Do I Need a Day-of Coordinator?
This may be the shortest blog post in the history of blogs. YES, you DO need a day-of coordinator!!
THE END.
Just kidding. Since some of you might need a little more convincing, we will attempt to elaborate on this incredibly important job that marks the difference in your wedding day flowing smoothly or falling apart. Yes, that sounds dramatic, but it is 100% true. Even if you think you are an exceptionally organized person, ask yourself this question: “Do I want to be managing every little detail on my wedding day or do I want to savor each moment?” You already know the answer to that question, don’t you? Please do yourself a favor and hire a professional! You can thank us later.
Here are a few of the duties performed by your day-of coordinator:
Producing a detailed timeline that merges the important times of the day (bridal party arrival, when you need to be photo ready, ceremony, dinner, send-off, etc.) with the timelines of your photographers and any other outside vendors
Coordinating the rehearsal and ceremony then directing who walks with whom at what time
Managing the arrival and setup of any outside vendors
Keeping the bridal party, family members, and vendors in line throughout the day to make sure things run according to plans (so you don’t have to be the bad guy at any point!)
Making sure the family members and guests are seated where they need to be during the reception
Serving as a point of contact for all parties involved (both professional and personal) in case any issues arise
Handling, placing, and removing all décor items including items for ceremony, programs, centerpieces, welcome/gift/sign in tables, cake topper, cake cutting set, gifts, etc.
Distributing floral items to wedding party and family- i.e. pinning boutonnieres and fastening corsages
Communicating with the DJ when announcements need to be made
Directing the guests where they need to go- to the ceremony site, location for social hour, and then on to the reception
There are myriad other things a coordinator ends up doing on the day of the wedding. They are essentially the point of contact person for every question that might need to be asked. By the time of the wedding, the coordinator has met with the couple several times in order to make sure that every little thing has a plan. Such planning allows the coordinator to be the buffer between the bride and whatever issues emerge. We firmly believe that distracting the bride with menial questions on THE DAY when she needs to be cherishing the precious moments should be a criminal offense.
Is Aunt Tami lost? The coordinator can give directions.
Has one of the groomsmen accidentally stepped on his boutonniere? The coordinator borrows a flower or two from a centerpiece to make repairs.
Did the bride drop her lipstick on her wedding dress? Here comes the spot remover.
Is mama bawling before the ceremony? Here come the open arms and comforting hug.
The coordinator is the pinner of buttresses, bearer of tissues, and giver of calm.
At Ramble Creek, we understand the importance of the day-of coordinator, which is why we now include that service with every wedding proposal. Until 2022 we offered the service as an add-on, but after helping roughly 200 couples with their weddings, we recognize that office as indispensable and non-negotiable. That simple term “day-of coordinator” is so inadequate and lackluster. Is changing the name to Wedding Magician too much of a stretch? We think not. You can read more about this kind of service here.
Recently, a mother of the bride took the time to address part of her heartfelt review to our own day-of coordinator: “Thank you, Emma, for your guidance, creative input, professionalism, and calming influence through it all. Your attention not only to detail, but to people (the bride and groom, bridal party, family, and our guests), is exceptional.”
If peace of mind on your wedding day is a priority to you, your first step is clicking the link to book a tour! We’ve got you covered!