a bite of cake, but we love seeing our couples walk down the aisle and start their new adventure together. We’ve cried with our couples (happy and sad), walked with them through some dark times, cheered with them in the bright times, seen them expand their families, and grow. Hiring a wedding planner is more than hiring someone for just a period of time. You lean on this person during one of the biggest and most important times in your life. We become a part of each other's lives and truly become someone special to one another. 

So, we can truly say if you’re hesitating, or wondering if the money is worth it– we’re here to tell you it is. Wedding planners are more than just a business. We are a group of professionals that make an impact on one of the most pivotal moments in your life. We are there to help you with planning, hiring, budgeting, easy and tough decisions. We are there for everything in between, too. It’s never too late in the wedding planning process to sit down and chat with a wedding planner. And if you haven’t we highly recommend that you do. You never know what unexpected events or details might happen and honestly - it’s great to know that a friend has your back. If you think you’re ready to take the plunge and hire someone great – we know a few people – AHEM. Our team at Elegant Affairs can’t wait to meet you and support you on your wedding day. 

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.