When Jennifer Lopez graced the cinema screens as a wedding planner back in 2001, she raised awareness of the profession in the UK and ever since, its popularity has been growing. Wedding planners are no longer confined to celebrity and society in London and couples all over the country are now realising they can save time and stress and money. Most charge a fee but because of their contacts in the industry they can negotiate discounts and deals that can make a big difference. And their help on the day leaves the bride and groom to actually enjoy the occasion instead of wondering where Uncle Bob is when the speeches are about to start, or when hungry guests will get their canapés.

Generally, wedding planners can offer a variety of packages so you can pay for as much, or as little help as you need. Many offer on-the-day services as well as full coordination packages, giving you help right down to the grooms buttonhole and arranging transport to the airport. Good wedding planners possess creative flair as well as fantastic organisation skills so when it comes to styling a venue, you can really create something to make the guests say “wow”.

Many venues have in-house wedding planners that come with the hire price, but a lot of couples choose to hire an independent planner too, enabling them to create a more bespoke wedding.

When it comes to weddings, many brides like to think they know what they are doing but a planner’s job is to make sure all the small things are covered too. What happens if extra guests turn up unexpectedly? Or the car booked to take you to the church breaks down? Contingency plans, conflict resolution and ensuring the smooth flow of events is part of the coordinators job on the big day itself and many couples grow so close to their planner, they book them for anniversaries and birthday celebrations too.

Wedding planning may have been born in America, but its growing up well in the UK and as long as people keep getting married, the industry has a bright future.

My tips for choosing a wedding planner:

Ask them if the photos on their website are of their own work. In my time editing Wedding Professional I have spoken to many angry planners who have had their photos used by others, passing them off as their own.

Check out their previous work. Old clients may be listed as case studies on the website, so ask for their contact details and get their testimonials straight from the horses mouth. A good planner will be confident of getting a good reference, so will be happy to provide them.

There is no governing body for wedding planners but associations like The UK Alliance of Wedding Planners (UKAWP) can recommend professional outfits.

Make sure you get on well with your planner. He or she will be involved in the most important day of your life.

Wedding Professional is the only magazine dedicated to the wedding planning industry. www.weddingprofessional.co.uk

Author Mary Ferguson