Well bees, I never thought I would be that girl. I am certainly a capable individual and don’t have any problems making decisions. But…as we talked about here, I was feeling pretty alone as I started looking for a venue and needed someone with an inside scoop. My family and friends live all over the country, but none in Tampa.
In my head, I had separated the wedding into:
I realized that I was actually really pumped for those “mid” items. I couldn’t wait to get my craft on, but I was getting annoyed in regard to some of the big items. Location frustration. Also, since Mr. Squirrel and I don’t get to see our families very often, our goal the weekend of our wedding is to maximize the time we get to spend with everyone. Who cares about the setup and the tipping?
When I put all these issues on the table, I cringed a little on the inside. I never thought I would be that bride, but I knew what I had to do.
I hired one: a wedding coordinator.
This was definitely not a decision I made lightly. But the good news is that it was a fairly painless process to select one, and it has been smooth sailing so far.
I checked out a fair number of reviews online and sent out emails to about five different companies. Some of them were crazyy expensive! Over $5k…what? That was not going to happen. Luckily, I found Christi Winsor, the owner of Winsor Event Studio. Her prices were awesome (I think they have since gone up, but she is still very reasonable). Also, she has different packages you can choose based on what you need her for. I planned to use her some on the front end and a TON the day of the wedding.
The best thing about Christi so far? The FIRST time I sat down with her, I explained our inspiration and theme for our wedding as well as our criteria for a venue. Without missing a beat Christi said, “I know the perfect venue for you.”
(She was right!!!)
Ah, talk about music to my ears. I could’ve hugged her. Looking back, I probably just should have. I think I was trying to rein in my creep factor at the first meeting.
I booked her and, within a week or so, Christi had created an entire mood board on Pinterest and was able to pull my vision together in a way that my scattered Pinterest board didn’t come close to. (Er…mini Patron shots with mini tacos? It doesn’t really scream midsummer, but you can bet I will be busting this out at some party in my future.)
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Image via Bonjour + Hola / Created by Peter Callahan
Since then, Christi has recommended a lot of great vendors and has helped keep me on track with all the planning. I was worried that she would take over my vision, but thankfully that has not been the case at all! Wedding coordinators certainly aren’t for everyone. If I was getting married in my hometown of Cincinnati, I doubt I would have even considered it. I would have had so much support it wouldn’t have been necessary. I’ll let you know in my recaps, but the morning of my wedding as I’m surrounded by my bridesmaids, drinking mimosas, and feeling completely relaxed…I think I’ll be singing Christi praises from the rooftop!
Who else took the plunge? Was it worth it in the end?
There’s definitely no shame in hiring a wedding planner (especially for an area you’re unfamiliar with). That’s why we did, since it’s a destination wedding. And even though you live in Tampa, it was still a smart decision to get someone to help you who knows the area. It’ll so be worth it when she’s running the show day of!
I am just in the midst of making this same decision! Ours isn’t in a particularly unfamiliar location for us, but with my entire side of the wedding guests coming from out of town – literally – I just don’t want to spend time delegating and dictating, nor do I want to make a large portion of the guests we have (it’s a small wedding) spend part of our wedding day stressed out about silly details. I found someone who will take care of just the ceremony – our reception site has a coordinator who is SO on top of things it’s crazy – and I think I’ll be happy I hired someone when I can spend my wedding day enjoying the time with family and friends, and focusing on the excitement of finally getting married. I also had a bit of guilt about this decision – but I really think it’s a wise choice!
You won’t regret it! I’ve said it so many times, but our coordinator was the best money we spent during wedding planning!
Heck yes, mini Tequila shots and mini tacos!! Save that pin for a future party 
We ended up not hiring a planner, but our day-of coordinator was worth her weight in gold the day of our wedding. I think you made a good choice!!
Hiring a wedding planner seems like an absolutely PERFECT decision for you! We have a DOC through the church we’re getting married at and don’t really have that many vendors so a coordinator wasn’t necessary for us, but if we were having a destination wedding or a different area we would definitely consider it!!
Ditto – never thought I’d be that bride either, but so far hiring a wedding planner has been the smartest decision ever. We’re having our wedding in our city, but we’re both out of town for work so much it’s almost like a destination. Great decision!
@Miss Mongoose: I must say, reading your post made me feel much better 
Mrs. Squirrel, Tampa, FL Age and Occupation: 25, Genetic Counselor Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Graphic Designer/ Engineering Student Engagement Date: March 17, 2012 Wedding Date: May 2013 Venue: Davis Island Garden Club About Me: I am a DIY loving, science dork. I like to eat green peppers every day and I wish all clothes would be made with bows and lace. I moved to the South for grad school and stumbled across Mr. Squirrel, aka Southern Gent extraordinaire. We moved to Tampa, Florida and are starting a new life together. We are so excited to get married! Our ceremony will be in a Catholic church and the guests will then take a boat ride to the outdoor reception. We are channeling a Midsummer Night's Dream and plan to have lots of twinkling lights, moss, and whimsy in the air.
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