Pros and cons - Wedding Planner

Is florida a destination wedding for you? Meaning your not local to the area? I think you could probably find a venue on your own. You can search the vendor tab here and on herecomestheguide, wedding-spot and see what pops up. You can also contact the local beaches (usually the city hall) and ask for the requirements as they tend to know whats included and what you will need. If after doing this you find its difficult then you may been a wedding planner. You could also plan a trip to go to the area your interested in to get more information. A wedding planner basically helps you find a venue, researches vendors (catering, photo/video, florist, etc) They will usually use your input and opinion when making these decisions. However, if you feel this is something you can do without them then don't hire one. Give it a shot and then decide. Usually some people choose the wedding planner if they have never been to the area, don't plan to travel to the area, or are really busy and don't have the time to do all the moving parts in planning.

I am honestly a planning freak!! If it's something I have control over, like my wedding, I'm not gonna throw away money to have someone else live that experience for me. Of course I understand it is a job and people do study for this, but I don't think you will always come across professionalism. Imagine having to pay someone to tell you how your wedding should go? I waited my whole life to let someone else take in this moment. But of course it's personal preference and not that you won't find professionalism, but if you are overall an organized person, it's fun. I literally began my plans the day after I got engaged and I have crossed off so many things from my to-do list. I even have a wedding notebook that I started when I did research the first 4 months and now I have my wedding binder where as I begin to finalize certain details, I separate in tabs. I know, OCD much? Lol but you typically only do this once. Make the best of it and have a great support system. Best of luck!

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I do live in FL, and the beach im wanting to get married at is just over an hour away. Its the Beach my family and I use to go to every year for Easter and I have so many fond memories of the place and it just seems like the perfect location to get married at.

My fiancee and I also went there together just this year, it was our first Easter together as a couple and being there with him just made me so unbelievably happy.

Unless you're swamped in all other areas of your life, I personally don't think a WP is necessary. Most venues will provide a DOC, and IMO that's enough for me.

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Im kinda at a loss of how to start outside of I know where i would like the venue to be. Ive never had to plan for any kind of party or event before. Wedding Wire does help some for planning but i guess alot of it is going to be trial and error. Thankfullly i still have plenty of time to work out kinks xD

View Quoted Comment Well that's definitely a good start having your venue pinpointed will help you find other vendors like cators, DJs, Baker's, flower shops, etc are located. You want to try to find things at least within a 25 mile radius. Always make travel an essential part of your planning. Think about how you, your guests and vendors will get there.

I am extremely OCD when it comes to detail as well as being a bit of a control freak with things like this. No way would I pay someone else to plan my day. I did everything myself and it was perfect. I also work a full time job and I am a mom of 4 kiddos.

I hired a full service wedding planner and it’s the best money I’ve ever spent. All I knew was the venue I wanted to get married at but beyond that I had no idea. I’m not one of those girls who had her wedding planned on Pinterest and I didn’t know anything about what decorations I wanted or centerpieces or color scheme etc. If you can afford it I would highly recommend it. But just beware that it is expensive.

If you love to plan and have the time wedding planning can be fun but also stressful. I think a huge part depends on your personality and your venue. For example: if you love planning then you can pull anything off. If you aren’t really into planning save yourself the stress and get a planner. Also, if the venue is all inclusive you will probably have a DOC and they include all the essentials. I would’ve had to get a planner if I was going to be worried about renting utensils, plates, tables, etc

I am a merchandise planner for a living so I couldn’t let go of planning the details of our day. I did hire a planner through a wedding day management package. This is way above and beyond to day of coordination but I still have control over the details. I can communicate with the planners through the whole process & ask questions, go through details, vendor recommendations, etc. Once I book a vendor they take over. Walk throughs & multiple strategy sessions are included as well. Obviously on the day of they will be there to make sure all is set up and moving smoothly.