As of late I have had a few couples who realized with their busy work schedules that they just didn't have the time and confidence to plan their weddings by themselves. It can be very challenging, especially if you don't live in the city you have chosen for your ceremony and very often even in your own city - especially New Orleans! 

I won't lie, I'm not a fan of most wedding planners due to their style.

Whether its because they are quite available until they receive the check or they try to direct the photographs. My clients have run into both. There are those who are provided as day of wedding coordinators from the venue and others that you hire directly to either plan the entire event or just coordinate the day so you don't have to worry.

This post is not going to be a slamfest towards planners just some help choosing the best one for your needs.

1. I think the very most important attribute of a great planner is that they are first a great listener.

They focus on what YOU want, not what they THINK you want. Make sure you connect on that level first.

2. Looking at sample weddings from planners is a good way to get a fair feel as to their style and the type of weddings they like to plan.

If you are an non-traditional couple, don't choose a planner who only posts very traditional style weddings.

You won't connect. 

3. If you have some ideas of venues, details and menus but your planner nixes most of them then I would politely ask why and with the answer know whether they are working for you or themselves.

Many in the wedding industry work together and do so very well but if your ideas are mostly replaced with vendors they recommend be sure its because it's a better choice and not just their buddy. Buddies are awesome because they work together well but again these might not be the best combinations for your gig. 

4. Budget.

That's a biggie. Be up front about it. And whatever your budget is assume you will go over, so quote about 20% less than what you consider your max. Don't be sucked into stuff you don't need that adds big costs.

I recently had a client, planning her daughter's wedding, dumbfounded by the cost of stringing some lights across a patio. A good wedding planner will know where the deals are and is now your best friend, right?! 

5. One of the most important in my eyes is how they 'direct' the wedding.

My clients tend towards a less contrived event so their planners have to be flexible. Because I shoot in a photojournalistic style, lots of posed photo ops aren't my style nor the desire of my couples. They want the unscripted moments. They trust me to know them well enough to choose environments and times that fit their desires.

A great planner understands this and is willing to communicate and work with the photographer on timelines so that we both can provide a stress-free wedding experience.

Nothing makes me crazier (and I suspect most other photographers as well) than a planner who tells me where, when and how to shoot.

I have actually had coordinators tell me how I should light a portrait because their fave photographer does it that way. Seriously??? While maybe helpful to a photographer very early in their career, not something most of us want to deal with or hear. 

Cont'd below...

Your wedding is basically an orchestration of little events that occur in a very short time, that when well planned can go smooth as glass. But don't think the unexpected doesn't happen well beyond your planner's control.

It is how they handle it that separates the good from the great.

Recently I had a client, whose wedding is this month, sigh in frustration because the planner was all over it until the final check arrived then boom, vanished, no return calls for over a week, no answers to basic questions. When a client tells me I respond faster than their planner, then well, they might not be the best choice for that client. 

Okay now for the awesome, goodness that is a great wedding planner.

• They know both the mainstream and all the cool places that are off the beaten track.
• They have connections you can't even imagine to make your special requests happen.
• They know what you do and don't need for your wedding.
• It is personalized, not cookie-cutter.
• And most important they really do care. They love weddings, the challenges, the party, the couple, everything associated with it. And it shows in their enthusiasm. 

My last bit of wedding planner advice? Relax, have fun and don't sweat the tiny details, most often they are not important. What's important is that you married your best friend and compadre in life surrounded by great friends, family, food and entertainment. 

Degas House Cake Cutting orchestrated by their wonderful in-house coordinators.

If you are looking into hiring a very professional and possibly the best planner in the city give Gerald Joyce a call. 

2015 is rapidly booking up so don't wait to call me for your wedding photography needs. 504-920-8703