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Savvy January 2019

When do you decorate the venue?

Jess, on July 11, 2018 at 2:10 PM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 1 8

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I'm not sure if I'm missing something or if the venue takes care of it but when am I supposed to decorate the venue for my ceremony and reception? We are doing it all at the same place but we can only get there 3 hours before we walk the aisle and a lot of that time will be getting dressed and taking photos. My family and bridesmaids anf groomsmen will all be busy with getting ready and photos too. Do I put someone not in the wedding party in charge? Do I ask the venue if i can set up the day before? I'm doing a lot of this DIY so I have no floral person to set that up. I'm still 200 days out but this is the only major stress I have right now. I'm making all these flowers and photo walls and centerpieces but I have no idea how they are getting set up on the day of. Help

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8 Comments

Latest activity by Marissa, on July 11, 2018 at 5:14 PM

Expert September 2018
char · on July 11, 2018 at 2:13 PM
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Find out if you can hire a DOC. Depending on what you can find in your area, some will provide day-of setup and takedown help for far less than typical wedding coordinator prices. I wasn't able to find that in my area, but I sure wish I had; I am in the same boat as you.
I've had many friends and family members offer to help, so while I feel guilty about it, they did offer and I will be leaning on them for their assistance. I am trying to spread it out so nobody feels like they had to do ALL of the legwork for setup.
Also, my photographer has offered to do cleanup for an additional fee.
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Expert July 2019
Hannah · on July 11, 2018 at 2:14 PM
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I will be having one of my personal attendants help (with a crew of selected family that have offered) and my day of coordinator (mine comes with the venue but I know you can also hire one). They will set up while we are getting ready. We may be able to get in the day before depending if they have an event that day. So that would be a good question for your venue!
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VIP June 2020
Kristen · on July 11, 2018 at 2:16 PM
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You'll either need coordination services, or find someone else to help. I have a DOC and will give her a detailed description of where I want items. I'm keeping my decor very simple for this reason.
Some venues may allow you to go in the day prior, but this is only possible if there is nothing going on that day.
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Master January 2019
FutureMrsKC · on July 11, 2018 at 2:29 PM
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We are able to get into the venue the day before to do a lot of the legwork, but we also hired a day of coordinator to help with the rest of the decor, lighting the candles, etc. and making sure the day runs smoothly. She will also put together a full day of timeline that will be helpful. They're always worth the extra cost if you can swing it!
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Dedicated November 2018
LP-WiscoBride · on July 11, 2018 at 2:31 PM
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What kind of venue do you have? This was a big stress factor for me, but I contacted our venue and was able to rent the space for the day before the wedding to set everything up. If this was not doable, my plan was to hire a few college students (children of friends who I fully trust) to do the decorating the day of. I would not expect anyone I'm the bridal party to do it in the few hours before the wedding.
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on July 11, 2018 at 2:53 PM
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Your contract usually states who does what. In ours, we have 12 hour access to our venue (6 hour event time). Our caterer will set up table & chairs, florist will set up flowers, and our day of coordinator will set up other decor & help everyone else.
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Master August 2019
Tpatb · on July 11, 2018 at 2:56 PM
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As PP have stated I think it depends on type of venue so just ask them or look at your contract. I know ours sets up linen/chairs table etc the day before & we have access to the building starting noon the next day to decorate. We have a day of coordinator & her team along w/ our florist is doing it. If possible, you may want to get a coordinator.
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Expert August 2019
Marissa · on July 11, 2018 at 5:14 PM
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Does your venue have staff that helps? If not then you may want to look into hiring a DOC. I wouldnt want to stress my family and friends by having them set up on the day especially if they are a part of the bridal party.
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