As wedding planners with over 25 years experience we have seen a lot in the wedding industry. We have made some mistakes and learned a lot from them. We want to help you understand the different type of wedding planning out there so you are able to pick the best service for you.

Day Of- Wedding Planner

This person is hired to be on hand the day of the wedding. Their responsibilities include:

  • Timeline to highlight major points in the day

  • Make sure the vendors that you have hired arrive and on time and know what to do

  • Place items from client at the appropriate places, such as place cards, guest books, bar signs …

  • Attend rehearsal and help with execution

  • Attend ceremony and again help with execution

  • Attend reception to guide the timeline and make sure things go according to the plans that you have provided them

Pros

  • cheaper in cost

Cons

  • Person has not been involved in planning process since inception and very difficult to execute someone else’s plans

  • They do not help with Vendor selection, which hurts clients, because they may or may not know that particular vendor and will not know what to expect from that particular Vendor.

  • There is no one helping client select the correct vendor for each persons taste and budget, nor will they know if the vendors selected are up to the task at hand.

I alway use the analogy that you have a team playing for the world championships and you have a new coach starting on game day

Month of Wedding Coordination

This option is significantly better than day of coordination. We also call this service, event management. It is just what is sounds like. Four to Six weeks before event, coordinator will meet with you to start to gather all your plans that you have made up to this point. They take that information and manage your event. They will:

  • develop a timeline,

  • confirm all of your vendors

  • attend rehearsal, ceremony, and reception

  • Be liaison between vendors and clients

  • Make sure wedding day runs according to timeline

  • Set up and take down clients items for wedding

pros:

  • much better service than day of

  • less expensive than full service

  • Allows client to plan wedding, but have someone else execute it

Cons

  • Again, difficult to jump into someone else’s plans and execute

  • There is not any design, guest management, stationery help, or budget guidance with this option

  • There is not the benefit of an experienced planner being with you from beginning to help you avoid the pitfalls

  • You may not get the pick of the best vendors, vendors will work and respond to a planner better than an individual just because of repeat business

Full Service Wedding Planning

Full service wedding planners are with you from beginning to end. The help with:

FROM START TO FINISH

  • Budget development and management, including cost-saving solutions

  • monthly meetings

  • Venue selection

  • Vendor selection, according to client budget and style

  • Full design and execution, including all necessary event rentals, tables, chairs, draping, florals, tents, staging, dance floors, lighting, generators

  • Catering coordination, menu development.

  • Hotel accommodations and room blocks and transportation coordination

  • Stationery and signage needs, help with save the dates, invitations, RSVPS and any wedding signage that you may want.

Cons

  • More expensive than other options

Pros

  • Help with all aspects of your wedding

  • Benefits of experience planner negotiating with best vendors for individual client

  • Allows you to attend your own wedding as a guest. Enjoy your day with family and friends