London Wedding Planner

FAQ

We recognise that there is often a great deal of mystery surrounding the work of a wedding planner, and this can easily lead couples to feel uncertain about the benefits of hiring such a service. We hope that our FAQ page will address any questions you may have about how we operate and the services we offer, but please do get in touch if you have not found the answers you were looking for.

Why would I want a wedding planner?

A wedding planner can save you time by researching venues and suppliers or dealing with supplier queries on your behalf, and can alleviate the stress and pressure that naturally accompanies such an important event. Our professional advice and specialist knowledge ensures that your wedding day is perfectly planned and exactly as you envisaged.

How does a wedding planner work?

It is a common misconception that a wedding planner will “take over” your wedding and you will turn up on the day wondering what happened to all of your ideas and dreams. At Helen Carter Weddings we do as much or as little as you require, and we never make any decisions for you. We consult with you from the outset to gain a thorough understanding of what you want for your wedding, and work closely with you throughout the planning process to ensure you remain in overall control.

Your packages don’t cover exactly what we want – can you offer something completely bespoke?

In a word, yes! Our listed services are based upon what we believe are the more common areas where couples require assistance, but we recognise that your wedding is unique and our listed options may not be exactly what you are looking for. We will happily design a personal package that meets your requirements - please contact us so that we can discuss the services you require.

We’ve already started planning our wedding – can we still use a planner?

Absolutely! We can be involved at any stage of your planning, whether you've just started out and have only booked your venue, or you’ve planned the entire event and just want someone there on the day to manage the arrangements and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Can we arrange meetings for evenings or weekends?

Definitely! We understand that one of the reasons you may be considering a wedding planner is that you have a busy lifestyle and are short on time. For this reason we offer early morning, evening and weekend appointments in addition to daytime slots. We can also discuss arrangements with you by telephone or e-mail if it is not practical to meet with you in person.

How can we be certain you won’t take over our wedding?

We understand that it can be difficult to hand over the arrangements of such a personal occasion to a third party, which is why we can do as much or as little work as you require. This is your special day and we never make any of the decisions relating to your wedding. We offer unlimited telephone and e-mail support, and will meet with you on a regular basis, as well as provide regular updates by telephone and e-mail.

Do we have to use your recommended suppliers?

No! This is your wedding and you have the final say when it comes to choosing your venue and suppliers. We recommend suppliers that we believe meet your requirements and offer exceptional service, but you are entitled to use any service provider you wish. We guarantee to work with all your suppliers with a high degree of professionalism, irrespective of whether or not we have recommended their services.

Can you negotiate supplier discounts?

We endeavour to negotiate contracts on your behalf wherever possible, but we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to secure discounts with suppliers. As part of our adherence to the UKAWP Code of Ethics, we operate independently and do not accept any form of commission from suppliers - any form of discount will always be passed directly to you.

Will you deal with payments, contracts and paperwork?

Depending on the service you choose, we can act as a direct point of contact for your suppliers, meaning we deal with any queries and paperwork as necessary. We also check all service provider contracts and ensure you are aware of any specific conditions. Contracts are always between you and the supplier, and we cannot take responsibility for making supplier payments on your behalf. However, we will contact you by telephone or e-mail to remind you of upcoming payment deadlines.

Are you insured?

We hope you never need it, but we do have Public Liability insurance to the value of £1m.