Is a day of wedding coordinator worth it?
This is one of the most common questions I see asked among the bridal groups on social media. Based on my experience and the testimonials of others, having a day of wedding coordinator seems to be a necessity these days. Think about it, you spend months researching, planning and envisioning the perfect day, of course you want it to go off without a hitch; but how can you control the outcome of the day? HIRE A COORDINATOR!
We will get into what a Day of Wedding Coordinator is but first I want to be very clear on a few things, a day of wedding coordinator is NOT a full service wedding planner and it is not the same thing as a “venue coordinator” that is included with your reception venue.
What is the difference between a Full Service Wedding Planner and a Day of Wedding Coordinator?
A wedding planner is someone who helps and guides you through the entire planning process. They research, pay deposits, coordinate with all your vendors through the planning, they set up meetings, among many other things.
A day of wedding coordinator comes in a few months before your wedding to help you wrinkle out the last minute tasks and decisions that need to be made as well as execute your wedding day as you envision. They make the hard decisions and oversee the day of the wedding so you and your family can just enjoy your day. Not quite sure why we call it a DAY OF wedding coordinator, I guess month of coordinator just doesn't have the same ring to it!
In a nutshell, a full service wedding planner plans your wedding for you or with you (depending on the services you select) and a day of wedding coordinator executes your wedding day as YOU have planned it. By hiring a professional you can rest easy that all your hard work will be celebrated and brought to life. All you have to do is enjoy the day!
What you can expect from a Day of Wedding Coordinator?
Most coordinators will offer packages that include the basics but since every wedding is different, there will most likely be some responsibilities that are specific to your wedding. Below is a list of some common services included in day of wedding coordination: (at least this is what you will get when working with me :))
extensive intake meeting a 2 months before the wedding
lead wedding coordinator & vendor support
vendor referrals
vendor coordination (the week of and day of the wedding)
develop itinerary & décor manifest
assistance with floor plan
vendor set up supervision
reception set up of personal items
centerpiece set up
reception entrance coordination
greet & assist guests | bride and groom
assist with last minute details
wedding date emergency kit
attendance/assistance at wedding rehearsal
ceremony coordination & setup
And of course the greatest thing any wedding coordinator worth their salt can offer, Their personal stamp of approval and peace of mind that everything is taken care of.
How much should you spend on a day of coordinator?
The average cost of a day of wedding coordinator will depend on your area and the services you will need will drive your overall cost for this. On average this service is going to cost you anywhere from $800-$3000. Most coordinators will offer some value added services as well as a la carte services such as, but definitely not limited to; contract review, assistance with budget, rehearsal coordination, ceremony coordination, tear down services, RSVP coordination, etc.
Personally, working with me you can expect to pay between $1500-$2000 depending on if you want rehearsal coordination and teardown services. For my complete pricing breakdown, download my FREE Day of Wedding Coordination Guide.
How far in advance should you book a wedding coordinator?
The best time to reach out to a wedding coordinator or even a full service wedding planner is once you have selected your date and venue. Most coordinators & planners fill up their wedding calendars 12-18 months in advance, some even before then. As a bonus for booking your day of wedding coordinator early, they are a great resource for providing connections with other vendors as well as answering any questions you may have during the planning process.
Only you can decide if hiring a day of wedding coordinator is right for you, however, when you are ready to make that investment, do your research! Talk to past couples that hired a wedding coordinator and also couples that didn't hire one. Read the testimonials from the companies you are considering and ASK QUESTIONS! This may be an unpopular opinion, but not everyone can coordinate YOUR wedding. You want to find the person that speaks your language, the person that makes you feel comfortable and helps guide you through the process. Your wedding day is a huge milestone in you and your partner's life. Make sure you trust the person you are handing the reins over too.
Have more questions? Email me at heather@hsrgraphics.com
