page 99 X metropolitan weddings
X Winter / Spring 2026
HOW TO
HAVE A STRESS-FREE WEDDING
WRITTEN BY X MEG DANIEL | PHOTO BY X SHALYN O ' NEAL PHOTOGRAPHY
WEDDING PLANNER? DAY OF COORDINATOR? DO I REALLY NEED ONE & WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
Yes, these are all valid questions that you should ask before you dive into making your wedding dreams come true. Planning a wedding is a big task. There are a million details that must be coordinated from vendors to timelines, decor to payments, and every event needs one person to be responsible for all the last minute answers to questions and the“ go to” person in charge. You, as a bride and groom do not need to shoulder that responsibility, you two are the stars of the show! Kayla Sheets, owner of Signature Event Rentals and Coordinating, encourages brides to“ choose someone you really click with! You ' ll spend a lot of time communicating and working together, so it ' s important to have someone who makes you feel comfortable, heard, and confident that your day is in good hands.”
A wedding planner or coordinator can alleviate the stress of planning a large event, run interference for day-of hiccups, and coordinate with trusted vendors, making your wedding run smooth and seamless. Cassidy Johnson, owner of Cassidy Hope Events, says,“ Let me be your personal cheerleader! We specialize in creating a stressfree environment, planning, organizing and executing your vision.”
While it is true not everyone has a wedding planner, hiring an expert is a great idea if you are short on time, have a busy work schedule, are planning a destination wedding, or simply want to unload these stressful tasks onto a professional. Jessica Pond, from Your Events by Jess, says she often sees brides who try and do everything on their own make mistakes.“ The biggest mistake is trying to manage the many moving parts of a wedding without guidance. Without a full-service planner, couples often feel overwhelmed by vendor contracts, timelines, and design decisions, which can take away from the joy of the experience. Key details can also get overlooked, which impacts the overall flow and aesthetic of the day.”
While it may seem like a luxury to hire a planner, consider the fact that they often have local connections and may be able to save you headaches and money along the way. You’ ve probably not planned very many weddings in your life so hiring a professional can bring experience and knowledge to your planning process. But do not wait! Cassidy Johnson says, " One of the biggest mistakes couples make when hiring a wedding planner is waiting too late in the process. Hire the planner or coordinator first, then let them help you book a venue and they coordinate the rest." These professionals are experts with contracts and can review the nitty-gritty so you do not get caught by surprise with any extra charges!