Why do you need a day-of coordinator?

If you thought that “Are you hiring a wedding planner?” was a “Yes” or “No” question, think again. There is a happy medium between hiring a full-service planner and winging it all on your own, and that is the day-of coordinator.

An often poorly understood concept, the day-of coordinator can be a life saver for couples who don't have the budget for a full-service planner; couples who thought they could do it all alone and then realize, close to the wedding, that they were wrong; and couples who actually manage to plan it all alone, but then wisely realize that they shouldn't leave the day-of nitty-gritty in the hands of their mother or maid of honor. Remember, your family and friends are your guests too, and you want them to be able to relax and enjoy your wedding.

As a day-of coordinator, we do just that: We coordinate the logistics of your wedding day to make sure that everything that you have spent months planning runs exactly how you envisioned. From the arrival times of the florist, limo pick up and drop offs to packing all your gifts and goodies at the end of the night, the day-of coordinator will take care of it all.

I strongly recommend that every couple that is planning their own wedding hire a day-of coordinator. Planning the entire wedding without a coordinator is already stressful enough, so the least you can do is hire someone who can handle the stress of the day. Your peace of mind on your wedding day will be worth every penny!

Don't let the price tag keep you from contacting a day-of coordinator. If you find one that you like but it's out of your budget, consider reaching out to them anyway. Be honest about what you are able to spend and how impressed you are by their work. You may be surprised by their response.

Some couples choose to forgo a day-of coordinator because their reception venue includes a coordinator. Although this may sound similar to a day-of coordinator, beware: It is not exactly the same. It's important that you identify exactly what your needs will be on wedding day and know ahead of time exactly what your venue coordinator is able and willing to do. Keep in mind that they may not be able to call the limo driver who is running late, or assist the groom who can't find his shirt.