Wedding planner or go it alone?

There are definitely advantages to having a planner! And, remember, planners have all different kinds of packages available according to what you need. If you want to do most of the planning yourself, but need someone to "help out" with all the stressful stuff (organzing all the vendors, contracts, guest list, etc.) then a planner is a GREAT idea! Just because you hire a planner doesn't mean they take over and take control of the wedding! You can control on what level they help. They see wedding after wedding, and can predict what may or may not go wrong, and be proactive about it before it happens!

I have to add that it may also depend on your budget. I think a $5,000 would be a lot easier to do yourself than a $40,000 wedding. A lot more goes into bigger budgets. So that might also be a factor in your decision.

Of course, you know what I'll say - I'm a planner! If you feel you need one, by all means check into it! Most will charge a package or percentage rate for planning the "whole thing."

Also, we're professionals, not living out our wedding fantasies on other people. It is most definately "Your Day" - we want your wedding to be beautiful and uniquely you, a professional is not about taking over your design, but abour making your vision a reality. If you get the vibe during your interview process that the planner is not catching your vision, that planner is probably not for you. Ask nearly anyone who had a good planner, and they'll tell you it was worth every penny.

You'll want one with a few weddings under their belt who has local industry contacts, which will save you time, stress and, more often than not, money.

Whatever you choose to do, do make a wedding book with ideas, clippings, color swatches (paint swatches are great because they are standard) guest lists, and so on.

I have to agree with thepotters, a wedding planner can be very very beneficial. I was lucky enough to find two and they have helped me literally from having 50 panic attacks, even after we've had to change the date twice. And the total cost for full service was less than a thousand. So, I say if you need the help please get it.

My advice... wait a bit. if you start looking things up and trying to do things, and you feel that youd really like help, then go for it! if you start feeling overwhelmed about planning early on a planner might be good for you. plus, like some pp said, they know what theyre doing. they may charge a pretty penny for some but they can also save you alot of money! if i had the money, i would get one. im only not because our wedding is wayyyyyy small. very very low budget, and were doing things diy.

I thought the same question before, but then I started getting ideas from the ladies here and talking to friends and family who have already gotten married or are in the process of and I realized that I could pull it off on my own as opposed to hiring someone to do it for me. We have a pretty big wedding of about 250 guests and it really hasn't been that hard, but it all depends on how you handle things.

I would suggest you set up an appt with a few planners, get an idea of what they will do for you and how they can help. I am sure most offer a free initial consultation. I am an Officiant and based on my own experience with brides, grooms and their families on their wedding day those that have planners or at the least day of coordinators are much less stressed. They are truly enjoying the day and they should it is their day. The family and the bride & groom are buffered by the planner for any mishaps. Planners don't turn your wedding into their wedding. They are not David Tutera giving a wedding for a tv show picking out your gown etc They use your budget and your vision and pull it all together. Seriously, it can't hurt to sit down with a few of them, see what they offer and get some prices. Be honest with them with your budget and your vision. At the very least, you will know if a planner is right for you and your question will be answered. I wish you the very best.

I would have to say get a planner, If you have a good one you will still be in charge to have the wedding of you dreams, however the planning is the one running around making phones getting you discounts. And the day the of the wedding the planner is the one that is fixing all the things that your mother or friend will end of doing. I hired Careylynne cost me $2,400. However she was able to get me discounts of photography, Cakes and invitation, flowers and linen that more then paid for the cost of her fee. Not to mention she handle my inlaws grandparents and My mom from getting there wedding they never had and allowed me to have my wedding. Just my 2cents.

I have a friend who is going to start going to school this month for wedding planning, so I volunteered to be his first "client." He told me the other day that since he had already started helping me plan before we discussed payment, then he couldn't charge me. I will still give him money on the day of. But, I think it is a win/win for the both of us. I get help and he gets a first client. He also said he is going to do my cake. He won't tell me exactly how though. Because he is my friend, I know that I will have the final say in how things go. But it will be nice to have someone to take care of things, like paying people, on the big day.

I definitely think you should get a planner, I didnt think we could fit it into our budget until I found our planner. She had an offer going on and we were able to afford, so look for things like that here on ww, its definitely worth it, they are there every step of the way, they meet vendors with you, they speak up for you when needed..and im sure are so worth it on the day of. Our planner to this day has been great, and shes been giving us ideas on centerpieces and she has a lot of stuff too that we can use..such as vases, you can rent dresses, rent so much more,such as charger plates, candles, linens, chair covers. I definitely think a planner is worth the money.

WAIT....gather your ideas and insppirations for what your dream wedding will be. See what venues you like/love. Flowers you like, colors and so forth. Start organizing your ideas and decide what you can and can't handle. Most wedding planners including myself work with budget brides to get them discounts on venues, decorations, photo/video. That is the benefit to working with a planner. But please before you choose a planner, get one with a fun and upbeat personality and style. She/He should be able to be and organizer, negotiator, and mediator so that you will have less stress and more money and happier moments. If you dont have much time to plan or create DIY projects a planner can be very beneficial.

If you are looking for someone to interview, contact me. If I am not what your looking for I know of a few great other planners that work in your area.

CONGRADULATIONS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT AND GOOD LUCK!!!!