Wedding Day-Of Coordinator

When your big day finally comes around, you want to make sure you and your groom truly enjoy it. The best way to accomplish that is to hire a day-of coordinator (if you haven't already hired a full on consultant). You've worked hard on all the details, picking your colors to deciding on either a DJ or band to figuring out how high you want your centerpieces to go. Hiring a day-of coordinator gives you the relief of handing the reigns over without blindsiding a relative or close family friend with a "to do" list. They are there to enjoy the day as well.

I would recommend that you decide on whether or not you want a day-of coordinator about 3-6 months prior to your wedding day. By that timeframe, you should have your major vendors picked out and you can provide your vendor contact information to your hired coordinator. There are a few ways to find a coordinator:

• Research on-line for local coordinators
• Find an association (such as Association of Bridal Consultants) and use their referral list
• Ask friends/family for referrals. Word of mouth is a strong tool

Once you find a few coordinators, meet with each of them and find one within your budget and someone that you and your fiance click with. The coordinator should be able to give you a laundry list of what is included in their different packages. Make sure that they answer all of your questions and that you leave the "interview" satisfied.

After you have met with all of the coordinators (unless the first one seemed perfect for you), make sure to contact them immediately so that they can get started on planning the day with you. Most day-of coordinators will have an initial consultation with you about a month out and then not have to meet again until rehearsal. I personally include unlimited email and phone contact from the month mark.

By rehearsal, about 98% of the ducks are in a row and finishing touches just need to be completed. On the wedding day, the coordinator basically starts from about an hour prior to the ceremony, followed by reception site preparation and completes the night with the last event on the timeline.