Why I Prefer Weddings with a Day-Of Coordinator

Why I Prefer Weddings With a Day-of Coordinator

I'm going to let you in on a little wedding photographer secret:

I really, really love working with a good day-of coordinator.

And no, your wedding does not need to be huge or elaborate to benefit from one.

In fact, I think coordinators are less about the size of your wedding and more about making sure you get to actually enjoy it.

Because here's what tends to happen when there isn't one.

Something needs to be figured out. A family member is missing for photos. The timeline is running behind. The DJ has a question. Dinner isn't quite ready. Someone needs to tell everyone where they're supposed to be.

And because I'm a seasoned wedding professional who knows how these days work, I'm usually the obvious person to step in.

And I will.

I'm not going to stand there and watch you stress because nobody knows what happens next.

But here's the problem:

When I'm coordinating, I'm not photographing.

If I'm tracking down your uncle for family photos, I'm not photographing your bridesmaids hanging out together.

If I'm talking to the DJ about the timeline, I'm not photographing your partner's reaction during cocktail hour.

If I'm trying to figure out why we're running behind, I'm not watching for those little moments happening around me.

And those little moments are exactly why you hired me.

I've had weddings where I realize afterward that there are fewer photographs of the in-between moments than I'd normally deliver because I was spending so much of the day helping keep things moving.

That's not something I want for you.

Do you actually need a day-of coordinator?

If you're on the fence, ask yourselves:

On our wedding day, who is going to...

• Keep an eye on the timeline?

• Communicate with our vendors?

• Answer questions when something changes?

• Gather everyone for family photos?

• Handle a last-minute problem without coming to us?

• Make sure we actually eat, drink water and take a breath?

• Keep an eye on the clock so we don't have to?

• Handle the little logistical things that inevitably come up?

• Make sure we can stay with our guests instead of managing the day?

If you're looking at that list and thinking, "Well...I guess we'd be doing all of that," you may have your answer.

And if you're thinking, "Our venue coordinator is handling all of that," I'd make sure you ask exactly what they cover. A venue coordinator and a dedicated day-of coordinator don't always have the same responsibilities.

Your wedding doesn't have to be big to benefit from one.

A complicated timeline, multiple locations, lots of family dynamics, several vendors, or simply not wanting to be responsible for keeping the day moving can all be good reasons to have someone in your corner.

Your coordinator is there for YOU.

A good day-of coordinator is watching the clock so you don't have to.

They're communicating with vendors, keeping people where they need to be, helping the timeline