To hire a wedding planner vs. Not having one

If its in your budget then go for it. If not maybe get some help from your bridal party/family members

We're only using a DOC. Like Michele said in her post, a good DOC can create your vision without the need of a planner! I opted out because I get overwhelmed and stressed easily, so a planner was not a good idea for me. If you like to schedule appointments and keep things organized your way, then I would skip it. Often times a planner can cause more added stress.

Just make sure you know what your vision is for your wedding, and express that in detail to your DOC.

We had both. Having a planner is nice for the purpose of ordering things and taking the stress off of you. However, the day of coordinator is by far the most important! They will be your point of contact on your wedding day with all of your vendors, help with set up and break down, and make sure everything runs smoothly.

If you don't want to do the bulk of the planning, a wedding planner would be great but I think a Day of Coordinator is a must have. I don't know what we would've done without ours! She was an absolute lifesaver.

I went with full Planning. I lost my grandmother 10 days after I got engaged, and my planner has not only been there to help me find vendors, have guided meetings and basically hold my hand during this process, but she has been a shoulder to cry and she lifts me up. I'm glad I did it.

I just hired the day of coordinator. I haven't met her in person yet but have talked to her through phone and email a lot and she seems great and I have confidence in her. I am lucky to have my mom though who has been involved with all the planning. I originally just wanted to get married at the courthouse because I hate planning parties but my mom loves this stuff lol. So she said she would help me with it. My mom is very good at decorating and getting things prepared and done and talking to people and finding good deals. And she knows what my vision is so I trust both of them to make it happen. I keep telling her this is what she should have done for a living. lol