If you’ve started planning your wedding you’ve likely come across the term “day-of wedding coordinator” a few times, but many people aren’t quite sure what the term really means. If you want to plan your wedding yourself or a full-service wedding planner isn’t in your budget, a day-of coordinator is probably what you’re looking for. Your day-of coordinator is not there to help you plan all the finer details of your wedding, but as it gets closer to your big day, a day-of coordinator will take you through the final steps and handle everything leading up to and on your actual wedding day.
What does a day-of wedding coordinator actually do?
As a day-of wedding coordinator, I will help out more than just on the day of your wedding. We will have two meetings in the months leading up to your wedding to determine a final to-do list and make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. I will then create a timeline for the big day so that your vendors and your wedding party have all the information they need. I will be your coordinator at your wedding rehearsal to make sure everything goes smoothly, and on the day of your wedding, I will be the contact person for all vendors so if there are any hiccups (your florist gets lost, your cake gets delivered to the wrong place…) I can fix the problem and you never have the chance to worry about it.
When all your vendors start showing up to get things in order for your big day, the last thing you want to do is go over the timeline and floor plan with everyone. If you are having your wedding in a home or private space, your caterer will want to know where they can set up and where the busing station will be located. Your DJ will want to review the space they have and timing of songs and introductions. If your ceremony started 20 minutes late (because Grandma took a wrong turn) and your timeline needs to be moved around to make sure you aren’t serving your guests wilted salads or warm champagne, its nice to have someone else managing these changes for you.
Some couples designate family members or the maid of honor to manage all the finer details of the wedding. This might work out okay but remember that your family and friends are guests too and would probably like to relax and enjoy your wedding with you. Also remember that a day-of wedding coordinator is an expert with weddings and has the experience to handle any situation that can arise.