Please hire a wedding coordinator, Aunt Betty won’t do
Please hire a wedding coordinator, Aunt Betty won’t do
After officiating thousands of weddings over the years, I’ve seen just about everything. But every once in a while, something stands out so clearly that it’s worth talking about—and one of those situations is when couples choose to hire a friend or family member as their wedding planner.
Now, let me start by saying this: I completely understand the appeal. You trust them. You love them. They know you well. But when it comes to planning a wedding, that close relationship can sometimes create more problems than it solves.
Weddings Are Not Just Fancy Parties
It’s easy to think, “Aunt Betty did an amazing job planning my cousin’s baby shower—she can handle a wedding!” But here’s the truth: a wedding is a completely different level of complexity.
I once had a three-star general tell me it was easier to deploy troops overseas than it was to organize his daughter’s wedding. That should tell you everything you need to know.
A professional wedding planner isn’t just organizing decorations—they’re managing timelines, coordinating vendors, handling logistics, and solving problems in real time.
Experience and Industry Knowledge Matter
When choosing a wedding planner, you need someone who knows the industry inside and out.
Ask yourself:
- Have they toured multiple wedding venues and can guide you to the right one?
- Do they have a network of trusted vendors like photographers, DJs, makeup artists, and officiants?
- Are they familiar with current wedding trends, or are they stuck in a “1990s wedding” mindset?
A professional planner brings experience, connections, and insight that a well-meaning Aunt Betty simply may not have.
The Details You Might Not Think About
There are also behind-the-scenes responsibilities that many couples don’t consider:
- Contracts: Does your friend or family member know how to review vendor contracts and protect your best interests?
- Insurance: Most venues require liability insurance—does Aunt Betty have it?
- Logistics: Will they be on-site from the moment the first vendor arrives until the last one leaves?
These details are critical—and missing them can lead to unnecessary stress on your wedding day.
What Happens When Things Go Wrong?
Because something always goes wrong.
Maybe the cake arrives damaged. Maybe the timeline falls behind. Maybe a vendor is late. A professional wedding coordinator knows how to handle these situations quickly and calmly.
The best coordinators have been described as “a bulldog with lipstick”—polished and professional on the outside, but fiercely dedicated behind the scenes to making everything run smoothly.
Does Aunt Betty have a team to support her? Can she manage multiple issues at once? These are important questions.
Let Your Loved Ones Be Guests, Not Workers
At the end of the day, your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—not just for you, but for your loved ones too.
Instead of putting pressure on a friend or family member to perform under stress, let them enjoy the day alongside you. Let them laugh, celebrate, and be fully present.
Final Thought
Hiring a professional wedding planner isn’t just about convenience—it’s about peace of mind.
Do yourself a favor: bring in someone with experience, knowledge, and the ability to handle anything that comes their way.
And let Aunt Betty do what she does best—celebrate with you.
Rev. Glynn Ferguson
Owner, Sensational Ceremonies
info@sensatiionalceremonies.com