Elopement planning vs. planning assistance - everything you need to know
When it comes to planning an elopement, you may be wondering whether to hire an elopement planner or a vendor who offers planning assistance. But there is no real definition what that actually means, because everybody offers slightly different packages when it comes to their particular service.
It can range from giving planning advice to actually helping the couple book certain aspects of their elopement day. This usually goes on top of the actual service they are providing, for example in addition to taking pictures, an elopement photographer may also suggest potential locations and providing advice on timing and logistics. While they may not handle all the planning or the details of the day, they can still provide valuable assistance and guidance to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Ultimately an elopement vendor will primarily focus on their own craft and service. The couple still takes over most of the planning and coordination between the different vendors and is ultimately responsible for having the general overview over all vendors and details involved.
So what does an elopement planner do in comparison?
To bring it to the point: an elopement planner offers the ‘carefree package’. When opting for a planner couples do not have to take over any part of the wedding planning because everything will taken care of. Of course, this does not mean that the planner takes over all the decisions. The couple is still in charge of their wedding day, they just get a little help from someone who is experienced in planning elopements.
A planner always has the overview over your planning process and will guide you every step of the way so that nothing is forgotten or has to be dealt with last minute. Hiring an elopement planner will give you a stress-free planning process so you can focus on the nice things like cake tasting and dress shopping.
Elopement planners know the industry well and are connected with a variety of vendors and will always help you choose the best option for you. Having a good network is essential for a wedding planner and a crucial aspect of their work. A planner will also check the availability of the vendors for you and help you with the booking process.
A planner will also be at your side the whole elopement day and make sure that everything runs smoothly in the background. While the main focus of your photographer will always be capturing all the beautiful moments, a planner will take calls, assist the photographer in setting up the wedding details and ensure a stress-free elopement day for the couple and guests, so you can focus on staying present in every moment and enjoying the day to its fullest.
The planner will also be there in advance of your wedding day and make sure to check all the last minute changes like road blocks and will transport your elopement set-up. This means you save money because not every single vendor e.g. cake or flowers have to drive to your elopement location and set up everything individually.
Here is an overview of what an elopement planner does:
Elopement concept and vision
Budget overview
Location scouting and booking assistance
Vendor research and checking availability
Overview over the whole planning process
Making sure all contracts are reviewed and everything is paid on time so you do not lose your spot with the vendor
On-going communication with the vendors and location
On-site assistance (helping guests, communicating with vendors, last minute changes, etc.)
Transportation and set-up of the decorations, flowers, stationary, sweet table, private dinner, picnic and so on
If you feel comfortable in taking over these parts of the planning process yourselves and have enough time on your hands, then a vendor with planning assistance might be the right choice for you. If you want a stress-free planning process and someone by your side who handles all the little details of your elopement day, then you should opt for a planner. If it is important for you that everything goes according to plan and that you have a relaxed wedding day, a planner is the right choice for you.
Ultimately, the decision to hire an elopement planner or a vendor with planning assistance will depend on your budget, your level of comfort with planning, and your vision for the day. It's important to do your research, ask questions, and choose a professional who you feel comfortable working with and who can help bring your vision to life. Make sure that you understand the package that you are booking, because planning assistance varies greatly among the wedding industry.