Why You Need a Day-Of Planner for Your Wedding

Photo Credit: From The Hip

Planning your wedding is an exciting adventure. However, ensuring everything runs smoothly when the big day arrives can be stressful when you’re trying to enjoy the moment. A day-of wedding planner can save the day so you can relax and focus on the experience. Here’s why having this professional is a must for your special occasion.

What’s a Day-Of Wedding Planner?

A day-of wedding planner or coordinator is a professional who helps ensure your big day runs smoothly. They step in the last few weeks before your wedding day to execute your plans, from morning preparations to your after-party. While you and your partner savor each moment of your celebration, this person works behind the scenes to do the following:

● Oversee venue setup

● Manage the wedding timeline

● Ensure everyone is ready for the ceremony

● Coordinate with guests and vendors

● Cue the officiant and musicians for key moments

● Overcome last-minute challenges

Is a Day-Of Wedding Planner Different From a Wedding Planner?

These are often two different roles. A wedding planner works with couples from the start, helping manage budgets, book vendors and develop the design. The day-of wedding coordinator focuses on executing your plans on the big day. They may not hire the band, for example, but they ensure it arrives and plays on time.

Why You Need One on Your Wedding Day

Hiring a day-of planner can be a blessing on your special day. Here’s why they’re worth it.

1. Keep Your Timeline on Track

The day-of planner keeps everything on track, especially during morning preparation, when a small delay can ripple through the whole schedule. Ensure your most dependable bridesmaids get their hair and makeup done first so a latecomer does not back things up. Then, let your day-of planner know to save the flower girls for last so their looks will last until the ceremony. With a professional managing the order, everyone looks their best right when it matters most.

2. Reduce Stress for You and Your Family

It’s nearly impossible to manage all your wedding tasks and still soak in every special moment. With a day-of planner by your side, you get to be fully present with your loved ones. Delegating complex duties saves time and energy and ensures your big day runs stress-free. Plus, you won’t have to ask family and friends to coordinate tasks, so they can celebrate with you.

3. Ensure Every Detail Is Perfect

Last-minute emergencies are almost inevitable, but with a skilled day-of planner, you don’t have to sweat the small stuff. They handle unexpected situations like wardrobe malfunctions, vendor problems and medical issues. If a bridesmaid spills her drink on her dress or the groom discovers a missing button, your coordinator has it covered. They handle tricky situations discreetly, so you and your guests can focus on celebrating.

4. Bring Your Vision to Life

You’ve spent months or years dreaming about your special day. You’ve picked the right flowers, the ideal color palette and the most magical decor. Therefore, you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your hard work. Let the day-of coordinator turn plans into reality and create a polished experience that matches your vision.

5. Seamless Vendor and People Management

Your wedding day can feel like a big, beautiful puzzle with different pieces — your entourage, the florist, the videographer and your guests. Your day-of planner puts the puzzle pieces together. They’re the point of contact for vendors, the bridal party and family. Their goal is to handle all logistics so you can focus on celebrating.

6. Elevate the Guest Experience

You want your guests to have an amazing time. Your day-of planner makes sure everything flows smoothly for everyone. They let guests know where to find the bar for cocktail hour and when it’s time to hit the dance floor. They also answer questions and keep the event on track, so you and your family can focus on making memories.

7. Have a Hype Person

Your day-of coordinator is your confidant and hype person. Your celebration is a day full of big emotions, and having them by your side can help you feel supported. They’ll be there to help you take a deep breath before you walk down the aisle, hand you a drink before you realize you’re thirsty or give you words of encouragement before your first dance. They’re there to celebrate you as you spend your wedding day with loved ones.

How Much Does a Day-Of Wedding Planner Cost?

Expect to pay around $1,800 for a day-of wedding planner or coordinator. The cost can vary depending on the experience, location, services included and time of year.

Meet professionals at bridal fairs, on social media, or through referrals from recently-married friends and family members. They usually work with you for a month before your big day to ensure you’re on the same page.

Factors to Keep in Mind When Looking for the Right Planner

Choosing the day-of planner is a big decision. They’ll support you on your most important day, so make sure they’re a perfect fit. Here are some things to consider when searching for the right person:

● Personality: Hire someone you genuinely like and feel comfortable with. Choose a professional who listens and feels as excited about your wedding as you are.

● Experience: The more events they’ve coordinated, the better. Ask how many weddings they’ve planned and how long they’ve been in the business.

● Communication style: Do they prefer texts, phone calls, video chats or emails? How responsive are they? Make sure their method matches yours.

Find Your Dream Day-Of Coordinator

You deserve to enjoy your wedding day. While hiring an on-the-day planner is an extra cost, it’s an investment in peace of mind. With a professional handling the details, you can relax, soak up the joy and focus on making memories with your loved ones.

 Author bio: Cora Gold is a wedding writer and editor of Revivalist magazine. She aims to inspire couples to achieve the wedding of their dreams. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.