Why Get An Event Planner
What does day-of planning entail? Does everything happen on the big day?
Not quite. While this is commonly referred to as “day-of,” a better description is “coordination for the day of the wedding.” It starts with a detailed consultation with the bride at least three to four weeks prior to the wedding. From there we assemble a detailed timeline for the wedding day and work to ensure that everything comes together just as the bride envisioned it. As well, some wedding venues have a requirement that a couple hire a planner or at minimum, a coordinator for the day of the wedding.
What do day-of planning services generally cost?
Day-of coordination can range from $800 to $2,600 depending on the location, the planner’s experience and the specifics of the wedding. Are the ceremony and reception in one place or two? Are there extra details like dessert-bar setups, cocktail hour or particular sitting arrangements? Will the celebration last until 2am? These aspects can all affect the cost.
What are the key benefits?
The biggest: having the peace of mind that all the details will come together as you envisioned. The amount of resources budgeted toward a wedding can be substantial, and with just 5 to 10 percent of the cost going to coordination for the day, couples can ensure that countless hours of planning time will be made easier and that they get the most for their money. Think about it: In addition to being the center of
attention, you two are also the hosts of the celebration, unlike the days when parents took charge of wedding day festivities. If a last-minute issue arises, having a coordinator on board allows you to enjoy your day rather than solving last-minute problems. You’ll be able to truly enjoy every moment of the day.
All in a day’s work
On the big day, a planner often handles the unexpected: 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, family and friends are their guests too, and couples want them to be able to relax and enjoy their wedding.
Family members do not know how attentive they must be to every detail. They do not do this for a living so they can miss very important details.
Also, Just because the venue says they will give you a bridal attendant or coordinator they are not focused on your vendors arriving early or calling your florist if something went wrong. They are focus on the facility, on staff getting food out on time and getting you in on time for their next event. Not your own personal wedding details.
The biggest myth about day of Coordinators is? You don’t need one, every couple or event needs a coordinator to worry and take care of the details.
Really! Are you planning to leave your investment in the hands of a family member that has no experience instead of a professional?
When you hire a coordinator way in advance we save you money and negotiate on your behalf. Saving you hundreds and thousands of dollars from pitfalls and paying over the market price for services. We know the Industry and what is a fair price for your budget. Don’t pay more than you should. Coordinators are worth far more than what they charge. With what you save on hiring a coordinator for their savvy information its like you’re hiring an assistant for at a very minimal cost.
Some of the things we take care of:
- Party crashers that need to be asked to leave.
- Groomsman is missing his tux shirt, so we implore the rental company to do an emergency delivery.
- Someone is running late: We work around it to get the party going.
- We direct traffic in the middle of the street so the photographer can capture the perfect shot.
- Mother of the bride disappears just as the couple is ready to cut the wedding cake — we find her and bring her back.
- The lights in the ballroom are too bright; we work with the lighting engineer to create a warm ambience.
Day-of planning at a glance
- Formulationof wedding-day timeline and distribution to all vendors.
- Coordinationof all wedding professionals selected by bride and groom.
- Conductingthe wedding rehearsal the day before.
- Coordinatingall activities, including:
- Assisting the bride and wedding party with dressing, photo schedules.
- Guiding the bridal party through processional and recessional.
- Checking details both big (final head count for caterer, number of place settings) and small (placement of favors, menus and napkin folds).
- Checking floor plans, lighting levels, cake placement.
- Cueing all wedding professionals.
- Collection of gifts and personal items, inventory and safe removal.
Hope this information helps for a smooth and stress free celebration of your special day!