You will never quite understand all of the things a wedding planner does until (a) you've planned an entire wedding yourself - I do not recommend, or (b) you show up on your wedding day and everything you imagined your day to be like has come together without you lifting a finger.
So, what exactly should you expect from your wedding planner? Let's start from the time of booking...
After You Sign the Contract
Once you sign your contract, your wedding planner will probably reach out to you to schedule some sort of meeting, whether it is in person, over the phone, or through video chat. In this meeting you will discuss things like your budget, your vision for your wedding day/weekend, the colors and themes you have in mind, and any planning you've done already including any vendors you have already booked.
Booking Vendors
Any vendors that you have not already booked, your planner will assist you with. They will research and vet vendors who will fit into your style and budget. They may attend some vendor meetings with you, and will review any contracts to ensure you are getting the best services and there are no hidden problems or exclusions in the contract.
Leading Up To the Wedding
Your planner will write timelines for planning and for the wedding day/weekend itself and make sure all vendors are accounted for and on track. They will be the main point of contact for the vendors and any other important people. They will ensure all of the big and small details are taken care of leading up to the wedding day.
The Wedding Day
On the wedding day, your planner will deliver a typical day-of coordination package including:
Connect with vendors to confirm times and locations
Attend the rehearsal
Ensure the ceremony and reception venues are set up properly
Coordinate the wedding day timeline
Collect any items left behind at the venue
Distribute final payments and gratuities to vendors
Deal with any issues that come up throughout the day
After the Wedding
After the wedding you can expect a little something different from each planner. Some might return rental items that you borrowed, send you a reminder to leave reviews on your vendor pages (DO NOT FORGET THIS STEP!!!), or send you a simple thank you for choosing them to plan your wedding.
A wedding planner wears many hats. You can call them a peace maker. They will always be a mediator if there is a sour relationship. You can call them a resource. They have all of the tools and knowledge you will need to plan a wedding unique to you. And last, but not least, you can call the organization FREAKS! They will have everything for your wedding in order and ready at a moment's notice (maybe even color coded).
What qualities do you look for in a wedding planner? Let me know in the comments!