Who Manages Wedding Ceremony/Reception?

You need someone. Or else it'll be you.

You need someone, if not a family member or friend, maybe you can find someone on Craig's list for less than a coordinator.

I'm also having something similar to yours (60 people, ipod music) and was just going to have an aunt kinda help "run the show" in the big day. Then I threw our own engagement party and realized that it was madness. Things ended up turning out fine but I was so stressed out, took it out on loved ones and didn't get to enjoy it as much as I would've liked. Plus I wanted everyone at the wedding to actually enjoy themselves so I ended up biting the bullet and hiring a DOC to help. If you're dead set against it get a close family member to help but someone not in your wedding party

I didn't have anyone at my 60 person first wedding and I wish I had.

You are all very helpful and unfortunately you are all correct in your statements and advice. I was hoping there was a magic wand I hadn't found on pinterest yet…a girl can dream.

Good luck either way!

I'm in the same boat. Still looking for an organized friend or family member to be DOC. I agree that someone outside of the wedding party definitely needs to be appointed to run the show. I don't want people coming up to me asking to resolve issues on the day of.

Where do you love? I'll do it :-) I like coordinating. Lol.

If you are just playing from an IPOD you can actually make a recording (like a DJ would and annouce the next step, "please everyone join us for cocktain in the bar area" cake cutting, first dance, and have it on your play list, or one of the groomsman can be the one, just tell him when to do it.

We are doing the same thing. Very small intimate wedding. Our reception will be very laid back though (think more like a family dinner). My future step-daughter will be running the music for the wedding. My best friend is helping get everything together for me for the reception.

We are having a 60 person wedding as well, but I went for the day of coordinator. I didn't want to worry about things getting done.

What about hiring a mc from your local toastmasters or the officiate? Anyone at your church or work that is a good public speaker?

We have 50 people and no DJ. We do have a day of coordinator though, and my step dad will be the one making announcements with an iPad playing music. Is there someone you can trust to make announcements? Or can you hire a day of coordinator?

We hired a band that includes an MC. Definitely get an MC or someone in your family who's outspoken and doesn't mind spending the day on organizing everything.

We have 35 guests, a band, bar & buffet dinner. We have a friend acting as DOC and our BM and the band leader will take turns MC-ing.

I think it's doable to have a friend coordinate for a small wedding, but if it got up to 50 or larger, I'd hire someone.

Some venues come with a DOC. If not and you aren't doing a DJ, you'll want to get someone in charge of all this... You can hire an independent DOC. Plenty of great options here on WW. If you have a small budget, try a newer coordinator. You could also check with local college hospitality programs. Perhaps they have students training for careers in this that would be a little more cost effective for you than a very experienced DOC - be cautious about anyone who hasn't done at least one wedding before though. It's not going to be much help to you if you hire someone with zero experience in weddings. Your venue or other vendors may have suggestions for you. Finally, you could ask a friend/family member to help you. If they are "working" your wedding, it won't be quite as much fun as just being a guest, but I know a lot of folks who are very organized and would love to be asked to do something like this... Do you have a friend that's been very helpful in your planning so far? Someone who has tons of opinions and doesn't mind speaking up? Someone organized and well spoken in front of a crowd? Preferable someone who is already married so they can anticipate some of what you are going to go through on the day of your wedding. You do not want to be the one organizing everything on the day of - you should be enjoying your day!

I have 45 guests and we hired a DOC. I wanted to be able to enjoy my day and not have to worry and micromanage all the details. Also, with a small wedding I didn't want anyone to feel like they were working my wedding so that's why I didn't ask a friend or relative. I wanted all my guests to be relaxed and comfortable. My wedding is more formal and traditional, though.

This is all great! Thanks guys! @tnovak I really like the idea of putting it into the playlist. We don't have a wedding party so no bridesmaids or groomsmen and we won't have an officiant (we are looking into getting a quaker marriage license so we can do it ourselves) And as for someone who is coming to the wedding, my future mother-in-law would do great but I don't want to put that on her. There is a chance my cousin would be up for it, she is a musical theatre major and would be fabulous! I also love @kristing idea of looking at college hospitality programs. You are all fantastic!! Keep you posted on what we decide. And totally open to any other ideas. Thanks again!

@Shannon Philadelphia!

Ohhhh always wanted to go there! :-) fly me out and I'll do it! Lol.