Wedding Planners

nbalsone

Hi Everyone!  I was just curious how people felt about hiring a wedding planner?  Are you going to hire a planner to do everything from day one or are you just going to hire a day of coordinator (or maybe none at all)?  Who would you recommend as a wedding planner and why?  Please let me know your experiences!  Thanks!  

Soon2BSand

I initially thought I'd just have a day of coordinator... but I became OVERWHELMED with it all and hired a full blown planner.

Best decision of my life. 

MrsSmith2Be02

I just have a DOC...because I'm a planner myself. LOL! However, if I were in the shoes of my brides, I would at least hire a Partial planner if I have already secured my venue and caterer and let him/her do the rest.

ymw6110

I've loved planning my own wedding. Eventhough I haven't had much time betweeen work and school. I have someone there on the day of to streamline th process.

Laurie&Brandon

I'm planning to plan most of my wedding, and then hire a day-of coordinator.

I havent looked in to anyone in particular yet, but one of my vendors recommended Ashley Baber!

pokepoke27

I plan on doing all of it myself. I'd like to have a DOC but that doesn't look like it's going to be in the budget. 

n82ureluvr915

I highly recommend having one at least for the day of. You don't want people running to you if something happens. Look on Wedding Wire for reviews but I would consider

My Bride Idea
A Flawless Event
Ashley Baber

MrsSmith2Be02

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_georgia-atlanta_wedding-planners-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:58Discussion:c9e5a6e0-cd4d-4911-970b-d15fc78c0644Post:498657f0-9839-4428-8508-51b0171811ee">Re: Wedding Planners</a>:
[QUOTE]I plan on doing all of it myself. <strong>I'd like to have a DOC but that doesn't look like it's going to be in the budget. 
</strong>Posted by pokepoke27[/QUOTE]

You really need to rethink this....unless you are having a small wedding. DOCs make sure everything runs smoothly. Otherwise who would do it? Your mom will be busy, your bridesmaids will be attending to you. Personally, I don't want my family to have to "work" at my wedding. As guests, we never really see the behind the scenes that happens. But you need someone to keep the timeline moving. Tell the DJ when to cue the songs, tell the caterer we're ready for salads to be served, etc. If not, it will turn into pure chaos.

jerseylisa

Totally agree with MrsSmith2Be02. I was initially hesitant on the DOC idea, but I think it's going to be worth the cost just to give me peace of mind. I hate the idea of spending all this time, money and energy for months before the wedding and not having everything go smoothly on the big day. I don't want to be so worried and stressed about all the details - big and small - that I don't enjoy myself . And I don't want my family or friends to be working and not have be able to have fun either. So I'm just going to have to find the money somehow, which I think is going to, in the grand scheme of things, be one of the best investments I make in this wedding. I am talking to a couple of people, but am happy to take suggestions on DOCs if anyone has them!

nbalsone

Thanks for all the comments!  I think I am going to at least get a DOC to help make sure things run smoothly and put me at ease.  Does anyone have a wedding planner they would recommend?

em01092

My florist does DOC services at a discount for her clients. See if any of your vendors do this or at least may know someone who is good! 

jpatl67

I am definitely having a DOC help with my wedding. There are just too many details and I tend to get stressed very easily. So the additional help from someone that is either not a family member (most will be too busy making sure their kids are behaving) or a friend (who may end up getting wasted by the time for our send-off). I met with Leah Bilz of The Whole Shebang. She's great and most importantly reasonably priced. Some other DOC's are really expensive. But Leah is organized and has a lot of experience in the wedding industry. 

ButterflyChickadee

I'm doing it all myself, I know tons of vendors and they are mostly friends and they know what I want. Our dj is one we met at a wedding we catered and the couple didn't have a coordinator, but this DJ acted as such, he was AWESOME! The best ever. If you need suggestions for vendors, let us know. How long til your wedding? Heck, I could do it! Could be fun! I'm being serious.