Is a Day-of Coordinator Actually Worth It?

Trying to decide if a day-of coordinator is needed for your wedding? Your venue offers a venue coordinator so what's the difference between that and a day-of coordinator? What exactly would a day-of coordinator actually do?

Many couples ask themselves these questions (and more) while planning their wedding. Before I joined the industry, I never would've thought that I would need to hire a day-of coordinator. I just thought I would handle it all myself on the day or have my mom or close friend help. I quickly realized how much a day-of coordinator is necessary for not only a successful wedding, but also a stress free one because the last thing you want on your wedding day is to be running around.

Here I'm going to talk about what a day-of coordinator does and why you should have one.

What is a Day-Of Coordinator?

To put it plainly, a day-of coordinator coordinates your actual wedding day. I know it's that simple! Now let's get into the details.

Depending on the company you hire will determine what exactly your day-of coordinator will do. For instance, when you hire my company to do day-of coordination we start working about 5 weeks prior to your wedding day. We would meet with you and go over everything you already have planned and how we will step in. You give us all your vendors' information and we will run with it. Everything from making sure the vendors know where and when they're arriving, to making sure they're where they're supposed to be on the day and doing all that you hired them to do. We also help you with planning and executing decoration as well as creating your timeline for the big day. We're there on the rehearsal day running through everything and making sure everything's good to go. Then, finally, we're there on your wedding day running the whole event. We will be the ones to call that groomsman when he doesn't show up on time and to tell the bar staff when to cut off Aunt Karen! We are in charge of the whole event so the bride and groom don't need to be worried. If there's a fire in the kitchen, we put it out whether literally or figuratively.

If that sounds like a lot, picture you or your mom doing that on your wedding day!

What is the Difference Between a Day-Of Coordinator and a Venue Coordinator?

If you don't see the difference between a venue coordinator and a day-of coordinator don't worry, many people don't know the difference either. There is this common misconception that if your venue has a venue coordinator then you don't need a day-of coordinator because that venue coordinator will handle everything. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case.

A venue coordinator typically handles only things related to the venue. Now I say typically because of course there could be venues that offer more coordination or that handle things outside of what's expected. I'm talking about the typical venue coordinator. Those people are not handling timelines, corralling people, giving the photographer a shot list, or doing anything that's not related to the actual venue. If a chair breaks then yes that coordinator will step in and replace it or try to fix it, but if your DJ cancels last minute they will not be calling other DJs they know or really helping in any way with that. They are there simply to make sure the venue is functioning properly and are not there for you personally.

Now the day-of coordinator is there for you! They will be the ones to try and find another DJ, they will be handling timelines, and most importantly they will be there making sure you have the best wedding day possible. We are ultimately there for the bride and groom. Which one would you rather have by your side on your wedding day?

What About for Small Weddings? Would a Day-Of Coordinator Still Be Worth It?

Everyone has a different meaning of what a "small" wedding is. Some people mean still having a venue and all the vendors but maybe only 50-100 guests, or some literally mean a backyard wedding with 20 people and your aunt is catering.

If you're still having a venue with all the vendors then yes, you would still need one. Just because there's less people doesn't mean there's not a timeline, decorations, or less to do. It may mean less people corralling on our part, but there's still plenty to do that you as the bride wouldn't want to do.

If you truly mean a small backyard wedding with 20 people or less and you're doing a potluck then no, we're probably not needed. Ultimately, it is up to the individual person what they want to be handling on their wedding day.

How Much Does a Day-Of Coordinator Cost?

This question is very subjective to the company and exactly what they offer. One tip that I always like to tell people is if you find someone significantly cheaper then all the others, don't go with them. They're probably cheap for a reason and either aren't reliable or won't do as much as most other companies do.

Some companies will have different levels of Day-Of Coordination where, depending on how much help you want, will determine the price you pay. Other companies, like mine, have one set Day-Of Coordination price.

No matter what company you choose to go with always meet with them before hand and fully read over any contract. Then you will know exactly what you're getting and, even more importantly, what you won't be getting.

Should I Hire a Day-Of Coordinator?

Back to our main question: Should I hire a day-of coordinator? With all the points brought up, I think by now the answer would be yes. They would be there for you, handling main things during your wedding that you wouldn't be able to handle, and they would ultimately be making your day much less stressful. They are there to let you have the best wedding day possible.

If you're interested in learning more about what we offer as our day-of coordination services here is a link to schedule a consultation: https://www.weddingsbyeva.com/consultation