Most brides already know that they will be overwhelmingly delighted by the events of their wedding day, and so they will choose to have their coordinator by their side from their first appointment onwards. I have coordinated a few weddings where the bride has mentioned multiple times that she is happy to see me because just seeing me physically there provides her comfort and a sense of calm. In these cases, your coordinator will be there to calm you and your bridal party’s nervous jitters. They’ll also help with the final touches of everyone’s gowns/suits. If other events such as first look or door games are scheduled, they will be there to oversee the process and keep watch over the time...which, unfortunately, slips away much too quickly!
Wedding coordinators will always arrive at the ceremony ahead of time. They do this to not only manage helpers’/vendors’ progress and receive items/vendors as they arrive, but more importantly, they’re there to act quickly if/when mishaps occur. Vendors are focused on completing their specific tasks on time, and it is not fair (not to mention: beyond their scope) to assume that they’ll fix unexpected surprises that do not involve them. In fact, I’ve had a decorator approach me one time saying that she was so happy I was there to address a lighting problem that another vendor had set up. She disclosed that she was involved in other weddings where there was no coordinator, and the issue was left unresolved because no one knew who was responsible for the task, nor who to ask.
When they’re not putting out fires, your wedding coordinator may set up some of your table décor, and brief your ushers/greeters on how to assist guests. Once guests and the procession begin arriving, your wedding coordinator will help welcome guests, pin boutonnières, and distribute bouquets and corsages. They’ll help your ushers guide guests to their seats to prepare for the start of the ceremony. When your ceremony is ready to commence, your coordinator will cue the start of the programme, cue the start of your music, and facilitate the entrance of all the members of your procession, including you!
During your ceremony, your wedding coordinator will likely be standing at the back of the room, witnessing your vows, and preparing for the next step. They’ll also be studying your guests to see if they’re comfortable, and will be ready to assist if anyone needs assistance. If refreshments will be served after your ceremony, your coordinator will definitely be overseeing its preparation. Once the ceremony has officially ended, they’ll escort your guests outside or to refreshments, or help facilitate the guest photos.
Wedding coordinators do a lot of little things such as alert your photographer of your arrival so that they are ready to take your photo of you exiting your vehicle, or play host and welcome your guests. These little actions, that are difficult to document and list out, are what makes your coordinator that much more special and essential. Because they’re not just robots following a schedule or a checklist. They’re people who are on your side, representing you, and wanting your wedding day to be as perfect as you do, both from your point of view, and your guests’.
And that, my friends, are just some of the things your wedding coordinator will do on the first half of your wedding day. I do want to mention that every wedding is different, so your wedding coordinator may do things a little differently. But generally, these are what you can expect from them.
Please feel free to leave me comments or questions. Even if they’re not related to today’s topic, leave me a note, and I would be more than happy to answer it either as a response or as a separate blog.
Warmly,
