Hire a event planner o not ??

We didn’t hire a DOC or planner. I literally did everything using the WW checklist on this site and I am not stressed about forgetting anything whatsoever. Actually, I checked off all the extra things in the beginning I knew we wouldn’t do (write vows, pick flower girl dresses, etc). It’s very detailed, and I don’t see why more women don’t use them.

I think the checklists online are really helpful, but personal advice from someone who's done a lot of weddings before can be invaluable. I'd recommend considering a coordinator - it sounds like you have a good handle on the planning, but having someone to make sure the day-of goes smoothly and help give you a sanity check could be nice. We ended up getting a month-of-coordinator, but even just getting her for day-of-coordination gave you access to her planning software, vendor recommendations, and answers to any questions we can think of to send her.

A day of may be very useful if you have the budget for one. They'll make sure the vendors, reception space, you and others are running on time. They're there to handle the behind-the-scenes so you don't have to.

I definitely think a day of coordinator is a good choice. I used the checklists in the beginning but found myself forgetting things not on the checklist or not even thinking about it. I eventually ended up getting a wedding coordinator 6 months before the wedding. This was a personal choice and more about my scheduling and being able to focus on planning because of my job. If you think it will help in the long run and it's in the budget go for it. Otherwise, keep on planning and enjoy the process.

I don't think a planner is needed, unless you just don't want to be bothered with planning yourself. And it sounds like you are doing a great job so far. I would suggest hiring a DOC though. That way they can handle everything on the actual day, so you can relax and enjoy your special day that you worked so hard to plan. Plus a DOC can help you remember everything you may have forgotten and give a few tips and tricks.

It sounds like you have done a lot yourself. However, are your wedding and reception on the same day? Orlando and Tampa are 1.5 hours from each other. How do you plan on getting everything set up at both places without assistance? We have a planner and DOC (same person) and I have found it very helpful. It's not necessary. But in your situation with your events being so far apart, I would think a DOC would be important.

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much💖

Thank you so much for all your tips and opinions.
I have a budget set but I Im looking for something smaller but at the same time very classy, although the Ceremony and Reception will be the same day.😳
My ceremony is from 2-:00pm -3:00pm and them I have 30 minutes more for photos and I expect 1:30 driving to our reception.

You don't need a planner. As PP have said use checklists and keep yourself organized and you will be fine!

Choosing a coordinator is a very personal decision. I have all the checklists and binders, we chose our vendors ourself and paid the initial deposits ourself. However, I get really bad anxiety with all the moving parts of the wedding day so we chose a Month Of Coordinator. She will be the primary contact with all of our vendors in the month prior to the wedding, if there are mistakes, I wont know about them, we are having a buffet but she will bring the groom and I our plates of food. All the those details are important to us and covered.

I needed the coordinator for my own peace of mind, instead of a lack of planning.

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much 😊 I really appreciate.

I don't thing you need a wedding planner especially if you have a year or more to plan. if you're an organized person and aren't afraid to make lists for each month of your timeline, i think you'll be fine. i almost looked into getting a wedding planner but i've enjoyed planning all of our wedding ourselves. now maybe look into a day of coordinator if you want someone to take care of everything on THE DAY but i think you should utilize all the website, blogs and PINTEREST and save yourself some money!