Is hiring a wedding planner really necessary?

As the saying goes you don't know what your missing until you see it. I have planner and she was absolutely woth every penny. I have gotten great advise, saved so much money on vendors and the peace of mind knowing that my day will be all taken care of without me having to think or worry about a single thing. All I will need to do is show up.

I am a bride in school to be a planner and I have a planner for the day of.

Truly, it all depends. Some people need a planner. Others prefer a planner. Others do not need one. There is no right or wrong, so you need to make that decision based on your wants, needs, time, etc.

I have planned many events in my life. So, when my daughter got married, there ws no need for a planner. Even though I'm busy, it was still very easy. But, that is due to the fact that I have put on several events and have the contacts that we needed.

A good planner is worth their weight in gold. Weddings have become so complicated, with so many vendors, it's really like putting on a broadway production. A day of (really a month of) coordinator will make sure all the services and pros you've so carefully chosen will work together beautifully on your wedding day without you having to keep track of it all.

I think it totally depends on how organized you are, how creative you or your friends and family are, how helpful and supportive those friends and family will be (especially on the day), and your budget. I didn't think it was even an option financially and didn't have any idea how much actually goes into planning a wedding. But, my fiance was with me at the Seattle Wedding Show and we met our new best friend...a wedding planner who charges 10% of your budget, has wonderfully creative ideas, a degree in set design, an amazing resume with event planning...even having worked closely as one of Kevin Covey's right hand gals! She's a sweet heart of a girl and a dream to work with as well. Once Jim heard everything she does...and the stress it would take off of me...and therefore off of him...tee hee...he couldn't sign her up fast enough. We really lucked out and honestly...I have no worries since she's handling everything so exceptionally well.

I am not having one at all that is extra money I can put towards something more important. I am happily doing it myself with the help of family and friends. You know yourself and you know what you can handle.

I asked my Godmother to be our wedding coordinator and she was thrilled! I knew our day of would be extremely hectic and we would need someone to keep us on track. She has since taken the role further by helping in the planning too. Maybe there is someone special with some organzational skills you could ask to help.

If you do not want to pay for a wedding planner, then don't. If your mother is insisting on it alot, you can tell her if she wants to pay for one then by all means hire one, but make it clear you will not pay for one because you would rather put money into the honeymoon, etc. than a wedding planner.

I am a program planner by trade, but wanted someone who knew the wedding-specific details I am not privy to (ex. etiquette, ideas, help with vendor coordination, details) and day of coordination. I have one that came with my location, but buyer beware. She does not have good reviews. CHECK the reviews before you sign the dotted line... When your planner tells you she's "not into details" you know you're in for a rough ride...

I vote yes my dear. If not full planning, at least day of. And HIRE PROFESSIONAL not your favorite aunt or cousin. Keeping thing is order, being an effective go to person, and keeping you on time will be essential to a great day. As a photographer, I see it too many times the stress, the lateness and again the stress that manifests itself on the big day. I think its worth every penny to at least get day of assistance.

Good luck with what ever you choose.

Natalie

Hello all and thank you for the comments. I agree that planning a wedding can be fun for the couple but I also strongly suggest not to be totally opposed to the idea of using either a wedding planner or wedding day coordinator. Here's why:

- Marriage involves more than just planning a wedding. Lots of couples barely take a step back to really think through the first day of the rest of their lives. They get consummed with moving through wedding checklists and often feel very stressed. With someone by your side, you know they can do the research for you while you get to enjoy your engagement period & wedding day.

- Most likely than not, the cost of a planner pays for itself. Seasoned and Certified Planners have a bunch of connections with preffered vendors who offer discounts. Or they able to negotiate better prices because they know the wedding business. So by using a planner, you are pretty much getting the best of both worlds. Saving money and getting help to manage ur big day.

XO

A wedding planner could just be the best thing you spend money on. We spoke to wedding planning specialist and director at http://houseplantation.com , to find out why you should hire a wedding planner. Here are top ten reasons:

You deserve everything to be perfect on your big day.

Your wedding planning experience should be enjoyable, not stressful.

You need help making your vision a reality.

You’re struggling to meet the demands of your friends and family.

You’re planning a wedding somewhere other than where you live.

You need help figuring out the budget.

You don’t have time to plan a wedding.

You should be 100% present for your wedding day.

Read more reasons here

http://offbeatbride.com/2010/06/do-you-need-a-wedding-planner

http://mydeejay.com/2009/07/why-you-should-hire-a-wedding-planner-wedding-advice/

http://www.lilyandroseco.com/blog/2014/9/10/is-it-really-necessary-to-hire-day-of-coordinator-for-my-wedding