I thought Id come back and share some of my experience. We had a great day- weather was FABULOUS after months of pouring rain and ceremony was outside on Lake Huron. So we were unbelievably lucky. Anyway- I kept ceremony decor simple because it was on a beach there already is a lot to look at and I'm so glad I didn't spend the money there. What my florist did was great. I thought my big waste of money was a trolley to take my guests to ceremony site and back to town. It was $1800 and only 3 people rode the trolley! 3 people! What a waste. So I wouldn't spend the money- your guests will figure out ceremony transportation- parking was very limited at our ceremony because it was at our house and still no one took it.
I spent extra on the food and music and booze and everyone has commented how great it was so that was money well spent. I had a live band and it was worth the splurge. I also spent extra on photographer because I'm not very photogenic and he made me look great. I'm thrilled and it was money well spent.
Definitely a wedding planner if you can swing it is worth it. I couldn't find one and did it myself and day of I felt was somewhat chaotic. We made it work and it ended up pretty much perfect- some minor stuff but everything major I wanted happened. A planner would've made for less stress for us though. We thought our family would be more helpful. but they weren't on the day and that added some extra work we didn't need while trying to get ready. Our friends helped a ton so that saved us. Moral of story hire someone - your friends and family mean well, but they're worried about their own outfits and partying and without someone to organize them they aren't much ac dual help. Lol
Hopefully this helps someone else with planning. In the end the day will be amazing for all of you as it was for us
