Planning from 10 hours away. Where to start?

[FutureKelley]

I have been engaged for a couple of weeks now. We have decided that we want to get married in Chicago, which is where my fiance is from and where we got engaged. The only problem is... we live 10 hours away. I don't even know where to start! I'm not going to able to take more than maybe two week long trips up there between now and April, when we want to get married. How do I get everything in order from out of state?

Any info is greatly appreciated. :)

- Newly engaged and totally clueless

[mobdilemma]

My daughter got married at Lake Tahoe which was about 8 hours away from where I live and about 10 hours away from where she lives. We did a LOT of things online...choosing officiant, choosing ceremony site, choosing reception site. And a lot was done over the phone. Once we had narrowed the possible sites down to a few, we called to talk to the event coordinators. Some were very nice but things just didn't "click", others were too expensive or didn't have the date available. We selected the people that seemed (okay, I know this sounds corny) like family. Four months before the wedding, my daughter, her future MIL, and I went to Tahoe to finalize everything. It worked out great.

If you are planning a large wedding, you might consider a wedding planner in the Chicago area who will know the vendors, locations, etc. My daughter and her husband wanted a small, intimate wedding (40 people attended) so we were able to all of it ourselves. Hope that helps:D

[caligal85]

Google will become your very best friend. I'm planning my wedding in my hometown from three thousand miles away and while FH is there, he's relying on me to be the point of first contact (working 12 to 16 hour days leaves him little time or energy to do anything). I haven't gotten to the point where I'm ready to call people but I know it's getting closer as we've narrowed the venues down. Congratulations on your engagement and have fun planning!

[Leanne]

The other girls here have given you some great advice. Online research is very helpful. I would also highly recommend a wedding planner.

People often balk at the thought of a planner because they think they will be hugely expensive. This needn't be the case though. In fact, some receive all their income from the people and companies they recommend and don't cost you a cent. Of course this option means you need to be careful the planner is suggesting the best options for you (not the one that will make them the most money). But if you choose a planner wisely I think you'll find that they will be a lifesaver in your situation.

Best wishes

[RosieAngel]

I'm planning a DW in a place 8 hours away from my house (via car - it's where most of my guests live). I got a wedding coordinator (I googled them and called a few until I found the right one!) to help me pick out vendors in my budget, and I also asked friends in the area to scope out the locations. When I had the time, I went for a day trip with FH there to make sure everything went well.

Good luck with everything! :grinhappy:

[gwenshack]

I second everything everone else has said, especially Google. Also, you'd be surprised the things people review on yelp.com and like sites. A lot of venues have lists of recommended vendors. And, sorry to our dear mods for this plug of another wedding site!, but *******.com probably has a page specifically for your city.
I definitely love the idea of a wedding planner...but that's not in everyone's budget. I think you can swing it yourself if you're willing to do a lot of research! :)
Don't we have some Chicago brides here on OW?!?

[brendalin]

Use the internet as you guide. Start with one thing (like your venue) and start making phone calls. Call all the places in the area to see if you can get price lists sent to you so that you and your FH can review and see what is in your price range. Then out of the ones you pick look up reviews on those locations. Do this with all your other aspects (ceremony location, officant, photographer, videographer, florist) Then set up appointments and go visit in the time that you have. You could even do some phone interviews to make some descions on who to eliminate.

This is totally manageable you just have to be organized and take good notes at your interviews (phone or in person) Good luck!

[FutureKelley]

Thanks guys! I very much appreciate the info. :)

[garciasontop]

I just googled Wedding Forums and came up with great ideas for my dw at Playa del Carmen in Mexico.....don't have my wedding date countdown sticker yet but it is a start....