Comments on: Is it better to plan a wedding with a wedding planner or on your own with the help of family and friends?

By: epsilon_theta

epsilon_theta — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:40:59 +0000

I am doing the planning and I love it. I am good with things like this and feel like no one else could pull of my vision for the day. But I hired a day of coordinator to run the show so I do not have to stress. She cost $1000 and it was money well spent to me. She will make sure everything is in it's place, decorated appropriatly and goes as it should.
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By: LBB-06/05/09

LBB-06/05/09 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:02:59 +0000

i could not have someone else do my wedding planning for me. i want to do it myself
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By: Unknown

Unknown — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:34:59 +0000

wedding planners charge a lot. They are for wealthy people only not middle class people. If you want to spend double the cost of your wedding (your wedding plus hiring a wedding planner) then go ahead but it is a waste of money.
It isnt hard to do yourself or with your family. That is also what your maid of honor AND husband to be is for!

First book the church then pick a reception site for that date (or if you want to get married at the reception site then pick any date they have open that works for you).
Look at several places before picking one. Look at country clubs and public gardens or any place that has weddings often.

Then you need a DJ or band, photographer (traditional pictures are better than digital when it comes to wedding photos). You need a cake unless you find a place that has a wedding package. Many country clubs have wedding packages with flowers and a cake and food included!

You need a florist too. Go to bridal shows or search online. OR ask the reception site for a list of vendors (they all have a list of people who have worked there before such as DJs, photographers, videographers, etc).

It takes time but if you plan your wedding 1 or more years out into the future then it isnt hard. Also you should remember to buy wedding invitations. Online or find a place near you that sells them.
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By: Sophie B

Sophie B — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:02:59 +0000

I am currently planning my wedding. When I started I thought that it would be no problem, I could do this myself. I did enjoy doing MOST of it. I loved choosing my colours, venue, invitations and all of that. What is causing me the most stress right now are the little details. I have to remember to meet the dj, photographer, videographer for payments, or going to pick up stuff. It’s hard when you are working full time. I think now that I would have liked to have someone to do little things like that in my last few months. They are the unimportant details but things that have to be done! I hear that I could have got a planner to help me do those sorts of things and also to help out on the day of (decorating, transporting things, etc.) I wish I would have. If you have people that can help you with this sort of stuff though you should be alright. Enjoy your time… it only happens once. I’m trying to listen to my own advice too
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By: shelly

shelly — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:29:59 +0000

theres this place off a cali beach i plan to get married at and believe it or not but the wedding planner is included with the total cost. so i plan on planning it than telling her what i want and let her deal with it. but if the planner wasnt included i wouldnt pay for one. yeah im sure its nicer but a wedding is something that the whole family helps put together so why not let them help u
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By: realism v. idealism

realism v. idealism — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:57:59 +0000

wedding planner is prob easier but in this economy i would think pple are opting not to spend when they can labor a little harder and get the job done. its ur bank account. i would love a planner but right now just can't have it all. cheers
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By: Pookie

Pookie — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:08:59 +0000

Sometimes I think it would be nice if someone did all the research for me, and I met them on my time, and just sort of picked with my fiancee, but the truth is, the research, the chaos , and running around, is half the fun! And you GLOW when you make a decision you spend so much time researching.

I think they run as a percentage of your total wedding, so if your wedding budget is 20k, they could take 10% of it, I think that’s how it works.

If you are finding that your beginning to be overwhelmed, consider designated tasks to friends and family, and try and stay organized, truth is what you save by doing the planning on your own, you can put back into the wedding.
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By: hollywoodmelody

hollywoodmelody — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:44:59 +0000

Hi, just wanted to let you know the average time a bride spends planning her special day is 250 hours. That can be a wonderful or a frustrating time for you. With that said, most planners tell you what they want your special day to be instead of giving you what you want your dream wedding to be. That is sad when you think about how much a planner charges and what they actually do for the bride. I know because for the past 25 yrs that I have planned weddings and events, I’ve always been stunned by what the bride says after their day. How much fun, attention to detail and what they actually wanted rolled up in one very awesome day. After you speak with various planners (i always recommend this to brides) and choose the one you want it is a nice surprise when your day comes together after being promised by the planner that it will be stress free.
You can start making your own plans and have a coordinator the day of your wedding but be aware of what that charge may be. Usually a planner will charge a minimum of $500 and then tack on a service fee, gratuity fee on top. This is unexpected and can ruin the honeymoon.

I have my own niche and am very happy to offer my brides a Kiss Guarantee (Keep it Simple & Stress Free)

I am not advertising my services nor want anyone to think I am looking for brides. I love to help in any way I can because I truly care about the brides and their special day.
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25 yrs wedding & event planner
(KISS Gurarantee is Keep It Simple & Stress Free) this is my motto

By: Anna Audrey

Anna Audrey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:33:59 +0000

well if u have the money and don’t mind using it then i guess a wedding planner is much better and u won’t worry too much as u know theres some profesional taking care of your wedding and stuff u know.

but if you don’t have the money. then find those friends and family of yours who had a great wedding or u know are very fashionable, they would be a great help and they would be able t plan ur wedding..
Maybe you have a friend or two who happen to watch some weding planner show like "poor bride ,rich bride" or something like that u know u know these shows can give great ideas to people.

Good LUCK
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By: Reba

Reba — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:02:59 +0000

The charge depends on the area and what services you require. Most planners can taylor a package specific to your needs.

As far as what is easier, I think it depends on your situation. If you are an organized person and have cooperative family members and friends you may have no problem putting it together yourself. However if you are like most people and have those around that although you love dearly but drive you crazy and can’t seem to make decisions or criticize your choices, second guess them etc. Or if you are not very organized, not sure where to start etc then it would be extremely helpful to have a planner. Also if you just don’t want the stress of dealing with all the vendors and arrangements and instead want to concentrate on the fun stuff like dresses, color schemes, decorations etc then a planner is for you!

Most planners can work with any budget and are also skilled at dealing with vendors to get you the best deal and have things exactly the way you want!

Good luck!
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