A Day-of Coordinator and a Venue Coordinator, should I have both?
The venue has an onsite coordinator, should I also have a day-of coordinator? Yes! Here’s why we think both are equally important for your wedding day.
Many venues have an onsite coordinator, which is great because we love having someone who can help with venue related items and tasks, while we ensure that the entire wedding day comes together rather seamlessly.
Venue Coordinators are typically responsible for things that are specifically related to your venue. Think food, waitstaff, bar tenders, cleaning, maintenance, lights, heating or a/c, alarm codes, and MAYBE some set up and vendor check ins as they arrive on the day of the wedding. The Venue Coordinator's role is to look out for the venue’s best interests and typically works somewhere between 10am and 8pm.
Day-of Coordinators on the other hand are there to help manage the entire day from the time that hair and makeup begins (sometimes at 7am) to packing up at the end of the night.
Day-of coordinators are available to couples whenever they need them, throughout their wedding day. From picking up coffees and dropping off florals in the morning to managing speeches, toasts during dinner, dances, and packing up at the end of the night. During speeches a coordinator will make sure that you’re at the head table, the speaker is ready, the DJ has the mic turned on and the photography / videography teams are in place to capture it all.
A venue coordinator may provide you with a list of preferred vendors but remain hands off in procuring them and working out the finer details. You’re wedding coordinator on the other hand, can offer candid advice on vendors based on real experience. Most important of all, if your vendor runs into an issue the day of a coordinator will work their magic to put out any fires while the venue coordinator focuses on the venue.
Day-of coordinators are logistical ninjas. They will develop your timeline, do basic set up (i.e escort cards and table numbers, entrance table), know all there is to know about your wedding, coordinate your wedding ceremony, be the “go-to” person for the day, and so much more. They will work with you to create a detailed timeline so you know where you will be from the time hair and makeup begins until the end of the night. If your timeline needs to be adjusted on your wedding day, (this does happen), your coordinator will adjust accordingly, so you don’t have to worry!
How do you know if a day-of coordinator is right for you?
If you answer yes to any of the following, a day-of coordinator is the right choice for you. Do you need assistance with:
· Coordinating your ceremony rehearsal and reception.
· Researching, contacting, booking, and or communicating with your vendors.
· Having a point of contact for vendors so they are not asking you questions on the day of or leading up to the wedding.
· Creating a wedding day timeline and determining when certain vendors should arrive and depart.
· Getting all your design ideas together to determine your where your décor might go.
· Setting up and taking down the décor.
· Handing off all of the details of your wedding so you can relax and be present on your wedding day.
Overall while there are some similar responsibilities, when it comes to a venue coordinator vs. day-of coordinator, the two roles are very different. If you’re looking for guidance from an Ontario wedding planner for your big day, you’re in the perfect place!
When a day-of wedding coordinator and venue coordinator work together, and each of them can focus 100% on their respective roles, the results are simply amazing!
Bowtied With Love Weddings & Events.
Photos by: Kerry Ford Photography
