Why you should hire a North East wedding planner

It's that time of the year when everyone goes wedding crazy, while countless other couples plan their big day. We asked wedding planner, Newcastle's Michelle Jones, for her essential advice…

"As summer commences, a new wave of excited couples are eager to start planning their big days. It should be one of the most magical chapters of your story, leading to one of the best days of your life. However, the average wedding budget for 2018 is set to hit £30k, while the pressure and expectations for the day are significant and the task is quite daunting.

"With this in mind it's time to ask yourself whether you're going to opt to do it all yourself – and why not consider a wedding planner instead?

"Wedding Planning is project management. The task is overwhelming, the budget is precious and the to-do list is never ending. There is an abundance of suppliers; who do you trust? Who provides the best service to match your needs? Who is going to add value to your day and will provide an awesome service for the amount you're paying? Then there are a million ideas, wedding inspiration or exasperation everywhere you look. What will make your day truly special?

"So, what's my best advice? Hire a wedding planner! Most believe hiring a planner is highly expensive and only something celebs do: however, you are using your time - and your time is money. Whilst you are project managing one of the biggest events in your life, your focus is certainly not on your job, your family, your friends or your health, along with all the other needs that make up your life - it's not actually even on you but on this huge emotional event, the 'big day'.

"Within other areas of our lives we trust the skilled professional to deliver a service, gaining the best possible outcome for the task at hand. We employ plumbers to fix a dripping tap, a solicitor to help with conveyancing, mechanics to service the car and often we pay someone else to valet the car. But when it comes to project managing our weddings, a day that has huge financial and emotional implications, we try do it ourselves.

"A wedding planner isn't there to make you spend more money than you have budgeted; in fact, we can assist you in making the right choices and help you to spend your budget wisely. We work entirely to your specific needs, creating a day that is unique and truly special to you, whilst connecting you with the best suppliers and designing and managing a day that you will treasure for ever - and, of course, share with you all the wonderful joyful moments that planning a wedding should be all about.

"We live in a beautiful era of choice, too, from what type of ceremony you wish to have, to the style of venue, to where your honeymoon will take you - and we can support you with making these important decisions honestly and practically.

"As a wedding planner I deliver a very personal service, providing you with the most magical experience. I manage everything within the process (or as much or as little as you need) and more importantly allow you to relax, enjoy and make the most sensational memories! I protect your plans and your day. If we broke down the cost of hiring a planner to design, plan and manage your day, often their hourly rate works out less than yours. A planner saves you a huge amount of time, a significant amount of money and a ridiculous amount of stress. You ultimately get to spend the first day of your marriage exactly the way you should, happily married! The gratitude I receive from clients is phenomenal - when in fact the pleasure is all mine!"

To book Michelle for your big day visit www.mjweddingplanner.co.uk