Learn How a Day-Of Coordinator Can Help You Experience a Stress-Free Wedding and How Much They Cost
In more than one way, a wedding is a truly special experience. On a personal level, it is probably the most significant day in one’s life. On a financial level, it is probably the most expensive day in one’s life. And on a logistical level, it is probably the most complex day in one’s life. At least with the last bit, the wedding logistics, professional service providers, i.e. wedding planners and day-of coordinators can help.
In this blog post, we explore the role of the day-of coordinator, how they ensure you experience a stress-free wedding and how much they typically charge for their services.
What is a Day-Of Coordinator?
A day-of coordinator coordinates and organizes your wedding day, ensuring that on your big day everything goes according to plan and schedule.
Even though every wedding is the same – ceremony, cocktails, reception, dinner, after-party, no wedding is like the next. For every wedding, the couple, their guests, the venue and the wedding vendors come together for a truly unique event.
Just in terms of wedding vendors, there will typically be at least half a dozen suppliers to deal with: the wedding venue and its staff, the caterer, the florist, the equipment supplier, the band or musicians, the officiant, the DJ, the wedding cake supplier, etc.
But who is in charge of coordinating all the vendors? Who keeps track of time? And who tells your guests when to be where? This is where the Day-Of Coordinator comes in.
Three Reasons You Should Have a Day-Of Coordinator
1. Have a Stress-Free Wedding
The first, and most important reason, for having a day-of coordinator is that your wedding will be stress-free. Admittedly, it will not be entirely stress-free. But with a good day-of coordinator by your side, you will have much less to worry about.
A day-of coordinator will guide you and your guests through the wedding day, making sure that everything goes according to plan. For example, they will ensure all your guests are all seated before your entrance, that the DJ plays the right song as you walk down the aisle, and that everyone who wants to give a speech during dinner has a chance to do so.
A day-of coordinator ensures your carefully made plans are executed without a hitch. From setting up décor to making sure vendors arrive on time, they handle all the small details, so you don’t have to.
2. Benefit From Their Experience
A good and experienced day-of coordinator has attended so many weddings that organizing a wedding is their second nature.
Even without looking at the run sheet, they know exactly what has to happen when. You, on the other hand, may have attended a few of your friends’ weddings as a guest (and were probably not too concerned with the precise rundown of the wedding). And as the bride or groom your role at the wedding should not be the role of the planner. You are there to enjoy your big day!
A day-of coordinator’s experience with weddings is a huge plus as you plan and experience your wedding. A wedding can feel extremely overwhelming as there are so many things to think of. With an experienced day-of coordinator, you can simply follow their guidance, putting your trust into their experience.
3. Let Others Deal with Problems
In spite of all of the planning that goes into a wedding there can always be unexpected problems. It might start to rain. Or the DJ is running late. Or the caterer needs an extra power outlet…whatever the problem is, you will not have to deal with it.
A day-of coordinator is there to manage any last-minute problems, such as timeline changes or vendor delays, keeping your day on track and stress-free.
Knowing a professional is handling logistics gives you peace of mind. You can enjoy your day fully without worrying about who is managing the timeline or whether everything is going as planned.
How Much Does a Day Of Wedding Coordinator Cost?
It is difficult to put a precise number at the cost of a day-of coordinator, as it entirely depends on the scale of your wedding.
For a small, intimate, non-luxurios wedding, a day-of coordinator should not cost you more than US$1,000 to US$2,000. Sometimes, the venue might even offer the day-of coordinator as a service that is included in the package price. That’s why we recommend to always ask the venue first, especially if you are planning a small wedding.
For very small micro-weddings or elopements on a small budget, you might even consider asking a close friend to be your day-of coordinator. However, bear in mind that whoever you nominate to be your day-of coordinator, they will not have the chance to fully enjoy your wedding!
For a larger wedding, expect to pay US$2,000 to US$5,000 for a day-of coordinator. At this price point, expect to find an experienced day-of coordinator with a portfolio of weddings. They will supervise each of your wedding events from setup to teardown. Beyond the day-of coordination, also expect to receive other services, such as pre-wedding planning consultations.
Last, for large-scale, luxurious weddings that are planned by a professional wedding planner, the day-of coordination is usually included in the service package. Professional wedding planners often charge a percentage fee of your overall wedding budget (5% to 10% are customary). They take charge of the entire planning and day-or coordination process, providing an entirely seamless experience for you and your partner!
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