Would you hire a wedding coordinator?

[luvthemstrawberries]

My mom has mentioned in passing before how she though a wedding planner would be a good idea - we know people who''ve gotten married and were so thankful they had one to help make things a good bit easier. I''ve considered one, but I''d like to know your opinions, as far as if one would be needed.

We''d get married in a church, which would most likely have its own "wedding director" to work with. I realize sometimes these directors are only there to make sure you comply with their policies, and make a point to make sure you know they''re not there to direct the actual rehearsal and ceremony. If that was the case I''d probably consider hiring one. But if the director actually helped coordinate everybody and was there to direct the day of, would you still hire another one over everything?

The two reception places we''re considering both have "event coordinators" as well. One I think will be much more involved than the other, but they both are supposed to help organize everything and supervise the day of the event. If they are there, would you still hire another coordinator over everything?

 

[lovinsparkles]

I just eloped, and we hired a wedding planner. It was an excellent idea for us...partly because we didn''t have any idea about planning a ceremony, partly because we were coming from out of town, and because our venue didn''t have an assigned person. It really takes the stress off to know someone else is keeping track of everything and figuring everything out, instead of you. If you have a lot of friends/family/event coordinators helping you, maybe it wouldn''t give you such a big benefit? Not sure...others in similar situation would probably know better.

Here is what ours has posted on her website FAQ that might help:

"My venue has an event coordinator. Why should I hire an outside planner?
That person''s primary job is usually catering and/or sales, not event planning. Our job is to be your advocate and recommend a wide variety of vendors who have your best interest in mind. The venue''s event coordinator is seldom involved in things like hair and makeup, the wedding ceremony, cueing music, pinning flowers, bringing gifts back to your home after the wedding and so on... "

 

[dcgator]

Hello luv,

I kinda questioned hiring a planner too, as I think I have most the big stuff under control. But seeing as how there are, without a doubt, going to be things that come up last minute, plus I don''t want to have to direct people around on the wedding day, I am going to hire a month of/day of coordinator. I am having everything at one place and they have a person assigned to work with me, but I want someone who is going to be 100% dedicated to my/my fiance/our families needs. The location coordinator has everyone else to worry about, ie catering, set-up, etc, and I want someone who is going to deal with us, and the not only the location.

IMO, if I were having a seperate church and reception, I would def hire one, b/c that just invites more issues when you have to get lots of people b/t two places, and take, pics, etc.

If your have any questions about what a month/day of coordinator does, just let me know, and I will cut and paste a description from some of their info.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

dcgator - that would be great! Anything you can help with is appreciated - thanks! I''d love to know the different things they say they do.

 

[Sparkalicious]

I have hired one. We are having a split venue - ceremony/reception as well and although we have both a church coordinator and an event manager for the reception venue, I did not want my family, friends or guests having to assist with the little odds and ends that need tying up or being managed on the wedding day. I figured that hiring a coordinator enabled me to avoid that ... This way I have someone who is paid to take care of things, therefore, we should have to be bothered by any minutia on our wedding day.

Since I knew that I wanted a day of coordinator, for certain, I figured that since I found that service to be expensive, I might as well just hire them for full service ,which means that I''m getting assistance for the entire year before the wedding instead of just on the day of and only paying a little bit more. While I have done a LOT more than I thought that I would by myself, I have found that having a wedding coordinator has been very helpful with regards to some contract negotiations and logistical execution inquiries as well as vendor recommendations etc etc.

If it is something that your budget can afford and you are not averse to having one ... I think it would be a great idea to research it and interview some consultants to truly assess whether or not they would be a good fit for you and offer assistance where you need it.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Hey guys thanks so much for telling me your different situations so far and what you''re planning on doing. It''s great to hear examples. I''ll also be at 2 different locations for the ceremony/reception, so maybe it will be a good idea to have someone who will preside over everything and make the day much more cohesive. I also didn''t consider the fact that the coordinator even helps out with people problems, cueing music, etc. - that''s DEFINITELY something I''d like to have. Of course I''d want the vendors coordinated and all, but it''d be great to have someone help my family know what to do and where to be, and who knows our styles and desires as well, not just how the venues operate.

Anyone else want to offer wedding coordinator advice?