Wedding Planner`s Functions

I dont mean to sound ignorant but what exactly does a wedding planner do? (and how mcuh do they cost?) I`ve seen so many posts about people wanting to become one, and planners advertising all over the place.

Loads of friends have gotten married without using one, so could someone please enlighten me as to what purpose/advantage they serve? Thanks a lot.
Posted by Mrs Bride; updated 09/14/04

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I think wedding planners often have connections and can get better deals on location of wedding, catering, photographers, florists and other vendors since they often work with certain companies they can often negotiate better prices for the couple.
Posted by adriana; updated 09/14/04

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Wedding planners offer creative design, a lot of their time, implementation, coordination, and supervision of the event. Having a wedding where no vendors come up to you (the bride) to ask for a check --which happens all the time is priceless. Who wants to writes checks during their reception? Please keep in mind that they coordinate every detail--on and off scene.The time your limo arrives to the time the salad is to be served, etc. When the kitchen is running around with their heads cut off because they cannot find the champagne --the planner helps and even can improvise if needed. (No planner plans a wedding without back-up plans). People think they may save lots of money by not using a planner, but in the long run you make out better, planners usually build in their fees within your budget and save you on vendors and rentals --which all levels out price wise--but you make out better because you`ll have a stress-free wedding (if you pick the right planner). I hope this helps!
Posted by t.l. metzger co.; updated 09/18/04