Having a Coordinator Can Make You SMILE!
First let me start off by saying that a Coordinator can make you smile! They are wonderful!
But the question is always do you need one?
First there are a few different types of packages, and there are different types of coordinators, and diverse styles! First work backwards! Many of you will hear me say this repeatedly! What do I mean? It means stay in your budget! Decide how much you have to spend overall and assess the importance. I strongly always recommend one- ESPECIALLY if you are a DIY bride! Being a DIY bride means you are probably handling the flowers, the decor, and who knows what other minor details. Remember.... weddings are full of minor details and it's those very details that can become overwhelming! So if you have a lot of details... get a coordinator! They will make sure that everything is organized and things are done as per the timeline! VERY important! Remember you can't be late!!! Once the food starts cooking- the caterer cannot stop it- so you need to stay on time!
The coordinator will help you with the ceremony, with the unloading, with getting vendors paid- tips too, and working with the DJ to stay on schedule. And they will work with the florist and make sure the schematic is followed. They will make sure the escort cards are in order and where they should be. The decor will be done properly. All the tables- down to the ceremony table will have your items carefully placed- and the right linens will be on the right tables. And yes, even your favors and candles will be where they should and candles will be turned on! At the end of the night they might even do the walkthrough for you! They will make sure cleanup is done quickly and efficiently and make certain that you don't incur overtime fees! They are there from the moment the event starts until the end of the night! They take a lot of pressure off of you and are worth their weight in gold (IF YOU HAVE A GOOD ONE)!
Beware of the $500.00 coordinator that has no accreditation! Many people go to school for event planning and take a difficult exam and get the accreditation! Go with someone who has taken the time to do this! If their fees are too inexpensive- beware! They may not have the experience and once they realize the hours and work they may leave early or worse decide to join the party instead of working it! I have seen this happen- coordinators getting drunk at the end of the night and are useless! If they are too cheap... then just have family and friends help... they care about you and they want to make sure you have a great wedding day! Most "Day Of Coordinators" range anywhere from $850.00 to $1600.00 (possibly more) depending on how difficult the venue and how many assistants they need. At the Oviatt - ONE coordinator and ONE assistant is plenty!!!
Be careful of the coordinator who never says "no" or the one who doesn't warn you of the pitfalls! You don't want to gamble with your wedding day! If you want something done and the venue is telling you it isn't possible- then the coordinator tells you it is- be careful! LISTEN TO THE VENUE... if you don't it could cost you money! The venue (regardless of the location) probably does more weddings in one year than the coordinator will do over the course of four years! They have more expertise! I just had a coordinator that wouldn't say "NO" to the client and didn't warn her of the dangers of going over budget. It then rained and they needed a tent! That was an additional $1500.00 expense that the site told them to leave in their budget. The coordinator told them not to worry about it. They didn't have the funds for a tent and it ruined their wedding! Again... don't gamble with your wedding day! Also make sure to treat all your vendors well... and make sure the coordinator can work well with others. You need your vendors happy on your wedding day. A happy vendor who has been treated with respect will offer you everything and will do more than what you expect them to do! If you or their coordinator gets them angry... service will be minimal! I saw a Coordinator interfering with the DJ all night. He was so angry by the end of the night that it was obvious he couldn't wait to leave and he did- early!
It's surprisingly easy to have a GREAT wedding day! Be prepared! Be organized! And Be Happy! If you are then everything will be perfect! And a coordinator can help you be all those things!
Happy Planning!
The Oviatt Penthouse
(213) 379-4172
