YES! I have a lot of couples that will ask me this question, and I'm always excited when they do because it means they have been doing their research. There is a HUGE difference between a Certified Wedding Planner and a Wedding Planner. Although they share the similar title, they are not the same!If you meet with a Certified Wedding Planner, that individual has learned and mastered everything from wedding tradition, proper etiquette, interfaith ceremonies, budget maintenance, marriage license requirements, wedding timelines, and the list goes on. In addition, in order for a Wedding Planner to be certified they typically belong to an association that upholds them to certain standards and requirements to ensure that are providing each bride and groom with the best possible guidance and knowledge.
It's true a Wedding Planner it not required to be certified. However, just because someone has watched the Wedding Planner twenty times it does not qualify them to help plan or coordinate a wedding. Although this a funny thought, while working in the hospitality industry I have seen too many brides and grooms who hired Wedding Planners who claimed to know what they were doing. However, instead of providing the bride and groom with peace of mind, the end result left the bride and groom disappointed and stressed on their big day due to the planners lack of experience.
When it comes to your wedding, you want to make sure that you are hiring professionals that have the experience and knowledge of planning a wedding. A wedding is not like planning a party; one must know how to manage timelines, vendors, and sometimes that Mom and/or friend who thinks she knows better then the bride and groom.
We all agree, when we have a broken sink or bathtub we call a qualified plumber. Just remember to do the same with a Wedding Planner, or you will be "flushing" your money down the drain!
