Ahh... wedding planning.  Are you the go get 'em, super-organized type that's got it all under control?...Are you so hopelessly challenged in a world of checklists, vendor scheduling and budget-crunching that you're desperate for a professional to whom you can hand over all planning aspects of  your OBX destination wedding?... Or are you somewhere in between just needing some initial direction and maybe a Day Of Coordinator?

I was perusing some of the local websites for OBX wedding coordinators and planners. Here's a quick run down of some of the more interesting and fun stuff...

The Proper Setting has a beautiful website. I like their FAQ page on having an outdoors OBX wedding, as well as, the Wedding Wise Forums offered.  Seems they have service options to fit any budget, from just a DIY/Consultation or Panic Plan to the 'Peace of Mind' Full Service Plan. 

The John Gillam Company website is worth checking out for the gorgeous photos if nothing else!  Their pics of past event venues, floral designs, table settings, favors and the like are so creatively inspiring!  This company appears to be geared primarily to those looking for full service planning.  

Sugar Snap Events offers event coordination services as well as floral services. Their Day Of Coordination & Build Your Own Package options even include elopement and second marriage packages designed for parties of 15 people or less. There's a good Q&A section on their floral services page; you can even use them for just your floral/décor needs.

Ocracoke Occasions offers packages including both ministry services and wedding planning with options from one-hour consultation to complete coordination.  They also offer unique concierge services.  

Coastal Event Coordinators' site has a great testimonials page. 

Carolina Wedding Company has a beautiful website detailing the coordination/planning options and wedding packages they offer, as well as, separate officiant and floral services for your big day.  They even take Paypal payments--now that spells convenience in these economic times! 

For a full list of wedding coordinators and planners serving the Outer Banks you can visit the Outer Banks Wedding Association.

Whatever level of consultation you decide is right for you, be sure to:  
- ask for and check references, 
- agree on your expectations and your budget,
- sign a contract to protect yourself (just as with any vendor), and
- have both a master plan for the wedding and a minute-by-minute timeline for the big day's events. 

Once you've found someone to work with that you feel you can trust, try to relax! Let them do their job and let yourself start thinking about the more creative aspects of your wedding, which is the much more fun stuff anyway, right?!

Until Next Time,
Your OBX Wedding Blogger