Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a wedding planner and a coordinator?

Wedding planners take care of all the planning leading up to the wedding, such as booking the venue and vendors. A coordinator takes care of the logistics, such as the day of timeline. They are physically there the day of as the point of contact for the vendors and guests. Coordinators make sure the day is running on schedule and handle any problems that may arise.

When should I book a wedding planner or coordinator and start planning?

It's never really too soon! A wedding planner will be one of the first vendors you book, either before or after the venue. If you want only a coordinator, you can wait until you have booked other vendors, but I wouldn't wait too long! A lot of venues, vendors, planners, and coordinators start booking out about a year in advance. Most couples take 12-18 months to plan a wedding. However, if you have two full years, it definitely helps, especially if you are planning your wedding on your own. If you have less than a year, a planner is helpful to help you plan everything in time!

If I hire a planner, do I get to be involved in wedding planning? I'm worried if I hire a planner, I won't have any say.

You get to be as involved as you want! Even when you hire a planner, there are tasks that you will be responsible for completing. Think of a wedding planner as a guide and coach to help you understand the wedding planning process, but you get to make all the final decisions, so your day matches what you want it to be! Also, even when you hire a planner, there are tasks that you will be responsible for completing that the planner isn't able to do, like dress shopping.

What services do you offer and how much do they cost?

I offer planning and coordination services, along with a la carte services to save you time, stress, and money. Check out my services and pricing here.

What services do you recommend that will fit within my budget?

​If you have a total wedding budget of less than $10,000, I recommend using my resources in my Etsy shop and a la carte services to save you time, stress, and money. If you have a budget of less than $20,000, I recommend my coordination package, along with my Etsy shop and a la carte services (such as consultations). At this budget level, I wouldn't recommend my planning services to allow your budget to stretch, unless you are okay with you smaller budget allocations elsewhere and you are prioritizing a planner. I recommend my planning and coordination packages, either separately or combined, if you have a budget of more than $20,000.

What is your process for planning a wedding?

The planning process starts with the basics such as the budget, guest list, and priorities. Then we nail down either a season/month/date and book your venue. The next step is to book the rest of the vendors, starting with the rest of the "Big Six" after the venue - photographer, food and beverage, rentals, DJ or band, and florist. Next, we focus on the little details that personalize your wedding, such as style and design, invitations, dessert, and hair and makeup. Finally, we finish with the logistics of the timeline, organizing decor, and other logistical details.

What areas do you serve, and do you travel for destination weddings?

I currently serve Illinois and Missouri. There is a travel fee for weddings that are over 90 minutes travel time from Quincy, Illinois and Kansas City, Missouri. However, if you are located outside of Illinois and Missouri, or you are having a destination wedding, reach out - I love to travel!

What kind of communication can I expect from you during the planning process?

For my coordination package, we will meet twice for coordination services. I will be in contact before our first meeting to get important information regarding your vendors and preferences. You will hear from me the most about 8 weeks out from your wedding date. For my planning package, we will meet a total of five times. You will also receive monthly updates and checklists as well as any other important updates, such as vendor availability and bookings.

I'm ready to book! What are my next steps to book your services?​​

I'm looking forward to working with you! Send me a message here to get started. Or send me an email at southernbellewedbyrebekah@gmail.com. I'll be in touch soon to schedule a consultation and a questionnaire for you to fill out with some preliminary information about your wedding. Please fill it out before our consultation. At the consultation, we'll get to know each other and review what you are wanting for your wedding. After the consultation, I just need the signed contract and deposit, and then we can get started planning the wedding of your dreams!