Question for Event Planners and Wedding Coordinators only?

I agree with the other postings, and I also charge by package and not percentage.

Most of the planners that charge by percentage have deals with local vendors and get kick-backs from them to bring them clients. That means that when the couple hires that planner, they also have to use her vendors. That is how most of them know what the couple is spending. Not that there is anything wrong with that! That's just how a lot of them do it.

The brides in my area are very involved in the choosing of their own vendors. They want to feel comfortable with them and feel like they "get" them. Also, they have expressed to me that planners who work on a percentage basis make them uncomfortable, because they feel that the planner may try to get them to spend more so that their fee is more.

I just keep it simple with the packages instead.

My website is www.valerieweddings.com if you'd like to get some ideas of the packages themselves.

I myself want to be an event planner (or at least in the industry) because I love organizing events and making the phone calls/doing the research involved. But I am also thinking about hiring a wedding planner. I definitely wouldn't want to be a wedding planner. I couldn't deal with unreasonable brides. I want a wedding planner because the guest list keeps growing, my fiancé wants a big wedding, and it's a lot bigger of an event than I ever dreamed I'd be having for a wedding. I think a wedding planner to help me get a handle on everything that has to get done now that it's growing so big.

I agree with the poster above. I also do packages or at least plan too. It's the easiest way of charging someone. Unless you are working on a wedding from start (engagement) to finish there is no way of knowing exactly how much the couple spent on their wedding (unless they share the entire pricing details with you). I'm starting out too and started creating packages with prices. That way the couple pays for exactly what they need and you don't waste your time. Definitely check out some planners in your area to see how they structure their packages and what they are asking as far a pricing. My sister n' law also is a wedding planner and has several packages. Charges the couple a sort of deposit fee at contract signing. Then will charge them installment payments - 90 days before date -30 days etc. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

I have packages with flat rates and outline in each package what is included for that rate...if I do a percentage of the budget, I have a budget sheet that I track everything with to calculate the budget and percentage...I also do hourly rates of $40 and hour...I would look at planners around you and what they are charging and stay competative with them without shorting yourself

I agree, it is not fair that people lie to the wedding planner.