One of the most frustrating things I found being a wedding planner was the lack of room my potential brides gave me to be creative.
Being creative isn't for everyone. This I understand. But this is precisely where the real value of a quality wedding planner comes into play. They build relationships with vendors based on their artistry as much as for the value they deliver to an event. Working together, they are designers. The right ones do this work specifically because it's where they can earn a living doing something they are passionate about.
Approaching a planner or designer and choosing them solely based on cost, is a recipe for disaster. The reason it's a recipe for disaster is because it means you've already pulled all the inspiration you want from message boards just like this one, and now you just want someone else to execute on it for you. But by planning things this way, you're limiting and often tying the planner's hands by asking them to focus their creativity solely on getting you, the client, high value looks for shoe string budgets, which let me tell ya, always end up looking low budget, no matter how good the planner. High value looks are that way only because the artists' had a love and joy and passion for what they were doing. They may have had a steeper price tag than you or I would be willing to put to it, but creativity can also be dirt cheap. You have to be open to hearing what they propose and let them shock you with what they can do - you'll suddenly see things no other bride has had because the opportunity to shine and set new trends is too addictive.
This is why I'm a HUGE fan of DIY...but it's also why I am a HUGE fan of custom gowns like this one.
Reality is, we have so few opportunities in our day to day lives to live our own uniqueness, that the opportunities presented by a wedding are really a shame to waste.
But the article linked above is absolutely right pointing to how every wedding is turning out just like the last one.
Take it from a planner. Being spectacular doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, OR the commitment of your first born child. BUT, being spectacular does mean being yourself, and being true to your individuality. SO, whether you hire a planner or not, look for ways to twist the inspirations you see online to work for you. Love the idea of a loft wedding, go for it - rent a loft or find a restaurant with a lofty feel. Love the idea of a vineyard wedding, go for it - whether you can afford to have your wedding at the vineyard or not, grab them grapes and find some barrels, and USE THEM. Someway, somehow - whatever way works. But DON'T limit yourself to frilly shears and over done head tables, and the same damn dress every other girl is wearing because they were $99 at the trunk sale last spring.
Live large and love it! And if you reach out onto that limb, trust that planner to show his or her stuff. Give him or her the opportunity to flex their artistic muscle. And be patient while he or she feels you out. That's part of the process, and honestly, they've been stifled so long, they may be a bit nervous at first...
