There are many elements to consider before you can live happily ever after in the wedding world. After the excitement of your engagement and bubbly has settled with your family and friends, the real fun begins… PLANNING! No matter how big or small your special occasion might be, LIUNA Gardens has a beautiful backdrop for your GTHA wedding. We have a vast list of renowned vendors to review, but if you choose to hire an external wedding planner, please check out our below tips.
Do Your Research
This is your BIG DAY and like any event you need to take the time to do your research. Your wedding planner will basically be your new BFF for the next 1 – 2 years of your engagement. Take the time to sit down over a cup of coffee, tea or bubbly and conduct an interview. Does her/his personality mesh well with you and your other half? Just like Wedding My Deals states, “check the proper background of the event planner before hiring, look through the helping testimonials of the planner and also take the review of your family and friends before hiring.The first thing which is also important is to look through their experience in the field.”

Call ALL Their References, Yes Really Do It!
No matter how well people look on paper and in real life, it is always encouraged for brides and grooms to do their due diligence. Yes, it might seem tedious, you have found your new BFF, but taking the time to call the references and ask some serious questions will make all the difference on your big day.  
Tech Savvy?  
Depending on where your big day is located, how many people will be attending, and any venue specific requirements it is HIGHLY suggested to check out your wedding planners technology. As Eventbrite suggests, “find out what tools they employ for project management, budgets, event websites, registration, ticketing and analytics/reporting and ensure they are using the best available. Using specialist event technology not only helps to ensure a well organised production, it can provide all sorts of added value.”  
Pro and Con List  
Now that the interview process if over, sit down and conduct the classic “pro and con list”. Cross check prices, review the event planners flexibility, personalities etc. and then “seal the deal” as The Knot explains, “once you’ve found your planner, call them immediately to express your desire to move forward and receive a contract. As soon as you’ve signed the contract and paid your deposit, you’ll have your right-hand helper secured”.

Wedding Planning isn’t ALWAYS FUN *shocker*
With all the details to consider, meetings to coordinate, and deadlines to remember having a wedding planner by your side, will help keep your head screwed on straight. As Reflective Bride proclaims, “contrary to what I had thought, hiring a wedding planner doesn’t mean outsourcing your entire wedding; a wedding planner only handles what you want them to (support at the start to get you on the right track, on-the-day coordination only, or indeed the whole shebang) she won’t take over and choose your final bouquet design for you. So if do you want to drive your wedding planning, you can focus on the fun parts… and leave the boring bits to someone else.
So there you have it folks, keep our friendly suggestions in your back pocket when considering to hire an external event planner for your big day. Be sure to head over to LIUNA Station blog if you are planning a corporate event, and need some tips for hiring an external event planner.
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From all of us at LIUNA Gardens, thank you for following along!