A wedding planner[1] is a professional who assists with planning and organization of weddings. Weddings are significant events in people's lives, and those involved are often willing to spend a considerable amount of money to ensure it is organized as perfectly as possible.[2]
Professional wedding planners exist in several countries[3] and communities,[4] with extensive certification courses available to those who wish to pursue the career.
Some planners charge either a fraction (perhaps 5-10%) of total the wedding cost, (which can range between $20,000 to $2 million in relatively affluent communities in USA) or a flat fee.[5] in USA the fees typically range between $1500 to $5000[6] depending on the services provided. However, wedding industry statistics, including ranges and averages for wedding planner fees, are generated and promoted by commercial interests and are considered unreliable by unbiased sources.
Wedding planners are quite common for planning a destination wedding, where the documentation and paperwork can be complicated. Any country where a wedding is held requires different procedures depending on the nationality of each the bride and the groom. For instance, US citizens marrying in Italy require a Nulla Osta (affidavit sworn in front of the US consulate in Italy), plus an Atto Notorio (sworn in front of the Italian consulate in the US or at a court in Italy), and legalization of off of the above. Some countries instead, have agreements and the couple can get their No Impediment forms from their local registrar and have it translated by the consulate in the country of the wedding. A local Wedding Planner takes care and guides through all the different procedures for each different case.
Contents |
The services of a wedding planner can include:
Resources can be found in various books and publications and on websites that can allow a couple or a family to do the planning on their own. Many planners also run their own blogs to help provide inspiration and creativity.
The 2001 comedy The Wedding Planner, with Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey, was on the busy life of a wedding planner who falls in love with one of her clients. There are also many shows that have branched from wedding planning, such as TLC's 'Say Yes to the Dress'. This is a reality show that follows brides as they shop at the prestigious Kleinfelds for their perfect wedding dress. Another show is 'My Fair Wedding' with celebrity party planner David Tutera.
More recently, Bollywood Film Band Baaja Baraat is about Marriage planners falling in love. Ranveer Singh made his debut with this film and won Best Debutant at several awards. The film had a successful run at the theaters.
In the book series, Sweet L.A. Life, the Winslow Twins' mother is a wedding planner.
The 2011 Hong Kong television drama Only You tells the stories of a fictional wedding services agency and their clients.
In Chuck Versus the Wedding Planner, Sarah and Chuck are scammed by their wedding planner.