A well-known joke about weddings is that it is a natural wonder when a couple can get married without even once threatening to cancel because of all the stress. Weddings can bring out the worst in everybody and cause battles that are remembered for an eternity. And before you begin lamenting about crazed "Bridezillas," men can be just as guilty and, according to Urban Dictionary, are referred to as "Groom Kongs." Wedding planners can be miracle workers and help couples avoid the stress and strife of wedding planning, or at least lower it a few notches.

Wedding planners can plan every item of the wedding, from the engagement party to the end of the reception. Or they can be limited in scope and only manage, say, on-site needs or specific tasks. For the do-it-yourself wedding, there are also helpful virtual wedding planner apps like WeddingHappy. Couples can visit The Knot or WeddingWire websites, or speak with planning professionals such as the award-winning DIY Wedding Planner Anastasia, to find the app best suited for their needs. Couples should think about what they think is the most important, most confusing or most stressful to determine how involved they want a planner to be and what they want to take into their own hands.

A good wedding planner will consult with the couple to get an understanding of their dreams and needs and make suggestions to avoid last-minute hassles. They offer services that include arranging the florist, caterer and invitations printer; coordinating the bridal party attire; choosing wedding favors; creating the overall theme; negotiating with vendors; handling deliveries; setting up the rehearsal, ceremony and reception; dealing with uninvited or rowdy guests; ensuring that the venue is clean; and ensuring all deposits and rentals are in order. The planner and couple will decide together which services take priority based on the couple's budget.

Aside from lessening planning aggravation by coordinating many moving parts for the couple, planners often have relationships with preferred vendors, which can lower the cost of wedding services. Planners normally contract with the couple for services and charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a base fee plus extra charges depending on vendors and needs. However the cost is decided, the couple should be sure that the planner is in sync with their desires and that they feel comfortable with her or his interest in their wedding happiness.

If a couple decides to not use a formal planner or DIY app, venues often provide venue coordinators as part of a package or for an additional fee. Coordinators organize and manage all of the activities taking place at the site, such as oversee the placement of tables and chairs; ensure that vendors are in place and on time; move the party along between the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception; and prepare the invoice. While coordinators are only fully responsible for details involving the venue, they can be a boon for the wedding couple, helping remove stress on the actual wedding day so the betrothed can enjoy their celebration.

Being freed up from countless details can also allow couples to plan a unique wedding in romantic and picturesque settings. Las Vegas elopement expert McKenzi Taylor, owner of Cactus Collective Weddings, helps couples run off to Vegas to get married while maintaining the magic and romance of traditional vows. "People come to us looking for that intoxicating combination of glamour, excitement and turn-key ease. We handle everything from location permits to the ceremony, a champagne and cake reception, extra added touches to personalize vows, and of course, stunning photography," explained Taylor. "We're creating experiences for couples to get married surrounded by million-dollar views, for just a few thousand dollars." Packages include sites off the Las Vegas strip with the scenic outdoor backdrops. There's no reason an elopement or destination wedding has to be cookie cutter. Consult a wedding planner with expertise, logistical knowledge and an on-the-ground network in your desired location.

A successful wedding can be anything from a justice of the peace with a few friends to an all-out celebration with loads of guests. It should be a reflection of the couple and fit within their budget and style. Hire a wedding planner, or seek other wedding planning resources, to take the worries out of your big day so you can focus on the beginning of your new partnership and making memories that will always bring smiles.