When planning a wedding, many couples start searching for someone to help them bring their day to life. Often, they stumble upon the term "day-of coordination." While it may sound like an affordable and efficient solution, the reality is that “day-of” wedding coordination is a myth. As experienced wedding planners, we believe it’s important to clarify why this term is misleading and why a more thorough approach benefits you and your wedding.
"Parris intuitively understood my vision and preferences, often without me having to explain them, and ensured everything ran seamlessly from start to finish," said Layne, married on 11/1/2024, at Heron Hill. "With Parris, I got to relax and soak in every second of our wedding day—I wouldn’t change a thing."
1. No Professional Can Simply “Show Up” and Take Over
Imagine this: you’ve spent months planning your wedding, coordinating vendors, finalizing details, and organizing the day. Now, you hire a professional to step in on the wedding day and ensure everything runs smoothly. The problem? Without prior involvement, even the most skilled wedding professional cannot fully understand the intricate details or anticipate potential issues.
True coordination should begin well before your wedding day. A seasoned wedding coordinator will want to meet with you at least two months before your wedding to review logistics, timing, and your vision. They’ll create a detailed timeline, a layout for all aspects of the day, communicate with your vendors, and ensure that every moving part works together. Without this preparation, even the best “day-of” coordinator would be absolutely lost, and that’s not what you deserve on such an important day.
2. The “You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know” Factor
Planning a wedding is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Unless you’ve done it before, it’s natural to be unfamiliar with all the nuances. Sometimes, couples think, “I can handle all the planning myself and just need someone to execute on the day.” While this may seem like a good plan, it’s comparable to saying, “I’ve never worked on a car before, but I built one. Will you drive it?”
Most of us wouldn’t trust a car built by an inexperienced mechanic. Similarly, expecting a “day-of” coordinator to execute a flawlessly planned wedding without prior involvement can lead to misunderstandings, avoidable mishaps, and unnecessary stress. Wedding planners have the experience and foresight to navigate the things you may not even know to consider—things that could make or break your day.
3. Coordination Takes Time—Not Just on the Wedding Day
True wedding coordination isn’t limited to a single day. It involves weeks of preparation, including:
Reviewing your contracts to ensure everything aligns.
Confirming vendor arrival times and services.
Creating a detailed timeline that ensures your day runs smoothly.
Addressing any potential logistical concerns, from layouts to last-minute adjustments.
Communicating with your vendors and serving as the point of contact leading up to the wedding.
These are just a few of the steps we take to ensure that your day feels seamless. If a coordinator isn’t involved until the day of your wedding, these crucial elements may be overlooked, putting unnecessary pressure on you and your vendors.
4. “Day Of” Coordination Creates Unrealistic Expectations
The term “day-of coordination” gives couples the impression that a professional can swoop in and flawlessly manage an event without any prior context or preparation. Unfortunately, this often leads to frustration for both the couple and the coordinator. Couples may feel disappointed when their expectations aren’t met, and coordinators can’t deliver their best work without having a strong foundation in place.
We’ve experienced this firsthand from when we used to offer day-of coordination. Over time, we realized that it’s simply not realistic to expect a perfectly executed wedding day from a “day-of” coordinator when the planning was handled by someone without professional experience. Long story short—it’s not fair to anyone, including you or the wedding professional.
Instead of “day-of” services, we recommend exploring coordination packages that begin at least two months before your wedding. This approach allows your planner to become familiar with your vision, collaborate with your vendors, and address any potential gaps in the planning process—all before your big day.
Let’s Retire the Term “Day Of”
At the end of the day, your wedding deserves more than a “day-of” approach. It deserves thoughtful preparation, professional expertise, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone is there to support you every step of the way.
So, let’s shift the conversation. Instead of asking for “day-of coordination,” consider looking for “wedding management” or an “event coordinator.” This professional will work with you to finalize every detail, create a seamless plan, and ensure your day unfolds effortlessly. The investment in experienced guidance is invaluable when it comes to creating cherished, stress-free memories.
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Let’s make sure it’s everything you’ve dreamed of—and more.
Parris Balazs
Certified Wedding Planner
Eventfully Chic by Parris
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About: Eventfully Chic by Parris is a leading wedding planning company in South Carolina dedicated to transforming your dreams into enchanting realities. Owner and lead planner Parris Balazs has built her brand on a foundation of trust, reliability, and a commitment to excellence.
Visit storefronts on The Knot and WeddingWire or visit www.EventfullyChic.com.
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