Let’s be honest—planning a wedding looks romantic in the movies. Montage scenes of cake tastings, trying on dresses, and flipping through Pinterest-perfect inspiration boards make it seem dreamy. But in real life? It’s a whole lot more late-night spreadsheets, budget headaches, and moments of wondering, “How is this all going to come together?”

Planning a wedding is exhausting. And while everyone talks about how magical it is, nobody warns you about the endless emails, vendor negotiations, and unexpected stress. If it’s starting to feel like more work than wonder, that’s where a wedding planner comes in.

Here’s when hiring a planner can make all the difference:

• You’re overwhelmed before you’ve even started and don’t know what to prioritize.
• Your schedule is already packed, and wedding planning feels like a full-time job you just can’t take on.
• You’re managing a big, complex wedding with lots of guests or a far-off destination.
• Sticking to a budget feels impossible, and you need someone to help you make it work.
• You want to actually enjoy your wedding day—not spend it fielding questions or fixing last-minute hiccups.