Jove Meyer Events

TLDR: see title :) \--- Hi community! I’m planning a NYC spring/summer 2028 wedding with a \~250k budget (flexible) and \~175 guests. I [posted on WedditNYC](https://www.reddit.com/r/WedditNYC/comments/1rt8oju/starttofinish_wedding_planner_worth_it_even_for/) whether a start-to-finish planner was worth it for a NYC hotel wedding, and I'm now convinced that it is (but I am open to my mind being changed)! Now, I'm in the process of researching planners to work with. And the entire process of choosing a planner fills me with anxiety. I am terrified with choosing the wrong planner. Then I go through waves of feeling like I am asking for too much. I do *not* want a planner who emails me a to-do list or is managing a checklist. I *do not* want to feel like I am project managing my own wedding. I want a planner who is driving the ship, helping us execute on our creative vision and design choices, and is advocating for us. **Does anyone have advice on what they wish they knew before signing with their full-service planner?** I'm also seeking advice/intel about wedding planner fee structures. I would be much more comfortable with a flat fee rather than paying based on the percentage of the budget. My instinct is to limit uncertainty. I also don't like the feeling that a planner is incentivized to make things more expensive if they are being paid by percentage. Am I wrong? Is this something that can be negotiated? **Will I be limiting my options if I only work with planners who have flat-fee structures?** **Lastly, does anyone have NYC recommendations who would work within my budget?** Does anyone have experience with Jove Meyer Events, BLB Events, Poppy + Lynn, Emily Monus Events, Wedding M.D., Statuesque Events, or WedWell? I would greatly appreciate any wisdom, advice, and resources from this community! \--- More context...I am experiencing things that seem common to many brides: type A personality, with a mix of perfectionism/anxiety; cross-cultural family dynamics; worry about decision fatigue; working full time. We are also a lesbian couple hoping to have a non-traditional [ceremony](https://www.reddit.com/r/LGBTWeddings/comments/1rtb6gg/unique_ceremony_ideas_ways_to_walk_down_the_aisle/) and reception, so like for other couples, the planner has to have experience thinking outside the box. I am so appreciative of this sub and posts like [Choosing a planner 101](https://www.reddit.com/r/BigBudgetBrides/comments/1liudqe/choosing_a_planner_101heres_what_i_learned/)! I appreciate all those that shared their planner [horror stories](https://www.reddit.com/r/BigBudgetBrides/comments/1jjsoq3/am_i_a_wedding_planners_nightmare/?sort=new), or even just experiences with planners who did[ not get where they are coming from](https://www.reddit.com/r/BigBudgetBrides/comments/1rqhctw/advice_to_make_communication_with_planner_feel/). I also resonated [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/BigBudgetBrides/comments/1nlm523/working_a_highlevel_busy_career_having_a_planner/?sort=new)s about the stress of working and planning. Thanks everyone!