Wedding day coordinator?

I didn't book a wedding planner, though I did book a day-of coordinator, and that was one of the best decisions I made! If you think you'll need help with planning, a wedding planner would be a good idea. If you think you can handle the planning yourself, then skip the wedding planner. You can also use the checklist here on WeddingWire to help keep yourself on track.

Please keep in mind it is not your bridesmaids job or responsibility to act as day of coordinators. They can help out in small ways in preparation for the ceremony, ie being available for photos, offering assistance in getting dressed or bringing you a bite to eat, holding flowers or a train, and participating in the ceremony but anything beyond that is inappropriate. If you don't think your vendors will be up to the task on their own, then I'd hire someone.

You are the celebrity for the day. You should not be keeping track of vendors, telling bridesmaids what to do, worrying about guests, food, timing or any other detail on YOUR day. Be selfish. Hire a day of Coordinator and let them take over. You, your bridal party and family members should kick back and enjoy complete freedom from worries. Best money ever spent!

Our ceremony and reception are at the same venue. They have a restaurant so they are doing the food. My florist is staying after the ceremony to move flowers. All my cake vendor has to do is deliver the desserts, then the caterer's will put them out. My dj only needs to know where he needs to be, same with the photographer. My bridesmaids just basically need to make sure the groom and groomsmen show up. Am I missing what could be so stressful?

I didn't hire a planner - but I also LOVE planning. There are some really awesome planning books/binders you can buy to help keep things organized, or any of the big wedding websites (zola, the knot, wedding wire) all have planning help as well!

Also, for sure ask your venue how hands on their staff is during the day of!! Most have people who can help with vendor management, but some are so hands on you don't even need to hire a day of coordinator!!

Your bridesmaids’ job is to stand with you at the ceremony as emotional support. After the ceremony, their responsibilities are to enjoy themselves. It is not their job, nor that of your other loved ones. They don’t know what your vision is, they don’t have experience in fighting fires behind the scenes and having every vendor plus backup on speed dial. Most couples don’t need a wedding planner but a day of coordinator who is a professional is vital to a successful day.

View Quoted Comment What if your cake vendor forgets the desserts? Or the caterers forget to put them out? Who does the DJ call if they get stuck in traffic or the photographer if they’re running late? If you’re happy with you or your future husband being the point person to answer such questions/calls/problems, then you don’t need a DOC. If you’d like to completely relax on the day and not handle problems when (not if - something always goes ‘wrong’!) they arise then please hire a DOC. As others said, it is NOT the job of your bridal party to attend to such matters.

A day-of coordinator is really helpful! You and your groom need to focus on each other and enjoying your day. The DOC is there to handle last-minute issues that spring up so you don’t have to worry. They coordinate with the vendors, make sure things are set up correctly, and handle questions.