Hiring a Planner?

MelissaC20

So I was poking around a few other boards, and saw some girls talking about using planners. I've already done a lot of planning myself, already found a florist, band, venue, dresses- the big stuff. Invitations and other decor my best friend and I are DIYing.

Is anyone hiring a planner? I was thinking of getting one just for the rehearsal and day-of the wedding to organize the vendors and set-up the reception stuff with my DIY decor so I don't have to stress about it. I got a good price! Anyone else thinking about it?

Laurms15

I hired a DOC who did the rehearsal and took care of a lot of the other details and it was a really awesome decision. PM me if you have any other questions!

NJhousewife22

We have a "weekend coordinator" and event his far out she has been invaluable. I have a lot of DIY, am doing a formal rehearsal dinner and a day-after brunch and absolutely needed someone to take some things off my plate. I definitely recommend doing it if you have other events that weekend or don't have a set venue contact person.

NicoleAnita

Who are people using?  We were considering it and want to revisit it in the fall.

tinabarrina

I'm using one also - PM me for the details!

peaches178

I never thought a coordinator would be necessary... especially since I'm ridiculously organized.  However, Merri from Guide the Bride was INCREDIBLE and I experienced a completely stress-free day (and stress-free weeks minus my family drama leading up to the wedding).  It definitely wouldn't have been like that had she not been around.
My complete review of her is on the vendor review site: http://nnjknottievendors.weebly.com/. Her website is: www.guidethebride.net.

ETA: We only utilized Merri as a morning-of coordinator, so she stayed with us just until the ceremony was about to begin.  That's really all we needed (and all anyone needs, I think) because once the ceremony is underway your venue and maitre d' should be able to handle everything.  For me, the morning was so important because of issues specific to me (I only had 2 bridesmaids with me that morning and no one else around to help with things, FI's side is always late and most had never attended an American wedding before so the one's involved in the wedding had no idea what to expect, we didn't have a rehearsal the night before, etc).

NJhousewife22

I am using Plan it with Debs. Love her!

http://www.planitwithdebs.com/

wedwed11

I second Merri from Guide the Bride.
I think it is a MUST to have someone around to help who knows how to run things. I am organized but I feel better knowing that I will have someone there with experience dealing with my vendors.

goaliegirl

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_hiring-planner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:6739f839-adcf-4294-babc-90a9925aa8cfPost:6a28e7ca-d9dd-4d3b-b090-d97c6f3ba7eb">Re: Hiring a Planner?</a>:
[QUOTE]I second Merri from Guide the Bride.<strong> I think it is a MUST to have someone around to help who knows how to run things.</strong> I am organized but I feel better knowing that I will have someone there with experience dealing with my vendors.
Posted by wedwed11[/QUOTE]

I have to disagree with this statement.  We did not hire a DOC or planner and we experienced no problems at all.  I had quite a few DIY projects that the venue was wonderful in putting out for us.  The banquet manager at the venue helped us with our rehearsal the day before and our maitre d took care of everything the day of.   In our case, it would have been a waste to hire a coordinator.  If you are having your ceremony and reception at the same venue, I don't think a coordinator is needed in all cases.   Our venue, The Tides, was wonderful in taking care of everything, I didn't have to be bothered all day!

alykat216

 I am not hiring anyone. I have many DIY projects so that is my only concern.  I know how I am and I would want to make sure everything was set up the way I wanted. My sister's friend who is not invited to the wedding said she will go to the venue that morning and make sure its all good and be around if we needed anything while we were getting ready.  My parents said they are going to give her some money for her time (she says no way!) so I guess maybe I am hiring someone? haha...As nice as it sounds to have help that day I know I can handle it (or my parents or my 9 bridesmaids will LOL) plus its not in my budget anyway.  If its in your budget then go for it, but if it will stretch you thin maybe find someone you know that can help out? Good Luck!

Giaspo

I'm working with Joan from 6 Degrees of Celebration. We have her for the week of (where she will take over and coordinate all the vendors) but she's been invaluable in the planning process. She's been answering questions and making suggestions during the entire year of planning. I'm looking forward to turning it all over to her and being a guest at my wedding. It is worth every penny.

futuremrsdavies

Cindy from All about you events.  She is WONDERFUL.  She keeps me on track for what I should be doing now and what can wait.  She is an ear to listen to my drama and concerns.  And my friend used her as DOC and my friend had a stress free wedding...even with the dj showing up 20 minutes before the reception started.  I am thankful and although I may not have NEEDED her....I'm definitely glad I have her.  She was super flexible and worked with my time constraints and my budget also. 

MCM1012

I'm also using Cindy from All About You Events for a DOC. She's been fantastic! I have a ton of DIY details that I want to make sure get set up right. I do have a Maitre D but I know he's going to be busy with the venue side of things. I want someone there to take care of just me.
She comes to the rehearsal as well and then all day for the wedding. She was willing to work with my budget, however her quote was a lot less than some of the others I was getting.
www.AllAboutYouEventsNJ.com

Roseinbloom2

I hired someome to help and for us it was the BEST decision.  I had a lot of DIY things to set up and I didn't want to have to worry about it on the day of or have my mom of sister doing it.  We hired Sara Kate Events and they were fabulous!!!  We did hire them for more than just DOC but they were there with us on the day and I was so relieved!  I highly recommend them in particular but also the idea of hiring someone to help you on the day of.  Katie did so much more than just DOC duties and it made me able to relax and enjoy the day.

Her site is: www.sarakateevents.com

HTH!!!

JR511

I was referred to Every Last Detail event planning. I met with the owner, Laura, for a complimentary consultaiton and she was so nice! I decided right away to book with her. She seemed to really have it all together and know what she was talking about. Her prices were really great too compared to what some of my friends who used/are using planners paid. I'm not the type to want people to plan things for me, I like to stay in control, but I just know on my wedding day I wont want to waste time on things like that and would much rather be left stress free to enjoy my day. I just know Laura will be great!! Her web site is www.ELDplanning.com

So far all of our interactions have been great and her help has already paid for itself and I'm still a year out from my big day!

USER876

I also never understood the need for one.  Most churches and venues supply one on the day of.