What are the benefits of having a Wedding Planner?
So, you’ve decided to start planning your wedding and you’re not sure if you really need a wedding planner or not? I’ve had a great chat with my friend Hayley from Hayley Jayne Weddings and Events and hopefully we can help you make that decision!
Hayley is a super talented wedding planner and has all the insight you could possibly wish for when it comes to planning your wedding. I’ve asked her lots of questions to show the benefits of having a wedding planner, the services she can offer and what to expect when working with her.
Check out Hayley’s website here for more information and feel free to get in touch with her if you have any questions of your own or would like to inquire about her availability for your wedding.
How important would you say it is to have a wedding planner?
Well, I would say it's very important, but then I am obsessed with things running smoothly. I guess if you are finding the whole wedding planning process stressful and unenjoyable. Or, you are struggling to find suppliers that you would like to work with, then you would definitely benefit from working with a wedding planner . Another huge benefit that couples have when working with a wedding planner is on the big day itself. It's always a welcomed relief for couples to be able to relax and enjoy their wedding day rather than worrying about the days logistics.
What Wedding Planning services do you offer?
I offer a variety of wedding planning services which allows me to provide assistance to couples who are at varying stages of planning their wedding. My signature planning service is Full Planning. However, I also offer Partial Planning, On the Day Co-Ordination and Management as well as the Planning Platform, (which couples use when they require assistance with a particular element of planning their wedding, such as sourcing a supplier or budget assistance).
Anne of Cleves Barn at a wedding co-ordinated by Hayley Jayne Weddings and Events
What is your approach to Wedding Planning?
I always provide a professional, calm and responsive wedding planning service to my couples, whilst never forgetting it is their special day.
What experience do you have in wedding planning?
I fell in love with weddings when I planned my own wedding almost 12 years ago. I loved how I was able to use my organisation skills alongside my creative flair. Following my own wedding, I retrained with the UKAWP to become a professional wedding and events planner. Shortly after, I began work shadowing fellow wedding planners as well as carrying out various work experience positions at wedding venues in Essex. I then went on to launch Hayley Jayne Wedding & Events and have loved working with engaged couples ever since.
Rachel and Charlie having the time of their lives at a wedding planned by Hayley Jayne Weddings and Events
Do you have a particular style of wedding that you love to plan?
I adore relaxed, elegant and timeless weddings and also have a particular passion for marquee weddings.
What parts, if any, of the wedding process are the couple solely responsible for planning?
Couples tend to have varying requirements; however, I generally do not assist with Honeymoon arrangements and wedding rings. It is also the couple’s sole responsibility to arrange all civil and religious requirements for their wedding ceremony.
Outdoor wedding ceremony set up by Hayley Jayne Weddings and Events at Old Brook Barn
How many times do you typically meet couples during the wedding planning process?
This will depend on the planning service that my couple have selected. If, for example, they have chosen my Full Planning Service, then I will always meet with them when we begin working together, which is normally our initial consultation. I would then carry out accompanied visits to their venue shortlist, as well as attending catering tastings with them and supplier meetings such as consultations with their florist & photographer. In addition to this we also have regular calls and a final planning meeting.
What sets you and your services apart from other wedding planners?
I really hope that my passion for planning and love of weddings sets me apart from other planners. I honestly adore my job and feel incredibly privileged each and every time a couple choose me to plan their wedding with them. I am also incredibly proud of the selection of wedding planning services I offer. I absolutely understand that each couple have unique requirements and therefore require assistance at different stages of planning their wedding.
Personalised confetti cones
If a wedding is planned to be outside, will you put a contingency plan in place in case of bad weather?
Absolutely, there has to be a contingency plan in place. If my couples are planning to host any element of their wedding outside, I will always check with a venue as to what plans they have in case of bad weather on a wedding day. For couples who are planning a marquee wedding; we would discuss options such as connecting the washrooms to the main marquee with a connector tent and supplying umbrellas to guests as they walk from their car to the marquee, (to name a few).
Do you work with a team?
Yes, if I require assistance then I have a trusted network of experienced assistant planners to assist with the co-ordination of events.
Wedding breakfast table set up by Hayley Jayne Weddings and Events
How does pricing work when it comes to wedding planning services?
Couples will be required to invest between 10%-15% of their wedding budget for my full plan service. My other services are priced depending on each couple’s requirements. So for partial planning it would depend how far along a couple are on their wedding planning journey and for on the day co-ordination and management I consider factors such as how many suppliers I will be co-ordinating, how many guests are attending and whether their ceremony and reception are being held within the same venue. All of my wedding planning services have a starting from price on my website.
Do you take commission from vendors you recommend?
No, I do not accept commission from any suppliers that I recommend. I feel that it is important for couples to know that I am recommending vendors to them because I believe that they are the best match for their wedding day, rather than because they pay me commission in exchange for a booking.
What areas do you cover?
I primarily plan weddings within Essex, Suffolk, Kent, Hertfordshire & Cambridgeshire.