The Day-Of Wedding Coordinators revolution, The Wedding Planning Process

Hiring a day-of wedding coordinator is the new trend in wedding planning, and it's trailblazing.

As a groom or a bride, you can save valuable time and stress by hiring a day-of wedding coordinator to take care of some of the wedding tasks while you enjoy your perfect wedding.

This article will overview the tasks a day-of wedding coordinator can run or help you run, when you should hire a wedding day coordinator, and what your budget should be for this wedding service.

What is a Day-Of Wedding Coordinator?

Let's review what a day-of coordinator in the wedding industry is and the benefits of hiring one.

A wedding professional offering planning services

A day-of wedding coordinator, also known as a wedding day coordinator, is a wedding planner that takes care of the wedding details enabling you to enjoy your wedding ceremony.

A day-of wedding coordinator jumps later into the wedding planning process and takes care of the last few details of your big event, coordinating with wedding vendors and ensuring that everything is running smoothly. 


Should you hire a day-of wedding coordinator?

Organizing a perfect wedding can be a coordination nightmare, and it's even worse when you don't have the time. If you're tired of the coordination headache, don't have time, or could appreciate some help, then the answer is yes, you should hire a point person in charge of the day-of coordination.

Weddings are filled with many details that need to be managed carefully. It is common for couples to organize their wedding day themselves to be overwhelmed by the coordination required. Many couples experience frustrations with disorganization at some point, whether it's running out of time or funds to plan the entire wedding, or something unexpected happening on the big day. 

You can hire a day-of planner that will be responsible for the flawless execution of the already-made plans for your wedding.

The benefits of hiring a day-of coordinator for your wedding

Day-of-wedding coordinators are wedding professionals who can take considerable pressure off your shoulders, solve last-minute challenges, and make sure your wedding goes smoothly, allowing you to enjoy the day of the wedding.

Another great advantage in hiring a wedding day coordinator is that you will save money compared to hiring a full-service wedding planner.

Day-Of Wedding Coordinators and Wedding Planners: What is the difference?

A full-service wedding planner is in charge of planning and organizing the entire wedding, while the bride and groom usually hire a day-of wedding coordinator to cover the last few wedding details in the last few weeks.

Day-of-wedding coordinators are an excellent alternative for couples who rather organize their wedding themselves but still want the peace of mind that everything will be executed flawlessly and run smoothly during the wedding ceremony and the entire day.

What can you expect from a Day-Of Coordinator?

When hiring a day-of wedding planner, the bride and groom should expect a stress-free special day spent with their family and guests.

Which wedding party can organize wedding planners?

There are many events related to weddings that wedding planners can help you plan, including:

  • The engagement party.

  • The bridal party.

  • The wedding rehearsal.

  • The wedding ceremony and reception.

  • The wedding party.

  • The day-after brunch.


When you look for the right person, you always end up with the wrong one. But when you just sit by the corner and wait, he comes along and shares the corner with you.
— Unknown
 

The wedding coordinator's role and duties

The coordinator will organize specific time-consuming or stressful tasks during your wedding day, ensuring that nothing is left out. Here is a list of some of the day-of coordinator duties:

  • making suggestions or additions on how to improve your wedding day plans.

  • reviewing the detailed timeline of the ceremony, reception, and any other event.

  • overviewing all tiny details on the day of the wedding.

  • solve unexpected problems and challenges during the ceremony, reception, and any other wedding-related event.

  • supervising other vendors and becoming their go-to person on the day of the wedding (DJ, decoration,  catering, photographers...); confirming their arrival time and ensuring they have all the necessary equipment.

  • decorating the venue, making sure tables are set up properly.

    arrange the proper placement of the guests.

  • getting a list of toasts from the best man, checking in with important family members running late for pictures to make.

  • planning the guest list, invitations, and catering menu.

  • coordinate with the wedding party to ensure that your outfit is ready on time for you to get dressed before your big day.

  • coordinating transportation to and from hotels for guests.

  • cleaning up after the wedding reception.


When is the Right Time to Hire a Wedding Day Coordinator for Weddings?

You should hire a wedding day coordinator when you feel that the pressures of planning your wedding have become too much. Hiring a day-of coordinator will dramatically ease the pressure off your shoulders and help you enjoy your special moments.

While many couples hire a day-of coordinator only a few weeks before the wedding day, some rather inform the coordinator up to a year before the wedding. It also depends on the size of your wedding, as well as how much you'd like the wedding planner to do for you.

The most important thing is that you feel 100% comfortable with your day-of wedding coordinator and know that they are the right responsible person for the job.

What does a Day-Of Wedding Coordinator charge?

A day wedding planner usually charges an hourly rate for their services, but some determine a flat fee. To avoid any misunderstandings, make sure to agree and sign a contract before any services begin.

Day-of wedding coordinators usually charge a flat rate of  $200-$500 for their services, but it will depend on the size and budget of your wedding.

The average hourly rate for wedding planners is $35-$75/hr.

That is a cheaper option than hiring a full-service coordinator, who can charge up to $150/hr.

What should I ask a potential Wedding Day Coordinator for Before Hiring Them?

First, double-check that your wedding day coordinator is a member of the Association for Wedding Professionals International (AWPI) or the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC).

There are certain questions you should ask potential wedding day coordinators before hiring them. Make sure to go through their website and portfolio for reviews. Ask for references, and contact at least one of them personally.

  • How many weddings have you coordinated?

  • What is your experience working with this style of the wedding (outdoor, destination wedding, small wedding, big wedding.)?

  • Do you have any additional services, such as photography or videography?

  • Do you have a contract template that we can use for our wedding day?

  • What is your average budget per wedding?

  • What are your policies on overtime pay?

  • Do you have liability insurance?

Conclusion

A good day-of wedding coordinator is crucial for the success of your special event and needs to be someone you feel 100% confident with and trust to supervise essential jobs.

I hope this article helped you familiarize yourself with day-of wedding coordinators and their duties.

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Wedding PlannerHannah Bargas