5 Things Your Luxury Wedding Planner Wants you to Know
We caught up with luxury wedding planner, Brooke Keegan of Brooke Keegan Special Events to give us the scoop on 5 things your wedding planner wants you to know. Keep in mind that Brooke is a luxury wedding planner and her clients' budgets typically start at 200k and go up from there. We understand that may be out of your budget, but her tips will still apply!
Budgets & Contracts
1. Before signing any contracts, create a full detailed budget so that everyone involved is on the same page when it comes to the finances. You want it to be a celebration and not a battle over the budget!
Pro Tip: Make sure to include everything in this budget! It is easy to forget the dress, shoes, accommodations, vendor gratuities, wedding party gifts, power, etc.
Guest Count
2. Your guest count drives the budget! The more guests you have, the bigger budget you need! Try and narrow down your guest list to those that are extremely important to you and current in your life.
Pro Tip: Your guests should not get a plus 1 unless they are engaged or living together. You do not want to spend all that money on someone you will probably never see again!
The Cost of a Wedding Planner
3. You should expect to spend anywhere between 15% - 20% of your overall budget on your wedding planner. They are the mastermind behind this once in a lifetime event, manage everything for you and execute the day flawlessly.
Pro Tip: You and your family want to be guests at your own wedding. Make sure to hire someone you trust so that you can let go and truly enjoy the entire experience.
Guest Cost Per Head
4. On average, couples spend between $1,800 - $3,500+ per guest. This is why narrowing in on the guest count is so important!
Pro Tip: Hiring a DJ instead of a Band, or using flowers that are in season will help you stay closer to the lower end of the budget if desired.
Destination Weddings
5. If you are having a destination wedding, your guests are spending a lot of time, effort and money to attend. You should host them for another event besides the wedding to thank them for making the trip, i.e. welcome party, sunset cocktails or an activity day.
Pro Tip: This is a great way to spend more quality time with everyone prior to the wedding so that on the wedding night, you can just enjoy it and have fun without the pressure of having to say hi to everyone.
See More From Brooke Keegan Special Events
Check out more of Brooke's amazing taco bar and glamorous bridal shower and be sure to follow Brooke Keegan on Instagram.