Blog two, woo hoo! I am so excited to write my second blog because I get to write more about what I do for couples instead of simply introducing myself. Below I am going to talk about two different things: what a day-of coordinator does and what I do that makes my role even more valuable to couples on their wedding day. (I may refer to myself as a DoC which of course means “day-of coordinator”. However, I kind of like that it spells “doc” because what am I but a wedding doctor lol.)
What is a day-of coordinator?
We are not wedding planners. Let me repeat, WE ARE NOT PLANNERS. Our job as day-of coordinators is to take the plans that you have already made and make sure that everything is taken care of on your wedding day in exactly the way that you want it to happen. We make sure your centerpieces are laid out correctly and that the DJ has not put his speakers in the middle of where all your pictures will be taken. A good day-of coordinator will make your whole wedding day run so seamlessly that you barely even notice the 1000+ things that she is doing. (Basically, we are the Wizard of Oz taking care of literally everything behind the scenes. Except for the hot air balloon escape. That’s where the metaphor breaks down.)
DoC’s really begin to work with their clients about four to six weeks prior to the wedding. This gives us enough time to go over every little detail with the bride and groom to make sure that nothing has been missed and that we completely understand the vision you have in your head. From this point on, the DoC will be communicating with you, your bridal party, and your vendors on a regular basis to make sure everyone is on the same page on the wedding day.
There are several items of business that a DoC will take care of for a couple. One huge burden we take away from brides is developing the timeline and order of events. We will work with you to put your whole day in order, from which grandma walks down the aisle with which groomsman, and how long your cocktail hour should be so you can maximize sunset photos without starving your guests as they wait for dinner. We will even help you consolidate the three other timelines your other vendors have sent you. Sometimes your venue, DJ, and photographer will all send you what they think your timeline should be. DoC’s take all the priorities from those timelines and orchestrate them into the final draft in a way that pleases everyone. We then make sure your vendors all have the agreed upon timeline and of course, that they have the DoC’s contact information. Your DoC should also run your rehearsal.
Please remember that there is a GINORMOUS difference between a venue coordinator and a day-of coordinator. A venue coordinator’s priority is not you, it’s the venue. Sure, the venue coordinator will make sure trash cans are not center stage and help make sure food is served on time, but that is because those things reflect on the venue. A DoC does those things, but she also bustles your dress when your maid of honor can’t see the button loops because her left contact fell out. A venue coordinator would say “you’ll be ok” and offer you a glass of wine. (Let’s be real, the DoC will still offer you the wine.)
What distinct things do I do as a DoC that are different from others?
I always make it a priority to meet with couples in person or via FaceTime before booking so that they feel comfortable “giving me the clipboard”. Your wedding is a big deal, and when you put your trust in me as your DoC, I take it seriously. From the first time we meet, which is usually in the preliminary consultation, my goal is to give you a sense of peace and excitement for your wedding!
I am also your biggest advocate on your wedding day. By the time the big day arrives, you and I will be so in-sync (N*Sync for those 90s babes) that I am able to represent your interests incredibly well. I will understand your priorities and, more importantly, I will honor YOUR wishes. Many times I have had other key players of a wedding, i.e. the mother of the bride, ask me to go against the wishes of the couple because “it’s not a big deal and they will never know.” Nope. This is not a thing I will ever do to a couple. I have been hired to make sure the day is perfect for the bride and groom, and everyone else’s opinion is secondary! I am on your side 100% of the time.
I seriously love being a day-of coordinator because I get to help couples have the wedding day of their dreams! Talking about weddings never gets old to me, so if you have any questions or want my opinion on something, comment below or reach out on through the “Contact” tab of my website!
With Joy,
Halie
HALIE LEWIS WEDDINGS 