Wedding Coordinator Suggestion

[BrideBree]

We're actually thinking on whether or not we bring our wedding planner instead of availing the services of an in house coordinator. We're leaning towards incorporating a nautical theme to our Disney wedding (we love the ocean so much) like this (image from our wedding website Two Wed) so I definitely need some help a day before our wedding to decorate the venue as I'm not super creative to blend the two motifs well.

Is it more practical? What about those Day of Wedding coordinators? Any suggestions or thoughts on this one is very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Chilly]

You have to have a Disney planner and you don't get to pick which one I'm afraid. I think another planner would be a waste of money and wouldn't really be able to help you very much. You don't get to decorate your venue the day before either as most likely another wedding would be happening. As well as your main planner, you get a floral planner and they'd be able to help you with a nautical theme.

 

[alyaki]

Building off what Chilly said, you will be required to use one of Disney's wedding coordinators and floral planners. I believe you can technically pay for another one...but then you've got to worry about things possibly being lost in translation.

Once you get assigned a coordinator (planner) from Disney, if you find that they don't seem to work well with you, or understand what you're going for, you can always contact your sales consultant and ask to be switched to a different planner (though explain clearly why). You may or may not get a lot of attention from your planner early on, but once you hit about 6 months out and your prices can be locked (and you have your planning session), you should be able to talk a lot more in depth with both your planner and your floral planner. I think most people have had really good luck with those in floral (which is really decor) - that may be who you want to become best friends with. Just make sure you have lots of pictures!

What venues are you planning on using?

 

[aristocatz]

There are outside coordinators you can use to work with a DFTW planner to help enhance your wedding details and theming, but to me it seems unnecessary and very expensive. Still, to each their own & if you have the money and feel more comfortable with using one, Carrie from Disney Wedding Podcasts (Lurkyloo) had a podcast a few weeks ago where she interviewed one from Orlando who works with Disney brides. I cannot recall their name though-maybe she will pop on here and tell you the person's name.

 

[Boardwalk Love]

I think the one that was mentioned on the podcast was Detailed I Do's

 

[BrideBree]

Thank you for the replies!

@Chilly- You certainly have a point. So even if we bring our own day-of-wedding coordinator, we can't be sure if we can decorate the day prior.
@alyaki- That's the thing, we haven't actually checked out each and every Dreams' onboard venues.
@aristocatz and @Boardwalk Love - Will certainly check those out!

 

[mintd]

Is it more practical? What about those Day of Wedding coordinators? Any suggestions or thoughts on this one is very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance! [/QUOTE]
I have hired an outside planner (Nicole Squared) to work with my Disney Coordinator. I was having issues with the length of time that the DP took to respond to my questions, concerns, and issues. Because I needed someone local who could make certain that we have the best possible at the best price. I am very pleased with her and so far. I hired her for the month of (January 2015) but she has already proven her price and she is technically not on the clock!

 

[mintd]

You cannot decorate the day before. They will give you a setup time. However, if you use outside vendors for anything, DP will not provide guidance or assistance. They are not your planner, they are Disney's planners. So, in order to make the day about my daughter and not about Disney, I included MY Planner. This ensures that the details important to you are incorporated nicely. Including, photography and videography--Disney will not make certain that you get the pictures that you want unless you use Disney photography and videography. Something, I learned from reading planning journals, etc on this board. So, I asked the question and they said no they do not support that. I need to know that we will have my daughter's fairytale wedding and not Disney's convenient package. The planner that I chose for the month of is not that expensive and very worthwhile. The only thing I would have done different was hired her before I met with Disney and had her there for all of my PS and contract meetings. Hindsight is 2-/20 visions.

 

[BrideBree]

@mintd- Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad that everything worked out with that strategy. I actually notice that same feedback here in disboards about the super long wait for Disney's response on these matters and that they're not truly supportive on services outside Disney, what a shame! Nevertheless I've taken note of Nicole Squared and have included her on the list of who should I be calling soon. Appreciate!

 

[Beast913]

I think some Disney coordinators are better than others. I did not have any major issues not getting a hold of my coordinator after our planning session, and her assistant was almost always available via phone or e-mail to answer basic questions, so I'm not sure every coordinator is created equal.

I did use outside vendors for photography and DJ, and my coordinator had no issue working with either of them, although one was Randy Chapman who works with Disney all the time.

As far as using outside floral, I almost did but it turned out to be unnecessary.

 

[mb187143]

I think some Disney coordinators are better than others. I did not have any major issues not getting a hold of my coordinator after our planning session, and her assistant was almost always available via phone or e-mail to answer basic questions, so I'm not sure every coordinator is created equal. I did use outside vendors for photography and DJ, and my coordinator had no issue working with either of them, although one was Randy Chapman who works with Disney all the time. As far as using outside floral, I almost did but it turned out to be unnecessary.

I will second this. While it's true that Disney does not work directly with the outside vendors you choose, I found it extremely easy to work with both Disney and the outside vendors we used. Our planner was fantastic and worked with us and made sure we had the time built in to get the pictures we wanted with our outside photographer. Never once was our wedding anyone's vision but ours. So for us, an extra planner would have been a complete waste of money. Depending on your Disney planner though, if it makes you feel like you're getting your money's worth, that's great.

Also, I do agree with what PP said above as it's something I think is a HUGE misconception- DFTW planners are not personal wedding planners - it's more in line with the kind of planner you'd get doing a destination wedding in the Caribbean at a hotel. Not someone who is going to help you make decisions on your attire or coordinating bridesmaid dresses with the color palate of the wedding or anything like that. I think that's a common misconception and it was something I provided as feedback after our wedding.

 

[mintd]

I think that everyone is giving accurate information. I have changed wedding planners and my current planner is much better. I value her input and she responds in a timely fashion and does not give me information that is either wrong or directly contradicts something that she said previously. So, yes, the planner that you are assigned makes a huge difference. However, if you go through an independent wedding planner who works with disney brides, they can contact their WP directly and make certain that you are assigned to that person. This eliminates the questionable quality of some of the planners.

The change is currently the best thing that could have occurred for us.
I wish you the best of luck with all of your plans!

 

[TiffinyKaye]

I don't totally understand the entire thread. Please, someone elucidate me.

For a Wishes wedding, I think all of us are on the hook for a minimum of $12K, correct? The Disney planner is included in that. I agree with the sentiment that maybe not all planners are equal (mine and her assistant have been FANTABULOUS). It does take a little bit to get a response sometimes...but that has mostly to do with their huge plate of stuff (working with so many brides) and the fact that they have to wait on the people they work with to provide pricing.

Apparently not everyone's experience has been as wonderful as mine. My planner's assistant has been available fully, and the planner herself I have not made it a PRIORITY to talk to because I trust that her assistant is communicating with her about everything I want. As long as things get done in the way I ask them...I honestly don't care who's putting it together.

Now, as for the outside planner....even if you hired a planner to talk to Disney for you...why the intermediary? If the independent planner needs to coordinate with the Disney planner...doesn't it then just take longer to get a response?

Forgive me--I don't quite understand the purpose of hiring someone outside of Disney to....talk to Disney for you? it just seems like it would take longer for the outside planner to contact Disney in the same manner that the client would, compile the info, and then turn around and communicate it to the client. Additionally, I don't understand the "getting the best price" comment either. My experience with Disney is that I can tell them anything I want, and they give me a price. There is no negotiation on price. The only negotiation is "less" to equal lower cost. For example--my dessert party. I had a lot of items on my menu initially. Instead of Disney saying, "Well, we can try to get all those items into your price point!" they essentially said that I had to reduce the variety of items to meet my price point. They have helped me in trying to do that...but in terms of, "Let's try to make this ALL happen for you at the price you want"--it's just no do-able with Disney. You pay them what they want...or accept less. That has been my experience, at least. And, while it's kind of disappointing...I also know that it's sort of what I signed up for. I could be spending the same amount on my wedding here at home and have EVERY element I wanted...except a wedding at Disney, characters, and a dessert party. So..meh. I guess I get to play the Disney game!

And yes, it's a shame that Disney tries to shoo you away from outside vendors...but can you really blame them? They're making money off of us, and they want to make as much of it as possible. Do I think what they charge is insane and stupid? Oh yeah. That said...I do have to admit that I see where they're coming from, from a business perspective. And as long as their services exceed those offered by an outside provider (which, as far as I can tell, they do in every element EXCEPT photography/videography)...then I think Disney is just fine (albeit, insanely over-priced ).

Anyway....I think I'm spending enough money as it is. I can't even imagine spending MORE money on someone else to plan. If I had the money to spend, I'd put it towards more decor (since my wedding/reception/dessert party) is currently going to be extremely sparsely decorated! LOL! Good for anyone/everyone who has that kind of cash!

Tiffiny

 

[TiffinyKaye]

I think that everyone is giving accurate information. I have changed wedding planners and my current planner is much better. I value her input and she responds in a timely fashion and does not give me information that is either wrong or directly contradicts something that she said previously. So, yes, the planner that you are assigned makes a huge difference. However, if you go through an independent wedding planner who works with disney brides, they can contact their WP directly and make certain that you are assigned to that person. This eliminates the questionable quality of some of the planners.

The change is currently the best thing that could have occurred for us.
I wish you the best of luck with all of your plans!

Who was your planner before, and who did they change you to? I have often wondered just how many planners they have, and how many weddings are assigned to each...

I'm glad you like your new one. Mine is Mikki (hah! at Disney!), and her assistant is Amanda. They have been wonderful.

Tiffiny

 

[Lorelei528]

Yeah, I agree with Tiffany on this one...My coordinator was GREAT! (both wedding and floral) We were an Escape wedding but it really ended up being almost like a mini Wishes with all the changes of venues for ceremony/dinner/dessert party, added characters, decor, transportation etc...
Also, our coordinator worked fine with our photographer and video guys who are both outside vendors...

If you want to spend extra money on someone to help you pick out invites, match your colors etc, I guess it's your own perogative. I don't really see the need.

 

[alyaki]

I don't totally understand the entire thread. Please, someone elucidate me.

For a Wishes wedding, I think all of us are on the hook for a minimum of $12K, correct? The Disney planner is included in that. I agree with the sentiment that maybe not all planners are equal (mine and her assistant have been FANTABULOUS). It does take a little bit to get a response sometimes...but that has mostly to do with their huge plate of stuff (working with so many brides) and the fact that they have to wait on the people they work with to provide pricing.

Apparently not everyone's experience has been as wonderful as mine. My planner's assistant has been available fully, and the planner herself I have not made it a PRIORITY to talk to because I trust that her assistant is communicating with her about everything I want. As long as things get done in the way I ask them...I honestly don't care who's putting it together.

Now, as for the outside planner....even if you hired a planner to talk to Disney for you...why the intermediary? If the independent planner needs to coordinate with the Disney planner...doesn't it then just take longer to get a response?

Forgive me--I don't quite understand the purpose of hiring someone outside of Disney to....talk to Disney for you? it just seems like it would take longer for the outside planner to contact Disney in the same manner that the client would, compile the info, and then turn around and communicate it to the client. Additionally, I don't understand the "getting the best price" comment either. My experience with Disney is that I can tell them anything I want, and they give me a price. There is no negotiation on price. The only negotiation is "less" to equal lower cost. For example--my dessert party. I had a lot of items on my menu initially. Instead of Disney saying, "Well, we can try to get all those items into your price point!" they essentially said that I had to reduce the variety of items to meet my price point. They have helped me in trying to do that...but in terms of, "Let's try to make this ALL happen for you at the price you want"--it's just no do-able with Disney. You pay them what they want...or accept less. That has been my experience, at least. And, while it's kind of disappointing...I also know that it's sort of what I signed up for. I could be spending the same amount on my wedding here at home and have EVERY element I wanted...except a wedding at Disney, characters, and a dessert party. So..meh. I guess I get to play the Disney game!

And yes, it's a shame that Disney tries to shoo you away from outside vendors...but can you really blame them? They're making money off of us, and they want to make as much of it as possible. Do I think what they charge is insane and stupid? Oh yeah. That said...I do have to admit that I see where they're coming from, from a business perspective. And as long as their services exceed those offered by an outside provider (which, as far as I can tell, they do in every element EXCEPT photography/videography)...then I think Disney is just fine (albeit, insanely over-priced ).

Anyway....I think I'm spending enough money as it is. I can't even imagine spending MORE money on someone else to plan. If I had the money to spend, I'd put it towards more decor (since my wedding/reception/dessert party) is currently going to be extremely sparsely decorated! LOL! Good for anyone/everyone who has that kind of cash!

Tiffiny

Yeah, I agree with Tiffany on this one...My coordinator was GREAT! (both wedding and floral) We were an Escape wedding but it really ended up being almost like a mini Wishes with all the changes of venues for ceremony/dinner/dessert party, added characters, decor, transportation etc...
Also, our coordinator worked fine with our photographer and video guys who are both outside vendors...

If you want to spend extra money on someone to help you pick out invites, match your colors etc, I guess it's your own perogative. I don't really see the need.

In a lot of ways, I agree with both Tiffiny and Lorelei - my planner's been really helpful, as has her assistant. Sure, it sometimes took a bit for her to respond, but some of that is because I'm farther out and she was checking with other people about certain things. But, that said, everyone has a different experience and is comfortable with different things.

Also, in truth, even though I sometimes feel like Disney's prices are high on some things, when I compare to what is charged where I live and to the florists that were interviewed on the Disney wedding podcast, it's actually in line with what many charge anyways - it just seems high because many do come from areas where some of those would cost less, and many of us know there are some vendors local to Disney that charge a bit less. For me, I don't feel the need to have yet another person to coordinate with.

 

[mintd]

I am getting the impression that my expectations may be a bit higher than others on the board. I believe that for the price Disney charges, my expectations should be met. Hiring an outside planner, for me, was not to choose the gown or colors or any of those Mother/daughter details. I hired the planner to make certain that my vision is met. My original DP did not garner my confidence and gave me contradictory and incorrect information. In addition, I had some quality questions based on comments from this board and disneymooners boards. I have read many of these boards and there are some very consistent concerns about quality, expectations, and experience for the price.

As I sit here, I am in Orlando and just spent Saturday at the Bridal Showcase, which was a bit of a disappointment. I was completely underwhelmed. Therefore, I am using Disney for the aspects that are unique to Disney. In addition, I am using other vendors who have consistently provided higher standards of quality and better pricing. In order to have the best possible event for my daughter, I am researching, interviewing, and hiring vendors who will meet my very stringent expectations.

The wedding planner that i have employed is for the month of. Her advice about vendors, rehearsal dinners, outside venues for showers and such has been invaluable. These are the services that I require and not everyone has the time, energy, or inclination to manage details that I find important. So, my advice is to make decisions based on your budget, your needs, and your level of acceptance. In addition, with some vendors, including my current DP, I believe that they understand and embrace my vision and will do what it takes to see it through. These are the people with whom I will trust my special event and no one less. If you have other priorities and these concerns are not shared, then none of this will matter to you and you should let Disney package everything and accept whatever they offer.

The planner is not a go between or intermediary, she is an experienced professional who can offer her knowledge and expertise in creating a spectacular event with Disney. She will also manage the pieces that do not come from Disney and are therefore ignored or neglected by Disney.

As for me, I will be managing my daughter's wedding very carefully.

 

[alyaki]

That's why I mentioned that everyone has different experiences and is comfortable with different things, mintd. I'm sure that your event will be spectacular.

 

[mb187143]

I am getting the impression that my expectations may be a bit higher than others on the board. I believe that for the price Disney charges, my expectations should be met. Hiring an outside planner, for me, was not to choose the gown or colors or any of those Mother/daughter details. I hired the planner to make certain that my vision is met. My original DP did not garner my confidence and gave me contradictory and incorrect information. In addition, I had some quality questions based on comments from this board and disneymooners boards. I have read many of these boards and there are some very consistent concerns about quality, expectations, and experience for the price. As I sit here, I am in Orlando and just spent Saturday at the Bridal Showcase, which was a bit of a disappointment. I was completely underwhelmed. Therefore, I am using Disney for the aspects that are unique to Disney. In addition, I am using other vendors who have consistently provided higher standards of quality and better pricing. In order to have the best possible event for my daughter, I am researching, interviewing, and hiring vendors who will meet my very stringent expectations. The wedding planner that i have employed is for the month of. Her advice about vendors, rehearsal dinners, outside venues for showers and such has been invaluable. These are the services that I require and not everyone has the time, energy, or inclination to manage details that I find important. So, my advice is to make decisions based on your budget, your needs, and your level of acceptance. In addition, with some vendors, including my current DP, I believe that they understand and embrace my vision and will do what it takes to see it through. These are the people with whom I will trust my special event and no one less. If you have other priorities and these concerns are not shared, then none of this will matter to you and you should let Disney package everything and accept whatever they offer. The planner is not a go between or intermediary, she is an experienced professional who can offer her knowledge and expertise in creating a spectacular event with Disney. She will also manage the pieces that do not come from Disney and are therefore ignored or neglected by Disney. As for me, I will be managing my daughter's wedding very carefully.

What it comes down to is that you're comfortable with it. If you feel you need to spend the extra for an additional coordinator so you have peace of mind, that's great. Not everyone is going to feel they need to go to that level. I know I certainly didn't, and disney executed our events flawlessly. I'm certain that I don't have low expectations, I was just comfortable advocating for myself, doing much of my own research, and had a truly wonderful Disney planner who understood my vision and went above and beyond to make our day perfect for us. That's not the case for everyone.

At the end of the day, every bride needs to do what she feels is right for her, and all that matters is that you feel like the money you spent, whichever way you spent it, was worth it to you.

 

[Lorelei528]

What it comes down to is that you're comfortable with it. If you feel you need to spend the extra for an additional coordinator so you have peace of mind, that's great. Not everyone is going to feel they need to go to that level. I know I certainly didn't, and disney executed our events flawlessly. I'm certain that I don't have low expectations, I was just comfortable advocating for myself, doing much of my own research, and had a truly wonderful Disney planner who understood my vision and went above and beyond to make our day perfect for us. That's not the case for everyone.

At the end of the day, every bride needs to do what she feels is right for her, and all that matters is that you feel like the money you spent, whichever way you spent it, was worth it to you.

Very well said, I don't think anyone here has low expectations!
Our day was also flawless as I noted above and I loved doing all the planning and research myself. I'm kind of glad my mom wasn't able to help too much as I wouldn't want my wedding to be taken over. I had the vision and with DFTW's help, it all came true!