Are you considering hiring a planner for your DC area wedding but are still on the fence? We know it can be a big investment! And when you have so many vendors to hire, it can be difficult to justify another expense. If you’ve read United with Love in the past, you know how important we think wedding planners can be! Not only do they help guide your through a process you’ve probably never been through before but they do so much more. They can lower your stress levels, offer guidance, handle vendors and even save you time and money. And trust us, as wedding planners ourselves, that is not all we do. Don’t believe us? Take it from some of the best DC area wedding planners! Keep reading for their advice on why you should hire a planner.

And if you’re looking for more info on planners, check out our Wedding Planners vs Coordinators vs DIY post to see which is the best fit for you!

Kurstin Roe Photography

In your opinion, what is the most valuable aspect of hiring a wedding planner or coordinator? Why should brides and grooms spend the money?

My clients appreciate two key aspects of working with me: first, saving time during the planning phase, because I’ve planned weddings in DC for 17 years and I have a wide network of contacts. They don’t get lost in analysis paralysis. Second, my clients regularly tell me that they have very little stress, not only during the planning, but also on the wedding day, because they know I have their back. They can turn almost any challenge over to me and I’ll tackle it on their behalf. – Janice, Bellwether Events

Michelle Lindsay Photography via Tented Virginia Home Wedding

Peace of mind. This is one of the biggest days of your life, why should you leave it to chance? Many clients feel like they have planning experience, but they have never planned a wedding and weddings are a special beast altogether. The planner can help you build a vendor team that fits your budget and vision — far better than any team you could assemble via google searches. They are experts at what they do and can help make the process more efficient, less stressful, as well as be there to troubleshoot issues when they inevitably arise. Flowers are beautiful, but they wilt the next day. A band may sound incredible, but it is only for a few hours. A planner invests his or her time in you and advocates for you for months and months and also makes sure you and your family and friends don’t have to lift a finger on the day of the event. Isn’t that worth the investment? – Teresa, Rex & Regina Events

Love Life Images via Intimate Dumbarton House Wedding

A seasoned planner with years of experience has likely seen whatever plans you dreamed up for your big day in real life, and can better help you either bring them to fruition or navigate any issues that might come up and avoid them. Being versed in everything from people management to event execution will make sure that you have support for wedding problems that might be tricky and your “friends and family” don’t have the answers to. – Tabitha, Roberts & Co Events

Elizabeth Fogarty Photography via Chic Ballroom Wedding

Avoiding potential mistakes or missteps. During the planning phase, we can help avoid costly mistakes and avoid making a decision that would result in an uncomfortable situation for your guests experience. – Vicky, Event Accomplished

Jessica Latos Photography via Charming Woodend Sanctuary Wedding

The most valuable aspect for most couples is that typically when a client hires a wedding planner before they hire vendors, planners save them at least the amount of money they spent on the planner themselves by pointing them in the right direction. Hiring the wrong venue or the wrong vendor can set couples back by hundreds or thousands of dollars in each category. Planners help create realistic budgets that show you were you should be spending your money based on a budget designed around typical weddings in the DC area (not what some online budget calculator has with no logistical parameters built in). – Katie, Elegance and Simplicity

 Emily Clack Photography via Kate Spade Inspired DAR Wedding

In terms of wedding planning, a good wedding planner can streamline the process and save the couple so much time and money. And if a couple is decided to plan the wedding without a planner, I would still recommend a coordinator. At the end of the day, a coordinator will take over the event management and that allows the couple to enjoy their day. Which in my opinion, is truly priceless. – Margo,  Bright Occasions

As you can see, hiring a wedding planner can truly help the whole wedding process stress free and smooth. Stay tuned for monthly installments of more planning tips, tricks, and past experiences from our amazing United with Love wedding vendor family! Happy planning everyone!

For more wedding vendors, please visit our Washington DC area wedding vendor guide. For additional local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries. Especially relevant would be our Washington DC area real weddings.