As much as Aunt Mary Sue swears she’s got it under control, Day of Coordinator is a full-time job. So, you chose flowers for your dream wedding down to the last petal, right? Now, can you juggle the flower deliveries, seating arrangements, and random kids roaming around with centerpieces and plucking some petals here and there—all while trying to walk down the aisle? Not so dreamy anymore, is it?
Here’s the kicker: Your wedding day is not the time to play event planner.
I wish clients ‘best of luck’ when they choose to DIY their wedding. As a seasoned wedding planner, I know how tough it is to manage the day and still enjoy it – I even hired a day-of coordinator for my own wedding!
So when asked if a coordinator is worth it, my answer is always yes. Even the most organized brides need that extra help.
What Does a Day-of Coordinator Do?
Contrary to what the name suggests, a day-of coordinator isn’t someone who just shows up on the wedding day with a clipboard. Their work begins weeks in advance, ironing out all the tiny details you may not have considered. They keep the moving parts running smoothly, so you’re not the one answering 17 questions while getting your makeup done.
In preparing for a wedding day, I start coordinating long before the event to ensure all vendors are aligned. Organization is key, and I create a detailed timeline that covers everything from the event schedule and musical cues to vendor contacts and seating arrangements. This ensures everyone knows their role and that any questions or changes are addressed in advance. Of course, no matter how tight the timeline, things can shift during the event. That’s where I step in—adjusting the schedule seamlessly without anyone realizing anything’s off track. This allows the couple and their guests to fully enjoy the day without stress or responsibility.
Why You Can’t Do It All
Even if you’re the type who loves a good color-coded spreadsheet, coordinating a wedding while being the bride is a whole different ball game. Between making sure the DJ plays the right version of your first dance song and dealing with a guest who’s lost on the way, things can spiral quickly.
The truth is, no matter how organized or hands-on you are, you can’t split yourself in two. A day-of coordinator handles the fires—big and small—so you can actually focus on, you know, getting married. After all, how can you cue the flower girl if you’re waiting to walk down the aisle yourself?
How to Enjoy Your Day
Hiring a day-of coordinator means less stress, more enjoyment on your wedding day. Let them handle logistics, so you can be the princess/prince.
Your friends and family are there to celebrate with you, not to be your unpaid wedding staff. A day-of coordinator takes that burden off your shoulders (and theirs), making sure everything goes off without a hitch while you enjoy every moment.