Once you’ve made the decision to get married, you’ll be presented with a series of challenges to plan your wedding. For most couples, hosting a reception after the ceremony is a given. Still, this doesn’t mean you need to follow the tried-and-true path in every respect. Instead of a full-service event, you might want to think about approaching your nuptials from the perspective of “partial planning.” Read over these highlights on the concept of a partial wedding to see if this mindset makes sense for your wedding goals.

The Concept of a Partial Wedding

Since planning a large wedding is an incredibly involved task, couples often need additional help to achieve their vision. Though the concept of a planner is far from new, the costs associated with such services have gone up considerably. Since weddings are more expensive now, planners charge more. Instead of turning away couples who can’t afford the planning costs, many specialists began offering partial-wedding options. With this arrangement, couples can receive limited assistance for a reduced fee.

What a Partial Plan Involves

With a full-service plan, couples receive assistance from a planner from the moment the professional is hired until the wedding. Partial service, on the other hand, is an option for couples who only require aid with a few tasks. If you have already picked a venue, photographer, and DJ, for example, you might still need floral arrangements and catering. This is where a planner can swoop in and take care of all the loose ends that still need tying up. 

Typically, this type of service is decided upon a few months before the wedding date. The planner must have enough time to take on your requirements, even though you are not looking for the full package. 

How Partial Planning Benefits Couples

When you’ve got a long list of tasks to accomplish in a short amount of time, any help you receive can be a lifesaver. The more you try to take on yourself, the more likely it is you’ll feel stressed and unhappy during a period during which you should feel excited. Hiring a planner for partial services gives you the chance to breathe and divert your attention to other pressing matters. The option also provides you with invaluable insight into vendor options you may otherwise have neglected entirely. 

What Partial Planning Doesn’t Include

Though couples can ask for assistance with many obligations via a partial-service plan, a few things are not included with this option. Planners need a lot of time when it comes to tasks like coming up with an overall design or theme for an event. If you need someone to create the visuals for your wedding, a full-service package is the only choice available. If you already have an idea of the aesthetics for your event, however, partial-service plans are a perfect fit. 

What Other Choices Are Available

Couples who are incredibly strapped for time and money have another option to consider when hiring planners: month-of services. As the name implies, a planner can provide couples last-minute consultation services in the weeks leading up to their event. This can be a cost-effective solution for couples who want help but are working with a limited budget. Naturally, this package does not include every option, so you should speak with the planner in advance about the details. 

A big part of the success you experience when planning a wedding falls on how much help you receive. Whether you need assistance the whole way through or simply want someone to come in the month of the event to provide insight, different options can provide the perfect fit for your needs.