Tropical Maui Weddings vs. Precious Maui Weddings

[renstar]

Hi ladies! I have been in touch with both Lori at Tropical Maui Weddings, and Deanne and Precious Maui Weddings, and was wondering what type of feedback you guys had on these two WCs.

 

I've read so many great reviews about Deanne at PMW, but haven't gotten the chance to speak with her yet. However, Lori at TMW I have spoken to and she seems fantastic so far, and their prices do seem reasonable as well...at least so far. However, I've heard the same thing about Deanne as well. What exactly is considered "reasonable" for WC fees?

 

Do any of you have any advice on either of these coordinators? I'd really like to know about hidden costs, fees, outcomes, etc. Any information would be great! Thanks!

[azulskies]

Hi there! I used Lori for my wedding. She was pretty upfront with all fees and costs..I don't remember there being any surprises. On the day of, she was fantastic. I really don't know how the day would have gone without her there..she was amazing.

 

But I will say, I was frustrated many times during the planning process. If you want someone to be super organized and communicate often, I don't think you'll find that with Lori. That's kind of what I was looking for so I was disappointed in those regards. She also seems to communicate much better by phone..that just wasn't advantageous for me being all the way in VA, working rotating shifts.

 

Good luck!

[renstar]

Thanks for the insight azulskies! I checked out your wedding thread and it looks amazing! I am the type of person that does like a degree of control. We're not trying to have anything too fancy, but I would like our planner to be able to answer all of my questions, and I'm assuming they would be your "go to" person for advice on where guests should stay, bargains, etc. Even with your frustrations with Lori, would you recommend her?

[msjulie5475]

I've been reading a lot that not too many DW coordinators are effective at communicating. The best suggestion I read was to send a list of questions and avoid one by one question emails.

[azulskies]

Quote:

Originally Posted by renstar Thanks for the insight azulskies! I checked out your wedding thread and it looks amazing! I am the type of person that does like a degree of control. We're not trying to have anything too fancy, but I would like our planner to be able to answer all of my questions, and I'm assuming they would be your "go to" person for advice on where guests should stay, bargains, etc. Even with your frustrations with Lori, would you recommend her?

Oh for sure...I would definitely still recommend her. She is so sweet, very knowledgeable and fair and like I said, she was so fantastic on our wedding day. I don't regret hiring her at all.

[bridetov]

Where are you planning on having your wedding? If it's on the west side of the island I have the BEST coordinator to recommend. She is CRAZY prompt with her correspondence (I never waited more than 24 hours for a reply), she's VERY organized, and.. just everything that you would hope for in a wedding coordinator. I was never surprised with any fees- she actually has a flat rate and that's all you have to pay. $750.00 (I think) for full coordination services plus the day of coordination!! I didn't find anyone else on the island that even came close to that price.

 

I'm a bit of an organizer myself- but she let me have my hands in everything. However, she was there when I needed help or suggestions or didn't want to deal with something. I can't say enough WONDERFUL things about her!!

 

Her website is outdated and doesn't reflect the kind of work she does- so please don't let that scare you (it did with me at first). But give her a call and talk to her. It's important that you get along with your coordinator and are on the same wave length. Here is her website. Seriously- Cherise is AMAZING!!! The Perfect Wedding A Beautiful Maui Experience

[renstar]

azulskies: Thanks for confirming your experience with Lori was still a good one. She's the only WC I've spoken with so far and she did seem like a sweetheart. I guess when we can get unpatient when we want to know something "now" and it probably feels like forever when you don't hear back from the WC right away.

 

msjulie5475: That is some great advice. I'll start compiling my list now!

 

Tovaqt: Thanks for the recommendation! It sounds like you had a really great experience with her. I hadn't come across their website yet..I'll give her a call too! Thanks!

[laura&james]

I worked with Deanne from PMW and she was fantastic throughout the entire process. I don't think I ever waited more than 24 hours for a follow-up via email. During the more complicated aspects of the planning, we would arrange a time for a more in-depth telephone call since we were 5 hours apart. There were no hidden costs or fees whatsoever and we were thrilled with the quality of our cake, flowers, etc. Deanne called me the day after we arrived in Hawaii just to touch base and make sure that I didn't have any further questions or last minute requests. When I arrived to our ceremony, everything was absolutely perfect. I couldn't have done it without her!!!

[cnjames2211]

I'm using Deanne from PMW. She is great. I work nights so I like to do most things things by email because I sllep in the daytime. I send an email with a list of questions to deanne and by the time I wake up I have all my questions answered.

[Amanda81]

I've also had a good experience with Deanne from Precious Maui Weddings. She has always answered my emails within 24 hours and has been patcient with all of my questions. I'm getting married in a garden and when I was having doubts about the location she pulled up photo's from her past clients that got married in the same spot so I could see what it would look like.

Also when we booked our flights and are now arriving into Maui a few days earlier she changed my appointment to get our marriage license so we could do it before our guests show up.