When we first talk with a potential couple, we are commonly asked the following question:

“So, why do I really need to hire a Wedding Planner?” 

and we LOVE answering that question! One of the first things we explain to our couple is about the great amount of details and logistics that go into their wedding day.

The thing is, weddings have become a lot more complicated over the years. Rather than booking venues that are considered “one-stop-shops”, more and more venues are opening that require the couple to coordinate their own vendors (including the catering!).Aside from the “work” side of things, Storybook was founded because we want you to enjoy your engagement. It is the longest part of your journey to the altar and we think that it should be celebrated just as much as the day of your wedding.

Wedding Planners are here to ease the stress of booking your vendors, negotiating your contracts and we make it FUN and memorable along the way! Plus, we get to introduce you to a lot of amazing experiences that you didn’t know existed on this journey!

Below we want to break down just a few (okay, a LOT) more benefits of why you need to consider hiring a wedding planner!

Experience and Vendor Relationships

Experience – This is probably the first time you have planned a wedding. We do it more than 15-20 times a year! Aside from the amount of weddings on our resume, we are also consistently planning a different style, vision, guest count or cultural inspired wedding. We have the expertise and the experience to turn your ideas into something tangible.

Vendor Relationships – We have had the pleasure of working with Chicago’s most reputable vendors of all prices, styles, and capabilities. We also have done the research, built the relationships and seen their work in person. We use our knowledge and our relationships to point you in the right direction which will save you time! Another benefit of our vendor relationships is reduced pricing that we get to extend to you!

We Handle the Work…and There is a Ton of It!

Time Saving – 40% of engaged couples spend between 10-15 hours a week planning their wedding (based on a study by Wedding Paper Divas). This is a lot of time, friends! So much time that we have been able to make a career out of it! We take over the research, the compiling of information, the word docs and excel spreadsheets so that you can get back to sharing your exciting plans with family and friends. No need for you to be signing up for another job during your engagement.

Budgeting – Oh the dreaded budget. Did you know that most couples’ begin planning their wedding before they know what they wish to spend? Did you also know that most of those couples end up spending more than half of their budget on booking their venue alone? To try and avoid this problem, we take on the role of providing you with detailed budget help because we know that one of the biggest problems of wedding planning is running through your funds before you are done booking all of your vendors.  We will be there from the start to categorize your money based on the importance of the vendors that you want most. We provide you with updates on your spending to make sure that we are all on track and offer suggestions and spot hidden charges before you sign any of those contracts.

Vendor Comparisons – There are countless florists, décor companies, and caterers for you to choose from but they all provide something a little different. Once we understand your vision and budget we get moving on providing you with options on your dream venues, catering menus, etc. that stick within your budget and ones that we can guarantee are “tried and true”! You and your families are still the decision makers but we take the stress out of the shopping.

Contract Help – Contract negotiation and understanding the small print is another area that we can help you with. We have been in the business long enough to provide you with feedback and guidance when pesky contract questions arise.

Payment Scheduling – During your wedding planning period, we will hire the venue, the caterer, the florist, the stationary company, the transportation, the list goes on! Many payments are made during this time and sometimes it can be hard to keep track of. Planners will take those reminders into their own hands to take that stress off of your shoulders

Avoid Wedding Day Stress

Emergencies- On the day of your wedding you should wake up feeling excited and ready to marry the love of your life!! When you hire a planner there is no need to worry about your reception set up, final payments and tips to vendors, your timeline or any other little details that may put the hiccup into your wedding day.

We have heard and experienced some nightmare stories where the DJ gets sick, the linens are delivered in the wrong color, the dance floor shows up looking like bathroom flooring or the photographer claims that the final payment was never made. We solve the crisis before you even knew it happened! Honestly, we want to take care of these uncontrollable situations. This is YOUR DAY!

Allow your family and friends enjoy your party and not work it! – Just like you, your parents and friends would love to enjoy the party that you have just spent the last year planning. Take the responsibility off of their hands and let them enjoy the cocktails and conversation. We will make sure your details are in order and we will keep OUR eyes on the clock.

Let us do the clean up- We do not want to see you picking up your frames, pictures, and personal decor at the end of the night. Enjoy the rest of your evening and let us do the clean up. Go enjoy that party bus!

Live in The Moment

At the end of the day, we want you to remember one thing. This entire moment is about you and your fiance. The one that you want to spend the rest of your life with. Don’t let your engagement or your wedding day go by in the blink of an eye. Sit back, relax and enjoy this new chapter in your lives.

Still have questions? Let us answer them for you. Contact us via the form below to download our services and pricing guide and set up a complimentary consultation. We can’t wait to hear your story and help you prepare for the next chapters in your life.

With love,

Storybook Weddings & Events