Brides' Frequently Asked Wedding Questions -- Answered

Why do I need a wedding planner/coordinator?

It's your wedding, don't you deserve ... 

More Time - There are a million details and seemingly endless hours (200+) that go into planning an unforgettable wedding.  And, without Amy VanMeter Events’ expert advice and research it can become a full-time job all its own.

Less Stress - Your wedding day should be joyous and relaxing and it will be when you have Amy VanMeter Events and our detailed itinerary for the wedding week, bringing all of the details together to ensure a smooth, accurate and timely event.

Expertise - Amy VanMeter Events has 11 years of experience in the wedding industry.  In addition, we are active members of several professional organizations, including:  the Association of Bridal Consultants,  Shenandoah Wedding Professionals and the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber so that we can stay abreast of the latest trends, products and services available.

Resources - Amy VanMeter Events has an extensive vendor resources covering a broad spectrum of products, services and price ranges.  Additionally, our membership in networking groups provides an endless source for vendors. So, no matter how unique your taste we’re bound to find the products and services that meet your needs.  We only refer professional and reputable vendors.  We never accept or give referral fees.  We prefer to pass on any vendor discounts to our clients.    

A Personal Touch - Personalized service is how we at Amy VanMeter Events approach every wedding and client. Whether your needs require full-service planning, "day of" coordination or something in between, you’ll receive prompt and professional service.  We never forget that it's your wedding and no two weddings should be the same. We'll help you add those special touches that reflect you as a couple and make your day unforgettable for both you and your guests.

How much does a wedding planner or coordinator cost?

The average cost of a wedding in the United States today is $26,000 and takes more than 200 hours to plan.  The percentage of your total budget that should be allocated for a wedding planner ranges from 10-15%.  A "day of" wedding coordinator ranges from 5-10%. 

The spectrum of price ranges for wedding planners varies wildly due to several factors.  One factor affecting pricing is how much assistance the planner is providing.  Another factor effecting your cost is how you are charged.  The type of fee structure that is best for you is an individual choice depending on your needs and budget.

Types of Fee Structures:

• Hourly

• Flat fee

• Percentage of the wedding budget

• Guest count based

• Combination of above

When deciding how much of your budget to allocate to a wedding planner, consider what a planner's job is worth to you.  A professional wedding planner is your researcher, adviser, coordinator, supervisor, financial planner and mediator.  Their job is to assist you in planning the wedding of your dreams, within your budget, while saving you time and relieving you of the stress.  They are the ones with the training, expertise and resources to make your wedding as close to perfect as possible.  A wedding planner is a part of your budget not an extra.  A professional wedding planner can make up for their cost by saving you time, money and stress.

One very important factor to keep in mind when choosing a wedding planner is professional affiliation.  When interviewing planners find out if they are accredited through or members of any professional organizations.  The Association of Bridal Consultants is the only international organization dedicated exclusively to serving wedding professionals -- and brides -- worldwide since 1955.  All ABC members agree to uphold a code of ethics and standards of membership.  Members must also complete continuing education requirements to renew each year. 

Amy VanMeter has been a proud member of the ABC since 1998.  Amy VanMeter Events does not believe in accepting referral fees or incentives for referring clients to specific vendors.  Referrals should be based on client needs and budget.  Amy VanMeter Events does not believe in charging based on the size of your budget or guest list.  We believe clients should be charged based on the amount of service we provide.  So, we charge hourly or a flat rate based on set number of hours.

How do I create a wedding budget?

The most important detail to remember when creating your budget is to be realistic.  It takes research, expertise and the ability to prioritize to set a working budget.  A working budget is not set in stone.  The bottom line should not deviate but the allocations within the budget can shift throughout the planning process.  The bottom line of your budget is affected by numerous factors including:

• Guest List

• Size of Bridal Party

• Formality of wedding (time of day)

• Time of year

• Day of week

• Area of town (Downtown, Suburbs, Mountains, etc.)

• Site Selection (church, club, hotel, etc.)

• Inside or Outside location (temps, weather, logistics, etc.)

• Target clientele of vendor (price point)

Prioritizing is the process of deciding which elements of your wedding are most and least important to you.  Once this process is complete the research begins.  You must then find out what the average price is for each product and service you want.  After you have the costs you can use your prioritized list to allocate funds.  If you've set a realistic budget, you should then be able to shift funds around without affecting your bottom line. 

If you don't have the time, expertise or interest in taking on these tasks, leave it to a professional.  One of the main roles of a wedding planner is to act as your "financial advisor."  They have the expertise to handle the creation and maintenance of your budget and the foresight to keep you within it.

Why do I need a wedding coordinator if the facility has an event/catering manager?

The event or catering manager represents the event facility.  They have a very important job -- managing the facility staff and services for each event.

That job generally does Not include:

• Preparing a timeline for ALL vendors

• Assisting the bridal party with attire, flowers, photos, etc.

• Coordinating the photographer, musicians and bridal party for introductions, dances, toasts, etc.

• Handling issues with other vendors

A wedding coordinator is the professional who represents the bridal couple and manages, on their behalf, all of the rehearsal, wedding and reception details to ensure an accurate & timely event -- allowing the bride to relax and enjoy her day.

As your Full-Service Coordinator, we will:

• Contact All vendors before the event to confirm arrangements

• Prepare a detailed wedding week itinerary for ALL vendors

• Coordinate the Rehearsal, Wedding & Reception

• Assist the bridal party with attire, corsages, boutonnieres, etc. 

• Coordinate with the facility, photographer, videographer, DJ/musicians, etc. regarding timing of reception activities

• Gather your gifts and personal items after the event is over

• Handle any situation that may arise

How to plan a dream wedding on a budget?

Every bride dreams of a fairytale wedding.  But when your dreams are restricted by a tight budget, it takes more creativity, knowledge & resources to fulfill them.  In this case, a wedding planner is even more essential to maintain your budget and provide creative and lower cost ideas.

Some things to consider to lower expenses are:

• A wedding planner may have knowledge of and access to discounted products and services unavailable to the public.

• Prioritize your expenses

• Limit your guest list and bridal party -- you can have a bigger wedding for fewer guests

• Have an off-season wedding

• Have your wedding on a day other than Saturday

• Consider a morning or afternoon wedding

• When considering music, in general, the fewer musicians the greater the savings

• Beautiful decor doesn't need to be elaborate, keep it simple

• Small details are what make a wedding truly beautiful -- personalized DIY elements can save money on decor, favors, etc.

We can assist you with these and many more ideas in creating your dream wedding on a budget!