Wedding day coordination, when hired independently from a wedding planning service is a fairly new industry. As recent as fifteen to twenty years ago, most weddings didn’t have a hired wedding day coordinator. The bride and groom would typically entrust their wedding day to a friend who essentially coordinated for them.
This proves to show that there is, and always was, a need for a wedding coordinator. And the abundance of wedding coordinators currently available also shows that hiring your own is gaining in popularity. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a trend, because a trend implies that its popularity will wane after a few years. But no. Wedding day coordination is definitely here to stay, because it fills a need.
If hosting a wedding without hiring a coordinator was normal 15-20 years ago, well, why can’t I continue on with that?
My friends, I like to think that as intellectual humans, we learn from our history, and always make changes to improve our lives.
Here are 5 reasons why hiring a wedding coordinator is essential:
Friends are not coordinators
As mentioned earlier, a decade or two ago, it was pretty common to ask a trusted friend/acquaintance to be your coordinator. But that was then. Times have changed, and all the brides and grooms I’ve had the pleasure to work with have told me that they’ve seen or know of someone who was a friend who acted as a wedding coordinator. And that was enough to help them decide that they don’t want their friends working in that capacity at their wedding.
Your friends are your wedding guests. They’re connected with you on some intimate level, and that is why you have invited them to attend your wedding - to share your special day with them; to celebrate with you, not so they can be of service to you.
Don’t get me wrong. Most friends would be more than happy to help and be a part of your wedding - but allow them to help in something less demanding such as being a greeter/usher, distributing name cards, or setting up the reception/welcome table. That way, they can still celebrate with you.
Yes, there are situations where friends will genuinely want or even beg you to have them coordinate for you (yep, here, that’s me - in fact, that’s how I started)! If you have friends like that, who are experienced in both the planning and execution of wedding coordination, you are very lucky!
But do keep in mind that when your keen-coordinator-friend is always asked to coordinate, there will come a time when the keenness disappears. Because sometimes, friends just want to celebrate with you, not necessarily have the weight of your wedding on his/her shoulders.
Tip: If you are blessed with keen-coordinator-friends, it’s best to wait for them to offer, rather than approach them. When asked, it’s sometimes hard to say “no”, especially when it concerns a dear friend’s wedding day.
Details, details, details
Wedding coordinators are experienced planners who have planned and mapped out details of numerous weddings. They have a keen eye, and are focused on planning out and identifying the tiniest details of your wedding day. They catch the smallest things that are easily overlooked by others.
Whether you’re in the beginning stage of your planning, or nearing the end, they’ll be able to fill in missing pieces, iron out wrinkles and creases, and give you the confidence and peace of mind of knowing that you are in good hands...Which leads to my third point:
Peace of mind
When you hire a coordinator for your big day, a contract is created, and there is a mutual understanding that it is your coordinator’s responsibility to ensure that your wedding runs smoothly. And if troubles appear, it is their job to rectify the situation. It’s not a favour that you owe them. It is their job - bound by a contract.
And with that, all you need to do is to sit back, relax, and enjoy! With a coordinator watching your back - being your 2nd half, your only job is to be mentally, physically, and emotionally present at your wedding! You don’t have to feel bad that they aren’t enjoying your wedding, because they’re not your guest. It’s part of their job to do the extra thinking for you, and to always be one step ahead. Most coordinators (if not all) go above and beyond what is asked and expected.
Experience is gold
We’ve already talked about how coordinator’s know what they’re doing, and have a keen eye for detail. But by experience, I am actually referring to their ability to work with others - vendors, venue staff, and yes - even your guests.
You can have the perfect venue, the most beautiful decorations, and the ideal schedule/timeline, but unless you have the right person executing your plans, anything can turn into an issue.
Coordinators thrive in environments like a wedding - under pressure, and surrounded by people. They have a certain gift which allows them to maintain a pleasant working relationship with the venue staff and vendors, all the while ensuring that the tasks are appropriately completed. And they are hospitable to your guests - they know exactly what to say, and how to say it, so as to gently direct guests to ensure that your schedule runs on time.
You’re worth it!
You are worth it! You’ve worked on planning for your big day these many months, and you deserve to take part in celebrating your wedding. You deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labour, to not toil and stress out, when everyone else has taken time to celebrate you and your new spouse!
And really: how many times are you going to get married in your life? Your wedding day is a day you will forever remember in your mind and heart. Let them be of fond memories, not regret.
And there you go! My top 5 reasons why hiring a wedding coordinator is essential.
Let me know what you think, and leave me your questions in the comments section below. Happy planning!
Warmly,
