Decorating

View Quoted Comment Oh my goodness I hope it all works out I may have to adjust a few things for sure

View Quoted Comment Thank you I will see what they think!

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It's truly SO worth it! You'll be surprised at what you can get for asking around. I don't know your budget, but I paid $800 for my AMAZING coordinator, which was a steal compared to the $1500 plus other coordinators were asking for. She actually came recommended to me by another coordinator that I'd contacted.

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If that's the case you could either hire a professional as some others have recommended or see if maybe this is a task your FH and his GM's can take over. Generally there's less for the groom to do the day of the wedding, so that may be an option for you. Of course hiring a DOC is ideal, but it's just not in the budget for some people.

We wont know if we have access to the venue the night before until we get closer so for now our plan is for me, my mom, and sisters to stay at the hotel so we can set up first thing in the morning. My venue will be setting up the tables/chairs/glasses and said they can do the simple centerpiece set up so I just have to do the extra stuff.

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If you can't hire a professional and your venue doesn't have one, perhaps you know someone who already has some event planning/ organizing skills and you can ask them to be your DOC. I wasn't able to decorate until my wedding day and two friends came in early and rocked the set up for me. If you are able to decorate the day before, its a great way to visit with out of town friends while putting them to work. No matter what though, do your best not to be the contact person on your wedding day, you can't be doing that and all the other things you need to do on the day (hair, makeup, getting dressed, photos, etc).

Try getting family and friends to help you. I have my venue for 2 days, so we are settingnup right after rehearsal.

I totally get your situation. My venue only gives an hour and a half for the entire event... So if there will be any decor, set up and take down have to occur in a flash.

I chose a lady at my job who always coordinates baby showers, graduation parties, bridal showers, etc. I'd been checking her events out for awhile, and finally approached. She was flattered and she agreed. We drew up an actual contract from online (Judge Judy anyone?), I paid a deposit, and we're booked.

Similar to an elopement, but with immediate family, we're having the ceremony, followed by appetizers, the first dance, and our cake & champagne toast (wedding dinner to follow at a restaurant).

A regular DOC would have been cost prohibitive (costing more than the wedding itself). I am literally doing all the planning, all the DIY; I just need her to set up, bring the vision to life - then take it all down all within the venues time constraints.

Look around you... You'll find that helping hand. Have fun and congrats!

Also in this situation! Thanks for sharing. I am reading your replies! Best of luck!

Hi Makayla! I’m sorry you’re so stressed!

If you have a caterer, do they have an add on option for a DOC? Sometimes they’ll add them on for a lot less than hiring a specific DOC then you’re saving money. That’s the route I decided to go in since I didn’t want to spend the money on a wedding coordinator.

I hope this helps. Good luck!!