6 - 12 months is a good amount of time to plan a wedding, but you need to get your venue and caterer locked in as soon as possible. Many vendors book out farther than a year in advance. Shorter planning periods will require more flexibility on the part of the couple due to the possibility of not being able to get your first choice in vendors.

No. You can choose lighter fare such as charcuterie grazing tables or dessert options with coffee and tea instead of a big meal with alcohol. It is your day, so do what makes you happy and what fits your budget. (Ask me about my "Better than your Backyard " option at Red Bird Venue.)

While a DJ does a great job of announcing specific activities during the reception and creating an atmosphere of fun for the bridal party and guests, the event planner has a very wide variety of responsibilities during the entire event. The coordinator works with the vendors to ensure everything is done to the couple’s satisfaction. This can include, but is not limited to, overseeing and helping with decorating, ensuring caterer has everything they need to provide their services, organizing transportation of gifts to the couples home, and making sure venue is straightened up at the end of the evening.