It's the season of weddings. There are many brides who has chosen to plan their own weddings, but find that in order to enjoy it, they need assistance on the day of the wedding. Thus was born the concept of "Day of Wedding Coordinators".
What exactly does this intel and what should you expect. First, anyone who offers to do your wedding the day of and doesn't start at least two months out, should be avoided. The reasoning for this that no one can possibly know what agreements you have with the vendors, what you expect from the vendors or any potential problems that may crop up. (I'm on a need to know basis and I NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING!) This includes any family situations that may arise like blended families or divorced parents who may need to be seated at separate ends of the reception.
You need to be able to sit down with the coordinator and go over everything with him/her. They should be able to discern if any mistakes have been made that can be corrected or if you have forgotten something.
Many brides are on a fairly tight budget and think that a coordinator who charges $500 is a bargain. They might be, but you generally get what you pay for.
Here's what I offer for day of services:
Day of Services
(Services include time involved with organizing the below list. Any materials needed will be the client’s
responsibility
Pick up Dress and deliver to wedding site (if dress is
purchased at a Denver
Timeline and Confirmation for Wedding Day sent to Vendors
Choreograph Rehearsal – if having one(Coordinator on site)
Unlimited access to coordinator for questions and guidance during remaining planning process.
Fees are determined by the location and expected expenses
After working with brides for a while, I decided that another type of package was needed. This is the Partial Plan, which I coined about 20 years ago. This package is perfect for the bride who wants to do her own footwork but have direction and assistance as needed.
This is what the Partial Plan consists of. It will give you an idea of how much more is and should be included and what you should expect from any coordinator you hire. Don't be afraid to ask them for a list of what services they do include in their fee.
Consultant shall perform the
following Services for Client: PARTIAL
PLANNING
Vendor Referrals to Include but Not Limited To:
Officiant
Photographer
Videographer
Baker
Musicians (Ceremony and Reception)
Florist
Transportation
Caterer
Accompany Client
to Vendor Planning Sessions
Timeline and
Confirmation for Wedding Day sent to Vendors Choreograph Rehearsal
Pick up and Deliver Wedding Dress to Dressing Location
Coordination of Wedding and Reception Activities
Long distance phone calls and faxing.
Copy
of WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE, A Bride’s Workbook
Fees
are determined by the location and expected expenses
OPTIONAL
ADDITIONS
Assembly of
Invitation and Mailing (Additional Charge) Assembly of Favors (Additional Charge
Distribution of In-Room gifts (Additional Charge)
Planning and Arranging Rehearsal Dinner (I will include in this package if you need assistance)
Planning and Arranging Bridesmaid’s Luncheon (Additional Charge)
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen’s
gifts
Bridal Accessories (including
but not limited to)Favors
Bubbles
Guest Book and Pens
Cake Knife and Server
Toasting Glasses
Garters
Ring Pillows/Boxes
Unity Candles
The next level is for the bride who is wanting a lot more help. When I do a wedding, it doesn't matter which plan, it's YOUR wedding, not mine. One of the reasons brides are hesitant to hire a coordinator is because they are worried the coordinator will "tell her what to do and plan the wedding without much input by the bride". When interviewing a coordinator, observe how they listen to you. Do they ask questions about you and your fiance? Do they inquire about what you enjoy doing together - which is important to help you define the type of wedding you want. You want your wedding to reflect your personalities. When your guests walk into the reception, you want them to know it's your wedding and not be like the last three they attended!
I enjoy blending heritage and personalities to bring out the best of both families. It can be as simple as including rosemary in a bouquet to naming tables after candy bars for someone from Hershey, PA.
For additional comparison, here is what I offer for full planning:
FULL
SERVICE WEDDING COORDINATION TO INCLUDE:
(Services include time involved with organizing the below
list. Any materials needed will be the client’s
responsibility (example: Calligraphy
charges, stamps, maps, placecards, favors, gift baskets,
amenities ,etc…) Ceremony and Reception Site Location
Hotel Accommodations
Vendor Referrals to Include but Not Limited To:
Officiant
Photographer
Videographer
Baker
Musicians (Ceremony and Reception)
Florist
Transportation
Caterer
Assembly of Favors
Lighting/Sound - assisting with selection
Rental Items - assisting with selection
Appointment Setting
Participating in Planning Meetings
Design
Save the date letters, Accommodation letters (if not provided by hotel)
Taking invitation to Calligrapher, stuffing, stamping, mailing
Maps
Program Organization
Place-card Organization
Distribution of In-Room gifts
Place Restroom Amenities if Needed
Timeline on Wedding Day
Vendor Confirmations
Pick up and Deliver Wedding Dress to Dressing Location
Rehearsal Assistance
Coordination of Rehearsal, Wedding and Reception
Long distance phone calls and faxing.
OPTIONAL ADDITIONS
Planning and Arranging Rehearsal Dinner (Additional Charge)
Planning and Arranging Bridesmaid’s Luncheon (Additional Charge)
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen’s gifts
Bridal Accessories (including but not limited to)
Favors
Bubbles
Guest Book and Pens
Cake Knife and Server
Toasting Glasses
Garters
Ring Pillows/Boxes
Unity Candles
Candle Holders
When selecting a coordinator, feel free to use this information when interviewing. You want to be sure you get the best service for your money. Whether you are planning a Colorado wedding or one out of the country, I do travel to anywhere so if you'd like to visit with me about your wedding, please feel free to contact me at 303-779-0395 or 303-594-3480; www.weddingsbytanya.com or Tanya@WeddingsbyTanya.com.
Happy Planning!!!!
