Hiring a wedding planner? Find a pro who matches your style, personality and budget

Wedding planners can help with everything from choosing your florist and photographer to taking care of last-minute details on the big day.

"It totally depends on what they want done, and some brides bring in a planner toward the end [of the planning process]," says Nancy Moreton of Weddings by Nancy in Cape Girardeau. "But it's very helpful if you can have a planner at the beginning to help choose vendors."

Jeanie Allgood, wedding coordinator at Centenary United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, suggests booking a wedding planner about a year before the wedding day, if possible.

Linda McKinnis of Design Exclusive LLC in Cape Girardeau agrees.

"Ideally, a wedding planner should be retained as soon as the couple becomes engaged," she says. "I encourage contacting a wedding planner about a year in advance, but I've actually planned weddings in less than four months for couples. Keep in mind, it is important to secure the couple's favorite venue, caterer, baker, DJ, florist and photographer, not to mention the ceremony location. Weddings are sometimes on my calendar 15 months out. It's never too early to start planning and confirming first choices.

When choosing a wedding planner, look for someone who is a good listener.

"Choose someone that is highly organized," says Allgood. "Find one that will listen to the bride and the bride's mother."

Finding a wedding planner you are compatible with works best.

"Look for someone you can get along with and someone you can work well with," says Moreton.

A couple's style and budget are more things to consider when choosing a wedding planner.

"A wedding planner should be someone who the couple immediately connects with from their initial meeting," says McKinnis. "The couple should select a planner who has a creative mind, and definitely one who has a vision for the couple's wedding theme and style, yet one who is within the couple's budget."

Wedding planners can assist the bride in a variety of ways.

"If there isn't a coordinator at the venue, I act as the coordinator to make sure everything runs smoothly," says Moreton. "I also help with the timeline, such as when to cut the cake, when to have the first dance, etcetera."

Wedding planners can also offer assistance with last-minute details.

"I always bring a bridal emergency kit [to the wedding]," says Moreton. "I do whatever the bride needs. I've delivered gift bags to hotels and even cut wedding cakes."

Overall, wedding planners should help make the big day stress-free and enjoyable for the bride.

"Wedding planners are typically responsible for organizing every detail of the wedding, and most importantly, taking the stress off the bride so she can enjoy her special day," says McKinnis. "A planner should keep the wedding budget within range, negotiate rates with vendors, resolve any problems, create a timeline and floor plans, and finally, utilize their wedding expertise and knowledge, making the planning process and the big day as flawless as possible."

Scheduling is be a big part of a wedding planner's responsibilities.

"Scheduling time on the wedding day is very important. Wedding planners will coordinate with the photographer as well as the florist regarding times they can get in to decorate the church and reception venue," says Allgood.

Fees for wedding planners can vary greatly depending on what services are used by the bride.

"I charge by the job, not by the hour," says Moreton, who is a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants.

Some wedding planners offer packages or a-la-carte options.

"The price range of a wedding planner depends solely on the type of wedding and what role the planner takes," says McKinnis. "I offer three tier levels and I also have a-la-carte services. Sometimes, the bride may only want the reception decor done, just the flowers, or perhaps a 'day of' coordinator. A wedding planner can usually offer a variety of packages to fit the couple's budget."

Says Allgood, "Contact more than one wedding planner and see if your personalities match. They all have various methods, so choose the one that works best for you."