Wedding Planner or Not?

[princessina]

Hi, Everyone,

 

I have a dilemma and I wanted to see if I could get some advice. I currently have a wedding planner that I'm working with who isn't turning out to be as helpful as I thought. I'm thinking of letting her go and doing it myself, since it seems like most things I've done up to this point.

 

I still have about 8 months to go but I'm expected to have about 100 guests. The realistic number will be more like 75-80 but still a decent group.

 

I'm nervous of the fact that I'm not sure who will be managing all of the different vendors the day of the wedding. We're planning a wedding at a vacation home, so it's not like we're going to do it at a hotel or anything of the sort.

 

I'd like to get some feedback on what anyone thinks or experience. Has anyone done it themselves from a distance, with a big group size? and how was it?

 

Thank you in Advance

[Alyssa]

OMG get a good wedding planner - i would just hire someone different. i just got back - i had 40 people and really would have lost it if i didn't have a day-of coordinator.

[SAM]

Ditto...I would find another WC, you have a large group and he/she can really help guide you along the way. Depending on your style (lavish or simple) may determine what you need your WC for.

 

My wedding is pretty simple so I hired my WC for the ceremony only and I'm doing the rest on my own. It was been difficult at times but I just had to do alot of extra research on my reception items. I also work in the wedding business (event manager) so I guess I'm use to all the things that can happen; good and bad. From what I've learned...don't sweat the small stuff.

 

 

Good Luck!

[TA Dina]

Quote:

Originally Posted by princessina Hi, Everyone, I have a dilemma and I wanted to see if I could get some advice. I currently have a wedding planner that I'm working with who isn't turning out to be as helpful as I thought. I'm thinking of letting her go and doing it myself, since it seems like most things I've done up to this point. I still have about 8 months to go but I'm expected to have about 100 guests. The realistic number will be more like 75-80 but still a decent group. I'm nervous of the fact that I'm not sure who will be managing all of the different vendors the day of the wedding. We're planning a wedding at a vacation home, so it's not like we're going to do it at a hotel or anything of the sort. I'd like to get some feedback on what anyone thinks or experience. Has anyone done it themselves from a distance, with a big group size? and how was it? Thank you in Advance

I'd recommend a coordinator. Check with Barry Maier at Aloha Beautiful Weddings. If he cannot provide all of the specific services you need, he can probably point you in the right direction. His site is Aloha Beautiful Hawaii Weddings.

[princessina]

Hi, Ladies,

 

Thank you so much for all the advice. I think I'm going to make the transition and move one. I talked it over with my MOH and she's willing to help me.

 

I'm going to look into Aloha Beautiful Weddings.

 

I guess with the help of this forum and some great girlfriends, I think it's going to be alright. Thanks again ladies!

[ale79]

I think Barry Maier is a wedding photographer - didn't know he was a coordinator as well? Here are two other coordinator companies I've called: Weddings by Grace and Mona (pricey) and Katy Castillo Weddings. I've actually decided NOT to hire a coordinator or do just for the day professional coordination, but I live in Hawaii, so its a lot easier for me.

[TA Dina]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ale79 I think Barry Maier is a wedding photographer - didn't know he was a coordinator as well? Here are two other coordinator companies I've called: Weddings by Grace and Mona (pricey) and Katy Castillo Weddings. I've actually decided NOT to hire a coordinator or do just for the day professional coordination, but I live in Hawaii, so its a lot easier for me.

Barry was/still is an awesome photographer, but expanded his business a few years ago into planning and coordination as well.

[princessina]

Oh, thanks for clarifying that Barry Maier is a planner/coordinator. I'll be sure to look into all 3. Thanks for all the help!!!

[mich3l3]

Just thought I would share that I had a bad experience with Barry at Aloha Beautiful Weddings today. My wedding is to be quite small - only around 10 ppl and we're looking to have a very simple, intimate ceremony on the beach. I saw on their website that they offer a Simple Ceremony package so I called to obtain more information. As soon as Barry heard that I did not want photography and only the package referenced above, his tone changed and I felt totally dismissed by him. I'm going to Oahu for 3 nights on Jan. 26th to scout sites, meet with vendors and get things organized, Barry told me that for what I was interested in, it does not cover meeting me in person (wow) and that he doesn't make any money off of the package.

 

My feelings were hurt! I was completely stunned by the tone the conversation took and let him know that my fiance and I weren't willing to contract a WC that we couldn't meet and that he shouldn't post a service on his website that he doesn't want to honor. Perhaps I caught him on a bad day and he's great - I don't really know but my impression of him and the company is tainted.

[princessina]

Wow! That's horrible to hear. I decided to stick it out with my current WC but I would of been worried by now if I had gone with Barry. From the sounds of your experience...he or the company doesn't sound too accommodating. I guess in a sense it's better that you knew that upfront so that you could spend your money elsewhere and get what you deserved. Good Luck!