Who Is a Day-Of Coordinator, Really - and Do You Actually Need One?
If you’re planning your wedding without a wedding planner, at some point you’ve probably Googled:
“Do I need a wedding coordinator?”
And . ..the confusion is real.
Because between Wedding planners, Day of coordinators, Venue coordinators, it’s hard to know who does what.
So let’s clear this up once and for all
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So first… what is a day-of coordinator?
Despite the name, a day-of coordinator isn’t someone who just shows up on the day and magically runs your wedding.
(If only.)
They typically start working with you about 4–6 weeks before your wedding.
Their job?
To take the wedding plans you’ve already made - the vendors you’ve booked, the timeline you’ve built, the logistics you’ve figured out ...and pull it all together into something that actually works on the day.
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What Do Day-Of Coordinators Actually Do?
They do a lot more than just show up and tell people when to walk down the aisle.
Here’s what a proper Day-Of Coordinator handles:
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1. Finalizing Your Timeline
They’ll build out a detailed, minute-by-minute wedding day timeline that works for you, your vendors, your venue, and your priorities.
Not just a basic list, but a real working plan that flows.
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They’ll make sure your glam team has enough time, your ceremony doesn’t feel rushed, and you don’t miss cocktail hour photos because something ran late.
2. Reviewing Your Contracts and Catching Gaps
They’ll comb through your vendor contracts to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
Like:
-Did your caterer include staff for serving AND cleanup?
-Is your DJ responsible for bringing microphones and speakers?
-Is your rental company picking up tables that night or the next morning?
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They catch the little details that would’ve blindsided you later.
3. Communicating With All Vendors Before the Wedding
They’ll reach out to every single vendor to confirm:
Arrival times
Contact info
Load-in/load-out plans
Special instructions
Final balances due
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This takes so much pressure off of you.
Cos you’re not the go-to person anymore - they are.
(Before you move on, don't forget to *SAVE THIS PIN* so you can come back to it again later)
4. Running Your Rehearsal
They’ll guide your wedding party through the entire ceremony flow so no one’s confused or awkward on the big day.
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They’ll answer all the “where do I stand” and “who walks when” questions.
5. Managing Your Entire Wedding Day
This is where they shine.
A Day-Of Coordinator:
Oversees setup and styling
Makes sure vendors show up and know where to go
Handles any last-minute emergencies (missing boutonniere? late officiant? broken zipper?)
Guides the ceremony flow and cues everyone
Manages the timeline from start to finish
Troubleshoots problems before you even know they exist
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They’re basically the calm in the middle of the storm.
So while you’re sipping champagne and dancing
...they’re behind the scenes fixing, directing, and making sure your day is what you envisioned.
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But here’s what they don’t do (and this is important):
A day-of coordinator is not a wedding planner or a replacement to one.
They won’t:
Help you book your vendors
Manage your budget and remind you when vendor deposits are due
Build your guest list and track who RSVPs
Or organize your thoughts when your brain is fried from Pinterest
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So while they’re amazing at making sure your wedding day runs well.
They’re not here for the messy beginning & middle parts of wedding planning.
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And if you’re not hiring a full-service planner... those parts is 100% on you.
So… do you actually need one?
If your budget can swing it
YES - a day-of coordinator is so worth it.
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Especially if:
-You’re having more than 50 guests
-You’re using multiple vendors or a venue that needs setup
-You want your family and bridal party to enjoy the day, not work it
-You don’t want to be in charge on your wedding day
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It’s one of those things where if you don’t hire one, you really feel it.
But like i said previously, even if you do hire one, there’s still one problem:
They’re coming in when the work is basically done.
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.
.
So who’s helping you do the work before then?...
Now this is where I come in...
If you’re thinking of ...maybe skipping hiring a planner, and just want to hire a day-of coordinator to help keep things organized on the day itself.
You will still need something that helps you to actually get to that day in one piece.
.
.
.
This is exactly why I created The Wedding Planning Bundle.
To help you handle all of the messy beginning parts of wedding planning.
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.
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So that when your Day-Of Coordinator finally joins the picture ...they’re not trying to untangle chaos.
You're already be on top of things
and they’ll be able to do their job beautifully.
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So if you need this kind of support?
....and i'll see you there💕
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