Should You Hire a Day-of Wedding Coordinator? Here’s Everything You Need to Know.

Your wedding day is the culmination of months (or even years) of careful planning, the big day you've been working towards, stressing over and dreaming about since the moment you got engaged. If you've planned your wedding without the help of a wedding planner, in the run-up to the wedding day, all the logistics can feel pretty overwhelming - even the most organised bride and groom might feel like they need to clone themselves to keep on top of everything! What if we told you there was an answer? Someone with excellent organisational skills who could breeze in and take everything off your hands at the last minute, leaving you to the much more important job of enjoying your special day with your loved ones? It's time to say hello to your new best friend, your fairy Godmother, the day-of wedding coordinator!

What is a day-of coordinator?

A relative newcomer to the wedding industry, the role of the day-of coordinator (or wedding day coordinator) has evolved from the need for a person who isn't actively involved in the wedding planning process, but who can seamlessly step in at the last moment to help ensure a smooth wedding day. As the name suggests, they will be with you for your wedding day only, and will do everything from helping to set up the venue and handle wedding vendors, to keeping the event running to time and making sure the wedding ceremony runs smoothly.

If you just want to arrive at the venue to find it all decorated rather than getting the bridal party up at the crack of dawn on the morning of the wedding, then that's where a day-of wedding coordinator comes in. They will be the (almost) invisible force that brings your special day to life, and clears everything away once the day is over, like some kind of magical wedding fairy!

Does a coordinator help with wedding planning?

In a word, no. Though you won't find many wedding planners who don't offer day-of services as a standard part of their package, a professional wedding coordinator is very much just there to support you on your big day, without any of the hands-on help beforehand. If you want someone to manage RSVPs, give vendor recommendations, negotiate with your vendor team, and be across all aspects of wedding planning in the weeks and months leading up to your big day, then you'll need a wedding planner. If, however, you just need a helping hand on the day - making sure the florist knows what they're doing, that the flower girls have everything they need, and that the groom is at the altar on time, then a day-of coordinator could be just what you need.

The other big difference between a day-of coordinator and a wedding planner is the cost! Whilst a wedding planner can cost a lot of money, a coordinator can be a much more affordable option. It is often a more budget-friendly option for couples who feel confident in planning their wedding but just want a bit of support on the day.

Do I need a Wedding Day Coordinator?

The first thing to check when you're considering whether or not to book a day-of coordinator is whether or not your venue already has an in-house wedding coordinator. Many venues offer this service as part of their packages, and if this is the case, then there might not be any need to book anyone else. That said, the two types of wedding coordinator aren't always interchangeable. If your venue package includes one, check what their role actually involves and what exactly you can expect from them on the day.

The other thing to consider when you're thinking about whether you should hire a wedding coordinator is whether the type of wedding you're hosting really needs that level of support. If you're having a big wedding with a large guest list, many vendors and lots of moving parts, then it makes sense to bring in the big guns for the day; however if you're having an intimate celebration with a small wedding party then you're likely to be able to manage things yourselves.

How Do I Hire a Wedding Day Coordinator?

If you've read this far and you're thinking that a day-of coordinator sounds like the answer to all your problems, then it might be the right time to start looking for the right person to manage your wedding day, and as always the best place to start is by asking your wedding venue or other vendors for recommendations. Though having a coordinator who knows the venue well isn't absolutely essential, choosing someone who comes recommended is never a bad idea!

If your venue doesn't come up with the goods, then a quick Google search will give you lots of different options depending on your location and wedding budget. As with all vendors, have a good look through reviews, ask for testimonials, and ultimately follow your gut - you'll probably spend more time with this person on your big day than some of your wedding guests, so it's really important that you like them!

Depending on the type of wedding you're having and the type of person you are, a day-of wedding coordinator really can make a huge difference to your wedding experience. You'll be able to relax and enjoy yourselves in the knowledge that someone capable and organised is confidently handling all the logistics of your big day - from making sure the guest book is displayed at the reception, to ensuring there are plenty of lighters available for your sparkler exit, as well as keeping an eye out for any missing pieces or details.

Whilst ultimately it comes down to personal choice, hiring a day-of coordinator could mean that you walk down the aisle feeling relaxed and stress-free, and have more time to focus on your friends and family members. We think it's a no-brainer!