Wedding Planner

irisheyezfsu

Did anyone use a wedding planner? or even if only partial services? If what was the cost, if you don't mind me asking?

I am realizing that this is going to be fairly difficult for myself and my FI to get down to florida to look at venues etc. As well as other items.  Don't want a venue taken because I couldn't tour early enough. 

Did any of you ladies plan a central florida wedding from out of town?

mlharbis

I am using Kristy Rapp. She is great! I am using her for DOC and she has done so much for me-even stuff that I wouldnt figure just a DOC would do. I would def recommend using someone.

Megs30

I am using Kristen McDonald from Blush by Brandee Gaar as my DOC.  She is so sweet.  The great thing about their Day of Package is it starts six weeks out.

irisheyezfsu

What does a day of cermemony usually do, and what are the average cost around?

ericak926

A Day of Coordinator does the rehearsal coordination, coordinates with all vendors on your day of, supervises and helps set up on the day of, etc.
I am using Ashlie Hampton with Weddings in the City (www.wedinthecity.com) Her rates just went up the first of the year so I'm not exactly sure what the new amount is but probably around $800. She is worth every penny though.

Happy Abby

I am using Amanda and Michelle from Finalizd Touch. They are DOC but I hired them first and so far they are helping me with everything, there super helpful and nice. I think they can do full planning or just DOC and they work with your budget.  We paid 700 for DOC. This getting married stuff gets overwelming They even helped us book a DJ already and got us an amazing price.
www.finalizdtouch.com

Pretty Parula

You can also contact our own dear Charisma - she's now into the wedding planning business!

DOC's should take care of all set up, arrangements of itinerary for you and your vendors, offer suggestions for vendors, and call/e-mail with you as much as you need. If you need someone to go to meetings and stuff with you or for you, though, you may need the next level up (full coordination). GL!

jmucheech21

I am using Karen from Exquisite Weddings of Central FL.  She's been very wonderful.  I'm not real sure what her prices are for the various packages, though, to be honest.  You should check out her website.  I recommend her highly.

therockisblinding05

I'm using Ashlie from wed in the city. I def. 2nd her rec on her in a previous post! I am also planning a central florida wedding from out of town- it's a lot of back and forth, so the more things you can do online, and the more people you have scoping things out for you, the better. When I was interviewing vendors, I would just make like 4 appointments in one day- exhausting but it made the trip worth it. If you don't have any family in the area, a planner is a must!

cherriterri519

I'm using Ashlie as well as my DOC.  I live in NJ, so it was a little challenging to plan the wedding from so far away, but luckily my twin sister lives in Orlando so she helped a lot.  Wedding planning was also a good excuse to see my sister every few months, so I actually made quite a few trips to Orlando.

irisheyezfsu

I have my parents in the area, but at this time they don't seem to want to be involved. 800 for a doc seems to be the average on here.  Thank you for all the o recomendations.  I want to plan so much of this myself but I might have to find the money somewhere and get a planner to help me coordinate vedors etc too.

erin72682

I am also using Ashlie from Wed in the City ... but my main contact is a new addition to Ashlie's team, her name is Rachel.  She's one of my sister's long time best friends.  Wonderful girls.  I believe her current package for rehearsal and day of coordination is $950.  I also agree with the 'worth every penny' comments.

mlharbis

I feel like Kristy is around $500 but I'm not sure, as with the others, I think her rates just went up because she is very popular now. She is doing all of that typical day of and rehearsal stuff for me, but she also got quotes from vendors for me (like for reception chairs), had vendor lists for ideas to set up meetings with, was willing to set up any meetings and talk money with them, and she has lots of stuff to borrow (like jars for the candy or cookie buffet, easel, large picture frames, birdcage and other gift card boxes etc). I love her and she is def worth every penny!!!!!

mlharbis

here is her website: http://www.kristyrappevents.com/essential_wedding.html

I did the essential wedding package. On her site is says starts at $250 so I guess it is very customizable.

briehannah

I am also using Kristen at Blush for my DOC. She is wonderful! I loved her the moment we met!!! She is so helpful and thier package is very detailed, even for a DOC package. PLUS... i have been emailing her with questions since our first meeting and she alsways gets back to me with great answers!

nhshorty

We are using Sonya Keller at Busy Brides.  Her DOC is around $750.  We are planning from afar as well and couldn't do it without local help! 

Pretty Parula

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_florida-central-florida_wedding-planner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:66Discussion:813c3adf-0f2b-4bec-8b80-a1e8c9b0a125Post:88004556-a4d5-475a-9c03-81a3ed8f31f4">Re: Wedding Planner</a>:
[QUOTE]We are using Sonya Keller at Busy Brides.  Her DOC is around $750.  We are planning from afar as well and couldn't do it without local help! 
Posted by nhshorty[/QUOTE]

<div>When I was looking for a DOC I contacted Busy Brides through their website and they never replied to my e-mail. This may be atypical for them, but you may want to keep that in mind.</div>