Day of Coordinator - Expectations

I'm having a DOC-lite.

Basically I asked for a bullet-point list of what is covered in DOC packages and crossed out what I don't need. That said, I think you have a good general idea of what they do. They'll also help plan and run the rehearsal, make sure the certificate gets mailed into the courthouse, all that kind of stuff.

The one we are looking at using offers all that you listed. In addition, she distributes the final vendor payments, makes sure everything gets cleaned up or loaded up (gifts, decorations that are ours, etc). She also will direct the wedding party at rehearsal.

Final vendor payment

Confirming final details with vendors (Can I tell you I've had this happen less than a dozen times....)

This would include constructing the processional if your officiant hasn't done that with you.

KEEPING you on track that day, which is like herding cats in most cases.

Problem solving on the day; missing bouts, seating chart glitches, late people....

But they don't really have anything to do with the certificate being mailed unless your officiant is a rank beginner or an idiot. We are very, very conscious of that.

I hired a DOC and shes going to help us decorate for ceremony and reception, set up a timeline, she will be the point of contact for all vendors the day before our wedding and day of, she will conduct the rehearsal at our venue, she will stay the entire reception, and at the end make sure my mom has all the gifts, top of the cake, and any of our decorations.

In addition to everything already mentioned... I second Celia's comments about confirming final details, especially arrival times with vendors. Also, checking contracts for timing conflicts. Distributing the timeline and other important information (entrance songs, first dance songs, etc.) to vendors as appropriate. Watching over gifts and putting them in a secure spot (hotel room if your reception is in a hotel, or someone's car). Also, any cleanup that is necessary and returning any of your personal items (cake topper, etc.) to your hotel/designated car.

Pinning on bouts.

Edited to add more info.

Each DOC will perform different duties depending on the package you sign up for. For example, my basic package does not include running the rehearsal, I will only do light set up the day of and will only clean up what I set up. My extended package includes the rehearsal as well as heavy set up (centerpieces, tables, chairs, etc) and heavy tear down.

We have absolutely nothing to do with the marriage certificate.

If your friend is thinking about doing it for you, you may want to ask her what she thinks she will be doing in order to keep your expectations and her's on the same wavelength (and if she was going to be a guest, don't hire her).

Edited for spelling

She was not going to be a guest. I wanted to have a list of what I'd consider to be reasonable expectations so we can discuss what I expect vs what she expects from the day. The heavy setup will be done by our carerer, as we are paying them an additional service fee for them to do the setup and clean up. I'd expect her to more make sure the centerpieces are done correctly, tables in the right location (and direct the caterer on where they need to go, if they need to be moved).

Hi Date twin! Does your friend offer a Month of Coordination package? That might be more helpful and she can meet with you to go over what she will be assisting with. Some ideas - put together day of timeline and distribute to vendors and bridal party; assist with processional and recessional order; attend and direct rehearsal (in absence of officiant); assist with seating chart; confirm - vendor arrival times, final payments, lodging, transportation; All wedding day details - ceremony timing, reception flow, set up and breakdown of décor, vendor coordination, vendor payments and tips; and you should decide on a predetermined number of hours that she will be on site the day of your wedding.

Here are some random questions to consider-

Is setting up table decorations included? Will your DOC be doing this?

Collecting cards?

Making sure bar knows what is being served.

Outdoor ceremony? Who's flipping seat cushions?

Who's getting stuff left in the car? The hotel? Parents house?

Our friend isn't an official coordinator. She worked for several years as the special events manager at a local venue, so she has experience - just not as an official planner. She's done the DOC stuff for other brides in the past, usually as things fell to her to take charge because the bride/groom didn't have someone else to do it, so she stepped in to keep the event on track.

I'm going to contact her tonight to see when we can possibly meet to talk about stuff, and make sure we are on the same page.