Why Hiring a “Day-of Coordinator” Isn’t As Helpful as You Think
For the sake of this blog post, I’m talking about “Day of Coordinators” who tell you that you can hire them just for the day of your wedding day; if you give them your notes and a timeline, they will manage it all. You should be skeptical.
Post-ceremony at Redeemed Farm // Celiena’s Captures
We know how much time and energy you dedicate to planning your wedding, and we know you want the day of your event to be the best it can be. You want to live in the moment while someone else manages the details and keeps things flowing smoothly.
That’s why you’re looking for a day-of coordinator, right? We’re here to tell you, that doesn’t exist. “Day of Coordination" implies someone can simply show up on your wedding day, without any pre-wedding prep, and successfully manage your timeline, direct vendors, and execute everything exactly as you’ve envisioned. There are just too many moving parts to think someone will have it all figured out if they haven’t been involved in the details before your wedding day.
Here’s why hiring someone simply for Day of Coordination isn’t as helpful as you think:
Without a pre-wedding meeting to confirm your priorities and expectations, this person won’t fully understand your vision and goals for the day. How can they bring your vision to life exactly as you dreamed it to be?
You’re on your own for the final details. You won’t have the expertise of a professional to ensure your timeline is perfectly organized, and it’s up to you to make sure all of your vendors have the same information. You also won’t have a resource to remind you of the little things you might forget (like including YOURSELVES and your vendors in the meal count).
Not to mention, it will cause confusion and tension among the vendor team if there is suddenly a “day of coordinator” at your wedding who they didn’t know about or never talked to beforehand. Your coordinator should be in communication with vendors before the wedding day to get input on the timeline and confirm all event logistics. This helps your vendor team work in sync on wedding day, meaning things go more smoothly for you.
The truth is, nobody is going to show up at your event and work just one day. Anyone who says they can doesn’t understand the intricacies of weddings. There are just too many moving parts and details to manage. Assuming they can jump right in and execute everything as the couple expects is a set-up for failure.
Your wedding day is too important to leave in the hands of someone who hasn’t adequately prepared. That's why professional wedding planners offer Wedding Management.
Sometimes called “Month-of” Coordination, Wedding Management is the new standard for day-of coordination.
With this level of service, a professional wedding coordinator steps in 1-2 months before your wedding day to ensure everything you’ve planned is perfectly organized.
Before your wedding day, we collaborate with your vendor team to finalize the timeline and ensure everyone is aligned on the order of events. We meet with your venue to fine-tune the floor plan. We review your decor and design plans so we can have everything set up exactly as you’ve envisioned. And we remind you of any tasks or little details that may have been forgotten! This pre-wedding prep ensures you will have the best wedding day.
Before hiring anyone for “day of” coordination we suggest closely checking their contract and reviewing what services may or may not be included. It’s an absolute must that your coordinator will connect with you and your vendors before the wedding day to confirm the timeline and all logistics!
Sharing the first dance at a September wedding at Ivory North Co. // Grace Byron Photography
