What a Day-of Coordinator Does and How to Tell if You Need One

A Day-of Wedding Coordinator (sometimes referred to as a Wedding Day Coordinator or Wedding Planner for the day) is a professional hired to oversee the final details and logistics of your wedding on the actual day. Their role is to ensure that everything runs smoothly, so the couple and their families can enjoy the celebration without worrying about the logistics.

Here are the main responsibilities of a day-of wedding coordinator:

1. Pre-Wedding Planning

• Finalizing Details: A day-of coordinator usually meets with the couple a few weeks before the wedding to confirm all the details, including the schedule, vendor information, and the overall vision for the event.
• Timeline Creation: They create a detailed timeline for the wedding day, ensuring that everything from hair and makeup to the reception is timed properly.

2. Vendor Coordination

• Managing Vendors: On the wedding day, the coordinator is the point of contact for all vendors, ensuring they are on schedule and managing any last-minute changes or issues.
• Ensuring Deliveries: They make sure that the flowers, cake, entertainment, and all other services are delivered as expected and at the right time.

3. Rehearsal Supervision

• If included in their role, a day-of coordinator may oversee the rehearsal the day before the wedding, making sure the bridal party knows what to expect and how to walk down the aisle, stand, and sit.

4. Wedding Day Logistics

• Managing the Timeline: They keep the wedding day on schedule, making sure everything happens when it should, from the ceremony to the reception and beyond.
• Problem Solving: If any issues arise, the coordinator handles them behind the scenes without stressing the couple or guests.
• Coordinating Transportation: They ensure that the transportation for the couple and the bridal party runs smoothly.

5. Guest Assistance

• They help guests with any questions, including where to sit, how to find the restrooms, and where the event is taking place.

6. Setup and Breakdown

• The coordinator ensures that all décor is set up according to plan (sometimes they may help with the decorations if this is part of their package) and makes sure that everything is cleared away after the event.

7. Point of Contact for Family and Bridal Party

• They make sure that the family and bridal party stay informed about where they need to be at all times, helping to keep the day stress-free for everyone involved.

When to Hire a Day-of Coordinator:

• It’s typically best to hire a day-of coordinator if you’ve planned your wedding but need someone to handle the details and logistics on the day itself. They take the pressure off the couple, ensuring everything goes according to plan without needing the couple’s constant involvement in minor tasks.

In short, a day-of wedding coordinator is a valuable asset to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly, and it allows you to fully enjoy the celebration without worrying about coordinating every detail.