10 Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner in Montreal

Planning a wedding in Montreal? Let’s get real: Pinterest boards and Instagram saves are fun, but when it comes to actually pulling everything together, the reality can feel a little less like a rom-com montage and a lot more like juggling while blindfolded. That’s where wedding planners come in — your secret weapon for making your dream wedding happen without the stress-induced grey hairs.

But what does a wedding planner actually do? If your mental image involves a clipboard-wielding superhero like JLo in The Wedding Planner, you’re not entirely wrong. The truth is, wedding planners do so much more than Hollywood gives them credit for. Whether you’re knee-deep in spreadsheets or don’t even know where to start, here’s a breakdown of how a wedding planner can make your life easier and your wedding day unforgettable.

Steve Gerrard Photography

What Is a Wedding Planner, Really?

A wedding planner is part logistics guru, part creative visionary, and part therapist. Their job is to make sure your wedding runs like a well-oiled machine, from the big-picture stuff like budgeting and venue selection to the tiny details like making sure Uncle John’s vegan meal doesn’t get mixed up with someone else’s steak. Essentially, they’re the glue that holds everything together.

One of the biggest misconceptions about wedding planners is that they’re there to take over and push couples into spending more than they want. In reality, most wedding planners work with your budget and vision to create a day that feels authentically yours. Forget the stereotype of headsets and over-the-top extravagance; today’s planners are all about creating memorable, personal, and stress-free celebrations.

Vanessa Abissidan of Vanou Events offers a premier, full-service wedding and event planning agency based in Montreal, Quebec. As industry leaders in event design, production and coordination, Vanessa and her team offer a comprehensive range of services to bring your vision to life. She says her focus is to guide clients towards “timeless yet original designs that will leave guests amazed.”

“Weddings can be overwhelming,” Vanessa says. “For couples who want to have a memorable day, stress-free and perfectly executed, hiring a wedding planner is a game changer.

Wedding planners are professionals who know the ins and outs of the event industry. It is a key element when planning a wedding as they know what works and what doesn’t and if it is realistic with the couples’ budget. They have access to the right vendors, venues and have the experience that will help the couple make informed decisions. In addition, the wedding planner can save a couple hours of research when looking for a venue or vendor. They’ve already done the exercise and just streamline the whole process.”

This approach continues on to the wedding day itself.

“On the wedding day, the planner ensures that the day goes as planned and as scheduled,” Vanessa tells us. “If for some reason, there is an issue, they assure that it’s handled or find a solution behind the scenes without having to interrupt the bride and groom on their special day.

Finally, a wedding planner is typically design savvy and can help bring the couple’s vision to life. By working together, the planner gets to know the couple and can personalize the wedding to their personality and style, making the overall experience even better, warmer and more intimate.

In short, hiring a wedding planner allows for ‘peace of mind’ as the couple knows that there is a professional handling all the details on the day but also during the whole planning process. This way, the stress of planning a wedding is no show, and the couple can actually enjoy the whole experience.”

Decor by Elyna Kudish Events || Photo by Ashley MacPhee Photography

Why Should You Hire a Wedding Planner?

So, why bring in a pro?

Madeleine Kojakian, founder of Maddy K Events Atelier, is one of Montreal’s most innovative and creative event designers. Maddy says she aims to reflect each client’s individuality and taste, always keeping up with the latest trends while maintaining a sense of classical styling.

“Hiring a wedding planner is an investment in a stress-free, beautifully executed wedding,” she says. “It allows you to enjoy the journey and the day itself without being bogged down by details.”

Here are ten reasons Maddy K believes a great wedding planner can be a worthwhile investment for couples:

1. Expertise and Experience

Wedding planners have extensive knowledge of the industry, including the best vendors, venues, and trends.
They know how to handle logistics, troubleshoot issues, and ensure every detail is taken care of.

2. Time-Saving

Planning a wedding takes countless hours, and a planner can handle tasks like contacting vendors, scheduling, and organizing, freeing up your time.
They streamline communication and decision-making, making the process more efficient.

3. Stress Reduction

A wedding planner takes the stress off your shoulders, allowing you to enjoy your engagement without feeling overwhelmed.
They are there to handle last-minute emergencies or unexpected challenges.

4. Budget Management

Wedding planners help you stay within your budget by negotiating with vendors and avoiding costly mistakes.
They know where to allocate funds for maximum impact.

5. Creative Vision

Planners help bring your vision to life, offering creative ideas and solutions that align with your preferences and style.
They can create cohesive themes, decor, and experiences for your big day.

6. Vendor Connections

A planner has established relationships with trusted vendors, ensuring quality service and potentially better rates.
They can recommend the best matches for your specific needs and personality.

7. Problem-Solving

From weather issues to timeline delays, planners are equipped to handle unforeseen challenges without disrupting your celebration.
They have backup plans for almost every scenario.

8. Day-of Coordination

On your wedding day, the planner ensures everything runs smoothly, managing the timeline, vendors, and any last-minute changes.
They allow you, your family, and your bridal party to fully enjoy the day without worrying about logistics.

9. Personalized Experience

Planners tailor their services to your unique needs and vision, ensuring your wedding reflects your personality and story.
They listen to your ideas and add their expertise to elevate your celebration.

10. Peace of Mind

With a wedding planner by your side, you can relax and focus on what truly matters: celebrating love and creating memories with your partner and loved ones.

Maddy K & Gracy || Photo by Madi Photography

What Type of Planner Do You Need?

Not all wedding planners are one-size-fits-all. Here’s a quick rundown of the different types:

Full-Service Planners: They’re with you from start to finish, handling everything from venue scouting to vendor contracts.
Partial Planners: Need help with specific tasks, like decor or finding a caterer? These planners offer support where you need it most.
Day-Of Coordinators: They step in about a month before your wedding to ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day.
Destination Planners: Planning a wedding abroad? These experts specialise in making destination weddings a breeze.

When choosing a planner, look for someone who feels like a good personality match. You’re going to spend a lot of time working with them, so it’s important to feel comfortable. Check their reviews, ask questions, and make sure their approach aligns with your needs.

With seventeen years of experience in the event industry, Carrie-Ann Kloda is known for her warm, calming approach, expert advice, and progressive values. She is also host of The Feminist Wedding Podcast. “You want your wedding day to be something a little bit more special than what you’ve seen or experienced,” she says, “To feel fresh, maybe even quirky, and absolutely joyful.”

“Hiring a wedding planner isn’t going to make sense for every budget,” Carrie-Ann explains, “but having an event manager is undeniably the key to enjoying your own wedding day.

An event manager, also commonly called a day-of-coordinator, is someone who comes in at least one month prior to the wedding date, who is totally aware of every aspect of your wedding plan, who coordinates all the logistics leading up to the day, ensures your timeline makes sense and communicates it to all your other vendors, and who is present to execute your vision on the day. Your event manager should be someone you trust (but not someone who is a guest – please let your guests enjoy themselves too!) who ensures that you can be fully present on the day.

Your wedding day will fly by and the biggest source of regret from EVERY person I’ve ever spoken to about their wedding is not hiring a coordinator. You will be running around trying to micromanage everything otherwise, because there are just too many moving parts.”

Details by Carrie-Ann Kloda || Steve Gerrard Photography

How to Find the Right Wedding Planner in Montreal

Montreal is full of talented wedding planners, but finding the right fit takes a bit of research. Here are some tips:

Ask for Recommendations: Friends, family, and even your venue might have suggestions.
Check Reviews: Look for planners with glowing testimonials that resonate with you.
Schedule a Call: This is your chance to ask questions and get a feel for their vibe. Do they understand your vision? Are they easy to communicate with?
Review Their Portfolio: Seeing past weddings they’ve planned will give you a sense of their style and capabilities.

Decor by Vanou Events || Studio Baron Photography

Final Thoughts

Hiring a wedding planner isn’t just about convenience; it’s about giving yourself the gift of enjoying your engagement and wedding day without the added stress. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic outdoor ceremony or a chic downtown soirée, a planner can help you turn your vision into reality while keeping your sanity intact.

So, go ahead and book that call with a wedding planner. Your future self will thank you as you sip champagne and soak in every moment of your big day, knowing everything is under control. And if you’re lucky, you might even find someone who’ll sneak you an extra slice of cake. Cheers to that!

Wedding planners mentioned in this post:

Vanou Events

Maddy K Events Atelier

Carrie-Ann Kloda