What's the advantage of hiring a wedding planner for your big day?

Maggie Miranda: "We take care of all the details. I think the worst part of an event is cleanup, and we do all of that. We're able to give you a quality product for less price."

Marylen Exposito: "A wedding planner knows the vendors in the area and their talents. We also know the ones that you shouldn't go with. I do more than just plan. I make it stress-free for the couple and family."

Perla M. Lominchar: "A bride must have someone with experience walking her through every aspect of the event. You can save an enormous amount of time and money, and avoid stress."

As a wedding coordinator, what are some of your job duties?

Maggie Miranda: "Our packages are based on everything related to receptions. If requested, we can also do the ceremony. We make sure the party flows and everyone is doing what they're supposed to do."

Marylen Exposito: "I'm in charge of finding the venue and working with the budget. I'm a psychologist, financial consultant, everything. I also take care of all cleanup."

Perla M. Lominchar: "We're a full-service wedding planning firm, so we do everything for our brides, from locating the ceremony venue and officiant to booking the honeymoon package for them."

How do you charge for your services and what's the cost?

Maggie Miranda: "We charge a per-person rate based on a package. It starts at $499 for tables, linens, chairs, buffet-style dinner, bar and beverage service, disc jockey and cake."

Marylen Exposito: "My day-of package is $1,000; for a little bit more assistance, it's $1,500; I also have a complete wedding planning package that's 10 percent of the entire budget, with a $2,000 minimum."

Perla M. Lominchar: "We charge a flat rate of $1,500. All our clients must stay within the network of vendors we've compiled, which is extensive and caters to everyone's budget, style and vision."

Can you describe one funny, horrifying or memorable experience that happened at a wedding you planned?

Maggie Miranda: "All of the food was raw at a very nice wedding. We did our due diligence, but the chef just didn't perform. In the end, the family was very nice, and we issued a refund."

Marylen Exposito: "I had a wedding where the groom fainted at the alter. He was fine. It turned out he'd taken some shots of whiskey on an empty stomach. That's something the coordinator really doesn't have control over."

Perla M. Lominchar: "Memorable? I did a wedding where the bride's Yorkshire Terrier was the best man and the groom's German Shepherd was the maid of honor."