Wedding Planner or Not?

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

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!!!

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.

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!