Day-Of Coordinating Defined

If you're getting married, I'm sure you've heard the term "day-of coordinating" (and "month-of coordinating"). But, do you really know what it involves?

Day-of coordinating works best for the couple that is truly capable of planning their entire wedding and is only seeking assistance with the final loose ends before "tying the knot". However, the term "day-of coordinating" can be quite misleading. It would be very difficult for a wedding coordinator to only show up on the day of your wedding and execute the plans to your satisfaction. So, in actuality, "day-of" services typically begin a few weeks prior to the wedding day. This allows the coordinator to do such things as: complete a walk-through of the venue, meet to gather information about you and your wedding plans, create timelines, contact your vendors, gather necessary decorating items and (many times) direct the rehearsal. Then, on the wedding day, the coordinator acts as the bride's assistant to make sure the day is as you've planned it to be. This includes arriving early, greeting and over-seeing your vendors, setting-up, putting out any "fires", acting as the point-of-contact, assisting guests, tending to the bride/groom/bridal party/parents, remaining on site to the end of the event, packing up any leftover items and more...WHEW! And that's only for DAY-OF coordinating.

Keep in mind that, out of all of the vendors you book, a wedding coordinator will be the one spending the most time with you, obtaining the most details about the wedding and doing the most running around on the wedding day to keep everything in order. So, don't be deceived by a DJ, caterer, church coordinator or on-site staff member that agrees to act as your "wedding coordinator". Their assistance is limited and will not include all of the services mentioned above. So, be sure to present a list of questions to any other vendor that offers to also be your coordinator. A true wedding coordinator is focused on you and your entire wedding day. So, when it comes to choosing vendors, a coordinator should be at the very top of the list and definitely not skipped (or skimped on)!

Of course, there are some coordinators that do NOT offer day-of coordinating... for obvious reasons. When dealing with one of the most important days in a person's life, it's not ideal to jump in on the tail-end of the planning. With day-of services, a coordinator can often walk into a situation that includes working with unfamiliar/unreliable vendors and uncovering important details that were over-looked. So, this can create additional unexpected work for the coordinator... and possibly additional charges to you.

So, to avoid any additional stress, problems and charges, it's advised that you hire a coordinator earlier in the planning process (for MORE than just "day-of" services). Knowledgeable coordinators can prevent you from making costly mistakes and unnecessary purchases. We can also connect you with reliable vendors that match your style and personality. And best of all, we can be there during the planning stages to guide, encourage, advise, reduce stress and make sure the engagement is an enjoyable time for you and your fiance.

So, definitely don't go it alone... Happy Planning!