So, you’ve got the ring, you’ve set the date and you may have decided on the venue. Typically, before you go on with any other plans, this is where you ask yourself, “should I hire a wedding coordinator or not?” Is it really advantageous to have a coordinator/planner help out with our wedding? Can I afford one? What are the advantages?
Many brides feel that it isn’t necessary to hire a coordinator, as their friend or relative has offered to do this. There are also brides who are assured by their photographer or DJ that all they need is for them to prepare the schedule for the wedding. And, then there is the site coordinator, mostly you find these at hotels and some event venues.
There is also the question if the bride can afford a coordinator, as they may have been told that they are too costly. Some are also concerned that they will have to turn their wedding plans over, giving the coordinator total control.
Before you make this decision, there are a few facts to consider.
A Coordinator has the time, energy and experience to help you put your special day together. She (or he) can help you choose and negotiate with your other vendors, locate the perfect venue for your budget and style, create a wedding day schedule, mediate between the bride and family members, as well as serve as a trouble shooter and make sure all is in order, to the very last detail.
Unlike site coordinators, DJs, photographers, or any other vendor who may offer coordinating services, a coordinator’s job is to assist you in ALL the planning and situations that occur during you wedding. Imagine a photographer being pulled away from a photo moment, in order to handle a problem dealing with just about any-thing that can come up in the course of a wedding. For the most part, site coordinators are mainly concerned with a time line regarding the use of their facility, as well as a time line for the meal, if they provide such. A coordinator considers all involved in your wedding, every vendor and service, every detail that needs to be taken care of, from the start to the end of your day.
A good coordinator will make sure to listen and take note of all ideas and wishes the bride and her family decide upon, allowing for the details they will take personal charge of, while we take care of all others. It is the intention, that when the reception is over, all feel as if they’ve had a stress free and festive time.
You do not have to turn your wedding over to the coordinator, giving her total control. Not unless you’d like to. Remember, they work for you. They are there to reflect your ideas, introduce you to the appropriate services and suppliers, advise you on proper etiquette, and suggest ways to work within your budget. They can also create a wedding day time line and make sure it is carried out, down to the smallest detail.
The advantage is that a good coordinator will help you to work within your budget. By their years of experience alone, they know what works, helping you to save costs. Fees are based on the services you want and you need. “A good coordinator is like a good accountant, though you pay for their services, in the long run they save you time and money."
So, do you need a coordinator? This is for you to decide. If you want you and your family to be free to enjoy your wedding day, a good coordinator understands this need and will help you to fulfill your dreams and accomplish your plans. It doesn’t hurt to inquire and see what one can do for you.