Wedding planner!?

I think this depends on whether you guys have planner and super organized personalities. My husband and I planned our wedding without hiring a planner while both working 8-5 office jobs 5 days/week. Family did help with centerpieces and the seating chart, but we pretty much did all of the planning. I’m that type A, spreadsheets, do everything as early as possible type of person who loves to organize things, so I was ok with it. Some people aren’t like that though and would rather have a third party person keep them on track.


I would highly recommend a day-of coordinator AT LEAST though. They help keep your day running smoothly, keep tabs on the vendors, and make sure family and close friends can just enjoy and be present on your wedding day instead of having to “work” it.

I guess it depends how hands on you’d like to be. We didn’t have a wedding planner at all. Did everything ourselves. Like Erin said, it all depends on what you’re like and how much you want to be hands on. It’s totally doable without one. But I will highly second a day of coordinator. People don’t always thing one is necessary or they’d ask friends and family to help run their day. Don’t do that. I would’ve let go of whatever I had to in my budget to fit in my day of coordinator and I’m glad I did. She was my savior wedding day

It depends on your budget and how flexible you are with decor.

We both have 9-5 full time jobs, but didn't hire a planner; we also have had about 1.5 years to plan our wedding, so that gave us time to DIY a lot of stuff and coordinate with our venue on a lot of things. The Director of Events at our venue has been extremely helpful, as well.

From a lot of our other friends, they've recommended wedding planners because they just didn't want to deal with a lot of things themselves. Because both of you will be unable to plan for those 7.5 months in boot camp (which is a long time), having a planner would help a lot so you're not cramming a ton of stuff into the months leading up to the wedding and getting last-minute pricing or finding a bunch of things you want booked up.

I don't think they're necessary. If the budget is tight as you say, I'd forgo it.

100 ppl is a fairly large wedding. But, fret not if your 5 months together start now, you two should be able to select your venue and most vendors in 1-2 months. I would save booking makeup and hair until 2024 or go to a local salon. You and FS could even select save the dates and invitations early.


Wedding design/ decor can be simplified. I chose wedding colors using my venue's colors and searching online invitations with these color combos (ombre is chic 😉). Your attire can be chosen early, and up to 8 months ahead. The rest is waiting really! Also, if you don't Love DIY, don't bother. Let your rental person and florist handle decor. You can also nix the WP and signage/ programs for simplification, too. I planned in 5 months so it can be done. I had a Planner in the end for execution and moral support. Good luck.