Top Ten Must Haves in a Planner

Hiring a professional

    We've rounded up the top 10 MUST haves in a planner,
according to our awesome clients and top ten checklists everywhere.

What you should expect from your planner

1. Prompt responses TOP the list. When calls and emails are returned in a timely manner it alleviates a lot of anxiety.
   
2. Experience. Does she KNOW the venue and expectations of the vendors? THIS is vital. What is okay...what is not.
   
3. Location, Location, Location. What if you planned it all in our head, based on that white strip of beach where you met, only to find out right before the wedding you cant put up a structure because it's not permitted?...What's the alternative?
   
4. The Budget...dun dun dun....perhaps this should be number one? Realistically we care what "it" costs.  So having someone who knows your limit and is prepared to get what you want, within those limits, is not just a want but a NEED.
5. Vision. Is it your vision...or theirs? Who cares if it's NOT fashionable. Is it what YOU want?
   
6. Compassionate. This did not make the list but it was noted in nearly every response...so we decided it should be on OUR list..."she was like part of the family, or we became my friends". Having someone to lean on and even vent to (in a good way), can keep the stack from blowing.
7. Focus. Sometimes the sought after, busy ones don't have quality time for you.
8. A List Keeper. You want to be able to call your planner to see if you paid for this or that, so make sure you got all the candles or even if the permit arrived. How well organized is your planner?
9. Driven. I know, I know...why else would she be a planner, right? What this means is how passionate is she about what she does? Is this just a Jay Oh Bee?
10. A Listener.  Sure they all hear what you said and even took notes. someone who listens will notice the subtleties or nuances.