WEDDING PLANNER???

[Wedding Planner]

Hello:

I was just wondering if anyone is contracting a professional planner for the big day?

[brownsuga]

I am not using a planner. Although it can be very detailed and time consuming, I truly enjoy planning my wedding on my own. We may utilize someone for the "day of" to help us out. However, as far as planning, we are doing it ourselves.


Welcome!!!

[Paris]

Hello Everyone..
I am new here , I wanted to respond to about needing a wedding planner . I Think I will need one , Because I gave never had a wedding nor have I even been in one . I've been to a couple but only a few, In my life :)
My wedding date is May ,2005, Haven't really gotten a set date yet , We are thinking around that date. Don't want it to be to hot , or cool at all.::D

[Wedding Planner]

Thanx for taking the time to read and reply to my post.

BrownSuga...I feel you on the wanting to handle the major part of planning your big event yourself...yes it is a time consuming and sometimes tiring ordeal..but its also very rewarding. It is your big day and you want to hands on in all the detail..thats great. As far as hiring someone for the day of thats a good idea..that way you can relax and rest assured that someone is handling everything that could possibly go wrong as well as maintaing the flow of the day's events. I have seen it all:headbang:..but most of my experiences have been really enjoyable. I have been in the business since high school {non-professionally}...and about one year {professionally}. Definately look into it. :1luvu:

Paris...I think that every bride should talk to someone in the industry to get a feel for current trends and ettiquette and things of that nature...even if they don't hire the coordinator for "full service coordination" its a valuable resource to have on hand.
Congratulations to you both on your upcoming nuptials :irlove:....{I want an invitation...I just love weddings} :wavey:

[brownsuga]

Wedding Planner,
Congrats to you for having your own business.

Girl, I am sure you have seen it all. I can only imagine.

Good luck to you and your business. I hope you and your business continues to do well.

[MsNelle5]

I have a wedding planner. She has been a great help. We have been co-planning side by side until the day of, when she's gonna TAKE OVER! I would recommend it to those who need a hand, wouldn't mind the help, and would like someone nudging them along the way. :)

[deesexy69]

Hello Wedding planner. I am not using a wedding planner but I have decided to become one. Any advice? I have already started reading up on it and I have my name and buisness permit. I notice here in South New Jersey there are not many planners or they are not well advertised. Anything tidbits would be appreciated. I am so excited to get started.

[BirdSong]

Did any of you CB's hire a wedding planner to do all or part of the planning? And if so what was your experience? Would you recommend it? Was it worth the money? do any of you wish you had because of the stress? I'd really like to know.

[ladyvelvet]

Did any of you CB's hire a wedding planner to do all or part of the planning? And if so what was your experience? Would you recommend it? Was it worth the money? do any of you wish you had because of the stress? I'd really like to know.


I got a wedding planner just a few months ago to alleviate the stress, and some things I needed to concentrate on more than the others. My experience thus far has been a really good one. She's gotten everyone in line and doing what they are suppose to do. She does everything from calling and checking on my vendors to calming me down in the middle of the night. I would not recommend it if you want to plan everything yourself, and you rather not hear some one's opinion about things, but it worked good with me, because I alreday had a vision in mind and all she did was make sure my vision happen. It's worth the money being that I'm not being charged much, because she came only about 2 months ago, so I basically did all the hard stuff before she came. I'm very anal and extremely involved, so letting someone take over was hard, but it took so much stress off of me.

[mrsgreene]

Yes, I did. We have talked about this Jai already a little but I have a very demanding schedule with my crazy job and needed someone to dig into the minute details: following up with people, scheduling appointments and mostly making sure things were taken care of day of. That was the big thing. My coordinator called all parties involved, kept track of vendor payments and organized the rehearsal. Also on the day of she and two of her assistants made sure everything was accounted for and decorated. For me, it was worth it, every penny and she was fantastic. I know I could have done all of it without her for sure but I had peace of mind with her

[Tranquil]

I'm thinking of getting a planner also.
How do most brides find a good planner?

[mdbunny]

I am getting a planner also. I have a meeting with a couple next week.. But i believe i found the one i wanted. Her prices are great and we clicked over the phone soon as we talked. I can't wait to work with her.

[BirdSong]

yhanks for the responses. For those getting a planner now keep us posted! I think having a planner probably helps avoid those Bridezilla moments....i don't want to be a stressed bride.

[JustMija]

Why hire a wedding Planner? The main reason people hire Wedding Planners is due to stress, and not having time to do everything cause both couples are working a lot of hours, Planners can be HUGE help when it comes to planning your wedding....

If your going to hire a wedding planner make sure you meet them first, then ask them do have any work from past weddings or events... If there a first time weddding planner then, do fret! this how ever planner gets started, and if your comfortable with them after your first meeting and they have reall soild 100% understanding on what you want for your special day go with them. Every one needs a first time, plus this helps them build a name!

Most the brides, or people I deal with for events have hired me due to word of mouth or cause they liked my work I have done@ wedding they have attended.... Don't be afriad to use a wedding planner even if your on tight budget wedding planners can be used for the day! They are worth it! HTH Ladies!

[soulstar78]

I had one! I was in the same position as Hayisha with a very hectic schedule and I just did not have time for the little details and follow up. That is actually one of the main reasons I picked my wedding location site because I was able to have both the reception and ceremony at the same place and worked with their vendors, thus minimizing extra work. The coordinator was so wonderful and essential particularly at rehearsal time and the wedding day. I literally was able to sit back and watch as she told people where to go and what to do. All I had to do was look pretty and smile :) My family was able to relax and enjoy the day too because she took care of everything!

I say, if you can afford it and you can find a GOOD planner, then GO FOR IT.

[ladyfizzle101]

no actually im doing everything myself...ive heard from some recent brides i know and they told me that a lot of wedding planners like to see the wedding come out their way not the brides way so make sure that you and the wedding planner are on the right page about everything because it would suck if the planner is old school and your a modern bride

[Scoop's Wife]

I actually am a wedding planner so of course Im not going to hire one, But I dont work alone its 6 of us so Im doing most of it and then the day of stuff I know my girls can handle that. I have found myself not as concern about my wedding b/c we have two events to do in april and so on. Im so worried about other peoples events I sometimes dont think about mines like I thought I would. But I have really almost picked everything out like vendors, dresses, cakes and colors, and favors but I know I can change my mind on some stuff but I hope I dont. LOL

[MsPeachez]

I hired a wedding planner. Of course I want to hand it off to her knowing what I want and she just has to make it happen. I can see the closer me getting to May I will become a Bridezilla!!!! LOL

[kia1908]

I'm planning the wedding long distance so we definitely have a WP that we hired for 1 year b/4 the wedding. I love having the WP because she schedules my appointments and alleviates the phone call fiasco that goes on with wedding planning. Also, if there is any issue with anything, I typically just email/txt/ or call her to handle it. She comes to most of my appointments or will go to an appointment for me. Also, if I want her opinion on something or to find a particular type of vendor, she'll do that as well. I pay her monthly and it is a FLAT rate and not a percentage of the budget. Also, I find it interesting how quickly she can pick up on my taste. Before I even say something, she'd be like...uh...I don't think Kia will like that...or that's not Kia's taste and she is right! I feel like she knows what I like and don't like.

I know folks do it but I don't think I'd ever be able to plan my wedding without a WP. I feel like I have so many little things to do. I couldn't do the major, minor and little bitty things too. :faint:

[Tranquil]

When should you hire a WP if your wedding is more than a year away (about 17 months away)? Were having a long distance wedding and we want to book a reception site now and start calling vendors soon?

[Scoop's Wife]

When should you hire a WP if your wedding is more than a year away (about 17 months away)? Were having a long distance wedding and we want to book a reception site now and start calling vendors soon?

You can start now actually it really is never to early esp w/ a destination wedding. 17 months is a enough time for you and the planner to plan stuff out.Where are u planning on having the wedding

[JustMija]

When should you hire a WP if your wedding is more than a year away (about 17 months away)? Were having a long distance wedding and we want to book a reception site now and start calling vendors soon?


You should hire one NOW!!! especially if your not getting married in your hometown! With the wedding planner in that area they would know which vendors to use and not to use!

[jerrinrickie]

Well my wedding isnt until August 9 2008. I am not hiring a planner. Everything will be done months before the wedding. Between my family and bridesmaid we will handle everything. The reception site will handle all of the catering and decoration of the site. They also provide everything right down to the chair covers and sash. The church has a wedding committee so you get about 3 coordinators to assit there. They also will decorate the church. The church has everything but the runners and unity candle. The planning is done already. The wedding party attire has been picked, flowers, cakes, invites,menus(rehearsal dinner & wedding reception) done. Weekend events schedule and done. My dress just waiting to order really hoping the price will go down a bit. So for me. I didnt see any reason to hirie a wedding planner. Plus I have people in the bridal party who will make sure I get exactly what I want (at least 2 of them for sure will handle it) A lot of people cant believe that everything is already planned. Purchased gifts for my hostess yesterday. Purchased flip-flops for all bridesmaids and hostess. Becaus e I am sure they wil want to take off those 3 1/2 inch heels.

[Tranquil]

Well my wedding isnt until August 9 2008. I am not hiring a planner. Everything will be done months before the wedding. Between my family and bridesmaid we will handle everything. The reception site will handle all of the catering and decoration of the site. They also provide everything right down to the chair covers and sash. The church has a wedding committee so you get about 3 coordinators to assit there. They also will decorate the church. The church has everything but the runners and unity candle. The planning is done already. The wedding party attire has been picked, flowers, cakes, invites,menus(rehearsal dinner & wedding reception) done. Weekend events schedule and done. My dress just waiting to order really hoping the price will go down a bit. So for me. I didnt see any reason to hirie a wedding planner. Plus I have people in the bridal party who will make sure I get exactly what I want (at least 2 of them for sure will handle it) A lot of people cant believe that everything is already planned. Purchased gifts for my hostess yesterday. Purchased flip-flops for all bridesmaids and hostess. Becaus e I am sure they wil want to take off those 3 1/2 inch heels.

Hi We might be date twins. I'm planning my wedding for Aug. 9th 2008 too. You seem to have alot of help. I havn't decided 100% yet if I"m getting a planner. My mother and I have been doing alot of the planning ourselves ,she has a lot of experience. I'm going to look into it and see what planners have to offer. I may just need someone for the day of.

[Tranquil]

You can start now actually it really is never to early esp w/ a destination wedding. 17 months is a enough time for you and the planner to plan stuff out.Where are u planning on having the wedding

If I start with a planner now, is it more money when the wedding is more than a year away? We are getting married in massachusetts.

[Scoop's Wife]

If I start with a planner now, is it more money when the wedding is more than a year away? We are getting married in massachusetts.

No it depends on the planner and what u want them to do but for the most part the prices will be the same or maybe a lil cheaper. U should be able to find a reasonable planner in Mass.

[kia1908]

If I start with a planner now, is it more money when the wedding is more than a year away? We are getting married in massachusetts.

IMO it worked out in our favor. What she did was divide the total cost of the WP package and divided it by the number of months before the wedding. So of course the more months ahead of the wedding the less your monthly payment would be.

[DeeZetaLady]

question:

what's the exact difference between an wedding planner and a wedding coordinator?

i think a lot of people get the 2 confused.


but yes, i'm planning the wedding myself, and i'm actually going sit down with my day-of coordinator to go over the day from start to finish!

[shirelle95]

You are right Soror Dionne...Most times the two are used interchangebly and they really are not the same...


I am using a planner but even still, I would say that I planned most of the wedding myself. For those that think a lil negative with the whole planner wanting things their way, etc. As a bride and/or the couple signing the checks...You do ALWAYS have the option of saying No to a particular suggestion, etc. Otherwise, if you just sit there while so and so is running off at the mouth, they assume the two of you are on the same page and therefore, keep going. I made the decision of having a planner even before my work travel got hectic. I saw it as a good investment and as long as I wasn't a bridezilla, honey was all for it :rofl2:


They are handling the coordination of the affair cause after as much fun I've had during the planning, I'll be darn if someone/thing tries to stress me out on the day of :rofl2: That ish is for the birds :)


The team I am working with is a male/female combo and yes they were worth the $1000 price tag considering how much my initial budget was vs. how much we actually ended up spending. While our wedding is still a couple of months away, we've been working with them since day one so it's obvious that they've proven themselves thus far and we don't expect any shananigans for the remainder of the time. And because we saved alot of money, we know for a fact we will be giving them a tip/thankyou gift whatever you wanna call it. We just haven't decided how much we are going to give. But once God tells us what it should be, another check will be cut and we'll send it while we are on the honeymoon :yahoo:

[Sexywine]

I am planning my wedding myself (super-anal) and my cousin will be my day-of coordinator. I will also have about 20 hostesses assisting her.

[Scoop's Wife]

question:

what's the exact difference between an wedding planner and a wedding coordinator?

i think a lot of people get the 2 confused.


but yes, i'm planning the wedding myself, and i'm actually going sit down with my day-of coordinator to go over the day from start to finish!

A planner is just that she/he plans and stays on top of everything from the engagement to the honeymoon. She/he is envolved in all the decision making and keeps up with all the vendors and the payments and works the budget out with the couple. Rsvp's come to her it's just an all in job.

A coordinator is usually there the day of making sure everything runs smoothly and they may help out w/ the colsing of stuff but for the most part the couple does eveything and the coord is just there as guidence.

Most planners are coordinators as well or some just like to coord over planning b/c planning is stressful. I hope that answered it

[bamnglo18]

I am planning my wedding myself (super-anal) and my cousin will be my day-of coordinator. I will also have about 20 hostesses assisting her.


Almost the same thing I'm doing, except not as many hostesses. I'm doing the planning myself because I'm anal too, but I have a coordinator for the day of. My responsibility on my wedding day is to be happy and I will be :cloud9:

[mrs.melton08]

Almost the same thing I'm doing, except not as many hostesses. I'm doing the planning myself because I'm anal too, but I have a coordinator for the day of. My responsibility on my wedding day is to be happy and I will be :cloud9:

This is my plan.

I am textbook anal and I have spreadsheets, to-do lists, a 2 year calendar with dates and appointments in it, etc.

I will have a DOC (family friend) but I am trying to stick to a very strict budget and I will be DIYing a lot of items to make them to the level of what I would like. Even if I had the money to spend, I doubt if i would hire one

[azdelta10]

There is no way I could make it without my wedding planner. She is going to be a true blessing when my planning kicks into high gear. She is very helpful, organized, fun, and she totally understands my vision. I am planning a wedding for 450-500 while in med school and I'm presently almost 900 miles away from home :yikes:. She has been my legs, eyes and ears. Thank God for her!! When I finally have my wedding I will be in the middle of my medical school clinical rotations and will be having alot of 14 hour days so needless to say, she is worth EVERY PENNY. I also will have about 85 hostesses the day of the wedding to assist her and her staff so I'm praying :pray: that things go smoothly.

[mscarmel19]

Yep, I have one and I luv her too she is a life saver(she is my friend). It takes a load off and when I don't have time to do something she is right there getting it done.

[Sexywine]

I was curious to see how many hostesses that you were going to have. Girl, my family wanted me to have 50! :faint: No way! I think having a lot of hostesses is a deep South thing; I think at 20 with my guests that is enough. And honestly, they do a lot of the work, so it's well worth it.


There is no way I could make it without my wedding planner. She is going to be a true blessing when my planning kicks into high gear. She is very helpful, organized, fun, and she totally understands my vision. I am planning a wedding for 450-500 while in med school and I'm presently almost 900 miles away from home :yikes:. She has been my legs, eyes and ears. Thank God for her!! When I finally have my wedding I will be in the middle of my medical school clinical rotations and will be having alot of 14 hour days so needless to say, she is worth EVERY PENNY. I also will have about 85 hostesses the day of the wedding to assist her and her staff so I'm praying :pray: that things go smoothly.

[kia1908]

Ya'll are making me feel better. My WP was like....7 hostesses? Why so many? Of course she said she will find something for each of them to do. They will definitely be needed.

Those of you with large amounts of hostesses..what are you all doing for gifts? I was thinking about hitting up Bath and Body works during their semi-annual sale (that's in July right?)

[Sexywine]

Actually, we don't typically give the hostesses a gift (down here), they pay a hostess "fee"; I think it ranges anywhere from $20-35 and the money goes toward a major gift for the bride and groom. It used to be a washer/dryer but I don't know about nowadays. They only give another wedding gift if they want to.


Ya'll are making me feel better. My WP was like....7 hostesses? Why so many? Of course she said she will find something for each of them to do. They will definitely be needed.

Those of you with large amounts of hostesses..what are you all doing for gifts? I was thinking about hitting up Bath and Body works during their semi-annual sale (that's in July right?)

[azdelta10]

I was curious to see how many hostesses that you were going to have. Girl, my family wanted me to have 50! :faint: No way! I think having a lot of hostesses is a deep South thing; I think at 20 with my guests that is enough. And honestly, they do a lot of the work, so it's well worth it.


It is supposed to depend on your number of guests. I have 450-500 guests and 85 hostesses :ashamed: !!!! There were alot of people that asked me and my mom if they could be a hostess so we said no problem. There is actually not much that mine will have to do b/c of the staff I have hired and all of the caterers I'm looking at have a full staff. They are basically just paying a hostess fee, throwing me a shower, sitting up front at the wedding, and helping where they are needed.

[DeeZetaLady]

A planner is just that she/he plans and stays on top of everything from the engagement to the honeymoon. She/he is envolved in all the decision making and keeps up with all the vendors and the payments and works the budget out with the couple. Rsvp's come to her it's just an all in job.

A coordinator is usually there the day of making sure everything runs smoothly and they may help out w/ the colsing of stuff but for the most part the couple does eveything and the coord is just there as guidence.

Most planners are coordinators as well or some just like to coord over planning b/c planning is stressful. I hope that answered it


oh, i knew the difference.... :rofl: but it kills me when COORDINATORS want to people to pay them PLANNER money. a lot of people don't know the difference.

but 85 hostesses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :faint:

i have 3 hostess, 3 ushers (in addition to the BMs and GM), and we're inviting 181 people.

[ini]

hostess fee? :headscrat ... never heard of it

[kia1908]

hostess fee? :headscrat ... never heard of it

Me either :ponder: ! I've already had one hostess ask me what there gift was going to be :whatever: But she retracted her statement and said she was just joking.

I think I will just do a small trinket and call it a day :yup:

[Browndilocks]

hostess fee? :headscrat ... never heard of it


Ditto. Someone has to pay YOU to be a part of the wedding party?

[DeeZetaLady]

hostess fee? that's totally new to me!

[Sexywine]

As I stated above, it's seems to be a deep South thing; when I lived in Texas I had never heard of this, but practically everyone (African-American) here in Birmingham does it. My best friend is from Mississippi and said that they do it too. Most of the time they are older women (friends of your mom) and they volunteer for the job; Alisha (azdelta10) said that hers did and so did most of mine. The attire that they wear is usually something that the majority already owns (typical church suit/dress). They are not paying to be in your wedding. They pay their money to the head hostess who is in charge of presenting it to the bride and groom, whether as money or to put towards a major item. And, they do not have to buy another wedding gift unless they want to. They have the option of hosting a shower for the bride; my hostesses will be doing my shower and I am grateful because they have a lot of experience doing events. The only reason that I have heard people complain about being a hostess was not because of the fee; some hostesses end up doing more than others because of slackers.


hostess fee? that's totally new to me!

[Tranquil]

I never heard of this Hostess thing either. But I think we should try to bring it up North cause I'ma need alot of help with my wedding! I'll welcome any kinda volunteers.

[sisterstwin01]

G and I will be having a wedding day coordinator. She's also doing the flowers and has been G's sounding board. As of this week,all the planning has been thrown in my lap. I have 8months to pull it all together. Be blessed!!!!!

[ceedee]

We had a day of coordinator and I would recommend looking into a planner and if not definetely someone designated to coordinate the day.
I met with our coordinator we hired 3 times prior to the wedding to talk through my vision, vendors,flow of events etc. On the eve of our wedding, she picked up all items from us for the reception set up, she called all vendors earlier in the week to introduce herself and confirm arrival times and deliverables. She worked with the coordinator at the receprtion venue on the reharsal coordination (we had our ceremony and reception at the same location)
She handled eveything from the night prior all the way to the end of our wedding day.
I did not lift a finger or one thought...the only thing I did was after set up give my nod of approval. We were just talking about it the other day, she was probably one of the best decisions we made re our day - we did not stop one time during the entire event to wonder what was next....

So depending on budget etc I would recomend a planner, if not at least a coordinator ( could be a trusted friend etc..) but a designated person.

[azdelta10]

As Sexywine said, the hostesses do not pay to be in my wedding. They are volunteers, people who love me and many who have known me all of my life. The hostess fee is determined by them along with the head hostess not me. People are very giving in the South and it is seen as a thing you SHOULD do. As I said, some of these women have helped raise my mother as well as me and truly want to make sure that my day is all that I dreamed. They don't want me to have to do a thing or worry about a thing. I give them instructions on how I would like to have things done, how to handle certain situations and they are more than happy to do it. It is viewed as an honor. As I stated before, my hostesses will mostly just have a title because I have hired a staff to handle everything and they will be able to just enjoy my day with me. I view it as a blessing that so many people have volunteered to help and be a blessing to me on one of the most important days of my life.

[DaWright1]

I have never heard of anything like that in Georgia and I have assisted in a lot of weddings...I think I had 10-15 hostess, caterer added more to help with the serving.

[azdelta10]

I on the other hand have never been to a wedding without it (not a formal wedding) and I have assisted in quite a few weddings as well. I think it's all based on what you want. Even people I know from the South who relocated to the North, etc. have done this. I'm sure it's all in who you know. It is definately a Southern tradition. There are people who just live in the South and were not raised here, I have heard some of them say this was new to them but they were eager participate. I'm not saying that it is right or wrong because there is no such thing really when it comes to weddings. As I said before, many people think that it is something that they SHOULD do but it is up to the bride. I love and embrace the tradition so I chose to have them. I see it as a way to honor women who have all touched my life in some form. It is what I know. Actually, some of my hostesses were my Mom's hostesses as well and that was almost 30 years ago and I love the sentiment that it carries...but that's just me :)

[mrs.melton08]

thank you for the information on different ways hostesses are used/handled,

I am just a little curious as to whether or not a gift is given to the hostesses or is that also part of the tradition to not give them a gift. Do others in the birdal party not get gifts also...I am asking out of pure curiosity and concern because my FH family is completely from Mississippi and I want to be sure that I am not offending any traditions or ideas they might have.


Thanks ladies

[contentone]

It is definately a Southern tradition. As I said before, many people think that it is something that they SHOULD do but it is up to the bride. I love and embrace the tradition so I chose to have them. I see it as a way to honor women who have all touched my life in some form.



I'm from B'ham too and I had about 25 hostesses. My head hostess actually thought that I should've had more. I don't know about other places but in B'ham we normally have a lot of hostesses. I didn't set a hostess fee and my hostesses thought that I'd lost my mind for not doing so. :down: Like Alicia said, most of the people think that it's something that they should do. My head hostess asked me what I wanted for a gift & I told her whatever they wanted to buy us was fine with me. They decided to collect money from each hostess and gave us the cash at my shower. A lot of people were actually offended that I didn't ask them to be a hostess. Maybe it's a B'ham thing...but to each it's own.

[contentone]

Oh, and for a hostess gift...they got a thank you and a thank you very much. That was all. :rofl2:

[shirelle95]

:headscrat Wow...Yeah I'm assuming that must be a tradition down here cause I aint NEVA heard of anything like that "up North"...I aint gonna lie...Silently in my head I was like...Wut you need XXX hostesses for???? And then I saw ppl getting offended by not being one...And then a fee to host...Y'all had me :faint: :faint: :faint: all up in this thread...


But alas, learn something new everyday and to each his own...Who cares as at the end of the day, everything is/was beautiful and everyone had a great time right :)

[Tranquil]

I've been looking for interview questions to ask a wedding planner, and here's what I found sofar. Are there any other things I should ask? Where can I find more questions?

How To Hire a Wedding Consultant

Written by Mayai N. Chatman

Ask exactly what services they can provide for you.

Ask to see their credentials. There are several organizations that offer training programs for Wedding Consultants. Call the organization that the consultant belongs to and verify their status and ask what training have they received by them. Ask for an agreement in writing. A letter of agreement signed by both of you that spells out what each of you will do.

Ask for their pricing policy. Some consultants charge about 15 percent of the total cost of the wedding. Some charge an hourly rate, fixed fee, or some combination of these. Others charge nothing and earn their income from suppliers' commissions. All methods are acceptable but you should determine in advance how your consultant will be paid.

Ask if you are obligated to use vendors suggested by the consultants. Make sure the consultant will work with you and you have the final word in the decision-making process.

Ask how many weddings a consultant works on while working on yours. For example a professional wedding consultant who is full-service will work on 2-3 weddings per month.

Make sure you are comfortable with your consultant. Does she listen attentively? Is she pushy? Is she available at your convenience when you need her?

Ask for three referrals from past brides and speak with them.

[beloved40]

Hi Tranquil,

The article outlined some good information. When seeking a wedding planner, consider personality types too. Consider event planners in addition to wedding planners..people who plan different types of events to get a well-rounded experienced person who can handle various types of situations. Their events should be documented with before/after photos and references. While having credentials identifies a person's formal training in the business, it is the "real-life" experience that people remember.

By Faith, In Spirit, Beyond Excellence
Belinda Moore
Divine Decorum
event planning and design

[mdbunny]

Thanks for this info Tranquil,

I need this I have a few planners that i am interviewing this weekend.

[mrsbrown2]

A good friend of mine offered to plan my wedding for $200. My, mom, my sister and I planned my sister's wedding in 2002. We now know how to put on an elegant, inexpensive wedding without buying too much food etc... Her wedding was beautiful. Needless to say... that's $200 that will be spent on things for my wedding.

[Tranquil]

I found this list in an article:

Wedding planner services:

1) Determine and maintain the parameters of an overall budget
2) Setting and attending appointments with vendors, such as:
a) Ceremony and Reception Site Selection
b) Caterer (If necessary)
c) Bridle Salon dress selections
d) Florist, Decor or Production Company
e) Entertainment (Band or DJ)
f) Musicians for Ceremony
g) Photographer
h) Videographer
I) Baker
j) Officiant
k) Calligrapher
l) Transportation for the wedding day
3) Review all of their contracts for completeness or omissions
4) Provide constant communication with all of the vendors they select
5) Assistance with Invitations, Favors and Accessories
6) Assistance with Save the Date cards/letters
7) Assist with organizing the rehearsal dinner
8) Assist with Accommodations
9) Handle shipping and receiving when they need to send items for the wedding
10) Wedding Day Director Service
- Orchestrating and directing their Rehearsal and Ceremony, working side by side with the officiant and other vendors

We are also there to:
- be an efficiency expert and organizer, advising what to do when their plans seem overwhelming
- help them understand costs and services and professional lingo
- work side by side with the other vendors to ensure the day flows smoothly
- be an advocate who works on their behalf to get the best services, quality, and prices
- oversee all the work done by all the vendors they hire, whether my recommendation or not
- anticipate problems before they arise and solve them, most times without the bride and groom even knowing about them
- handle last minute details or errands that need to be taken care of
- prepare schedules and itineraries for the vendors
- be an extra set of hands that can handle all the details for them
- be a mediator to run interference with vendors and family members
- diplomatically explain to a difficult relative or guest why toddlers have not been invited
- be an independent third party who is a detached problem solver and not embroiled in family situations or emotional decisions

[judysworld]

I had one! I was in the same position as Hayisha with a very hectic schedule and I just did not have time for the little details and follow up. That is actually one of the main reasons I picked my wedding location site because I was able to have both the reception and ceremony at the same place and worked with their vendors, thus minimizing extra work. The coordinator was so wonderful and essential particularly at rehearsal time and the wedding day. I literally was able to sit back and watch as she told people where to go and what to do. All I had to do was look pretty and smile :) My family was able to relax and enjoy the day too because she took care of everything!

I say, if you can afford it and you can find a GOOD planner, then GO FOR IT.


I didn't have one, but I am all for getting one. My budget was extremely important to me and so i did it myself. I burnt myself out I think, judging from how sick i was for months after the wedding. But truly, once I stopped planning, I hate to say this: I missed it.

But I am over that now! More Power To You All!!!

[BirdSong]

i wonder if it matters what "color" my planner is. I haven't seen any indication one way or the other or heard of any soulful planners in my area.....but I suppose it wont matter....but then again...maybe it WILL

[socialite149]

I am using a planner because I have a busy schedule(I also have a 3 year old daughter). I also am bad at keeping organized and I need that in my life...lol. I hired a planner because I just don't want to be overly stressed on my wedding day. On that day I do not feel like having to babysit my family and direct them where to go and what to do. I just want them to defer to my coordinator, kind of like a buffer, because my fam knows how to work a nerve. Also, I am not very knowledgable when it comes to weddings (order of service, flower types, etc.), so I welcome input from someone who has some expertise.

[ChicagoBride]

Yes, I am going with a planner. I am super anal and I will need someone to take things off my plate as we get closer to the day of the wedding. I like this planner because this is her full time job. I'm not competing with her day job. The package that we're going with is tailored to day of services. However, there are some planning meetings before the wedding that are part of the package to include rehearsal and day of coordination at the church and the reception site. I have booked all my vendors, but she will be mananaging them to insure they make good on the contract and that they in fact show up when they are supposed to and that the vision of the day is carried out. I can't be in two places at once and I don't want ANY vendors calling me on the day of the wedding. She is also going to insure that the wedding party is where they are supposed to be at the right time. I can't and will not have time to police everyone. This is probably going to be one of the best investments for the wedding day. Plus, I like the planner as a person and I don't feel she will try to take over.

Regarding the hostesses. I only have 2. We also have 3 ushers that will chip in with helping too. I may get another hostesses whomever asks can they help with something!!!! Alot of people avoid weddings because they know it's a financial committment.

[kia1908]

So random question....

Is it unreasonable to ask my hostesses to serve during the rehearsal dinner (cafeteria style)? I haven't asked yet. But, I was thinking about it.

[azdelta10]

Alot of my hostesses will be serving at the rehearsal dinner but I will have servers the day of so they won't really have much to do on the actual wedding day. If I were you I would say fix it where maybe they can "volunteer" to serve at the rehearsal dinner and that way you're not really asking them to do it. Mine volunteered to do mine. Just my opinion. How many do you have? The reason I asked is maybe you can split the responsibilties amongst them.

[kia1908]

Alot of my hostesses will be serving at the rehearsal dinner but I will have servers the day of so they won't really have much to do on the actual wedding day. If I were you I would say fix it where maybe they can "volunteer" to serve at the rehearsal dinner and that way you're not really asking them to do it. Mine volunteered to do mine. Just my opinion. How many do you have? The reason I asked is maybe you can split the responsibilties amongst them.

Thanks for the suggestion. I have 7 hostesses. I think that is what I'll do. During the wedding reception I won't need them to serve. But, the rehearsal dinner is going to be catered at my church and I honestly don't have folks I can count on to serve. I think I will just send them an email along with my FSIL, a one of my cousins to see if anyone would like to help out with that :) Thanks a bunch!

[ChicagoBride]

I don't think there is anything wrong with asking hostesses to serve. I have been to weddings where they did this.

[Marisgirl]

:bump:

I will be combining all of these in a second.

[Marisgirl]

:bump:

[ini]

Tasha I did not have a wedding planner so to speak. The cruise line assigned me someone to assist but they sucked butt.

I did have 3 Day Of Coordinators though.

[mrs.melton08]

I am not using a full wedding planner, but I have a wonderful Day of Coordinator :D

[mybaby'squeen]

I also don't have a wedding planner but will be having a Day of Coordinator. Not to mention I also have a Banquet Manager from the venue. :)