Day of planner

Do they offer the day of planner as an extra service? Or are they a venue coordinator? The venue coordinator is different from a day of planner. If it's an extra service, then it probably truly is a day of planner. They are totally worth the cost!! They help keep your timeline on track the day of the wedding, resolve issues (notify venue staff of any drink spills, contact vendors who are running late, track down any important forgotten items such as rings or marriage license, etc), direct deliveries to the right spot (cake, flowers, etc), gather people for photos to help the photographer get through family and wedding party portraits more efficiently, etc. The only con I can think of is the added cost (fee, plus another meal to pay for, plus tip if you choose to give one). If it's in your budget, I strongly advise a day of coordinator!

Is it a Day of Coordinator or full wedding planner? DOC is something you will want for 120 guests. Even for 20 guests it's helpful. They will make sure your vendors are getting set up, que people to walk at the right times, help with transitions to dance floor, etc. It's very very helpful.

There are different names for different positions. A venue may offer a Bridal Attendant who takes care of the couple and WP the day-of (I have not seen one in action so don't know all their duties). A venue can also offer a Venue Coordinator who overseas the vendors coming in for set-up, etc. with venue's interest/ liability concerns in mind. Some couples hire their own Day-of Coordinator who work with the couple 4-6 weeks before and up through the wedding day. Other couples choose a wedding planner, partial or full, who work for longer periods of time (months/years). On WW, DOC's are spoken of more often. Whomever you hire should also have a vendor meal and receive an appropriate tip.

They would be the point person for keeping on schedule, coordination of multiple vendors on the day, and troubleshooting issues/ problems so you don't have to answer too many questions. They also dole out tips at the end of the night, and pack your things up. If you have room in your budget, it's best to hire a professional than appointing a family member or friend who could otherwise enjoy your wedding.

When they work for the venue, it is a venue coordinator which is completely different from a month of coordinator. Generally the venue coordinator only cares about the venue: making sure the doors are unlocked and lights are on, vendors arrive and leave on time, etc and they won’t help at all as a mediator for you between you and vendors or help setup. Many venues require that you hire a month of coordinator who is separate and will act as someone who helps you set up and mediates between you and the vendors in case anything goes wrong behind the scenes.

Do you want to feel like a bride, enjoy your day without worrying about vendors, timing and setting up/breaking down? GRAB the Day of Coordinator!!! I had one (offered for an extra fee by venue) and it was the best $500 spent ever! She ran our rehearsal the day before, and then took care of EVERYTHING the day of. I did nothing but smile, look gorgeous (LOL) and enjoy every perfect moment of my wedding. If it's in your budget, hire one.

I am a day of coordinator and you definitely need one. They should keep you on your timeline and handle and problems that come up to the point you will never know they even happened. Take them up on the offer. You will be happy you did.