Day of Coordinator

Pesapenny

What are everyone's opinions about a day of coordinator?

I'm having some worries about how things will flow the day of if no one is there to organize it.

Any good experiences/bad experiences?

How much does a day of service cost?

Thanks!

bostonbride214

This is exactly why we hired our DOC --- we used Jenny at Trends & Traditions Events --- GREAT communication, she and her team handled every detail, big or small and we had lots of them including specialized set-up at our reception --- pricing was very affordable --- at least for us in peace of mind on our wedding day. GL!

here's their website: http://www.trendsandtraditionsevents.com/

RoyalOrient

Hiring a professional Day of Coordinator to organize, manage details and handle  the etiquette snags that may come about is definitely going to save a bride's sanity. They are a valuable asset and worth every penny. We didn't originally budget for a DOC but fortunately for us, Gracie Lou Events was willing to work with our budget. They have been nothing short of amazing - like going above and beyond their role as my DOC. I have gotten referrals for vendors plus expert advice and they check in on me throughout the planning process. I have to say though my FI was not completely on board until he met with Gracie Lou Events. I was hesitant myself but owning a nail salon and seeing brides glued to their phone on the day of because they had no other person to give direction to or doing things themselves compared to brides who were actually relaxed because they had hired a DOC, it made me think about my big day. I just know I wanted peace of mind.

Rates depend on packages or how extent the service is.

CityBrideBoston

I've also been wondering about this.  We're getting married at a hotel.  So the hotel has a coordinator.  Do you ladies still think I need a DOC in addition to the hotel coordinator?  I guess I'm unclear about how their jobs differ...

megandjay

It was some of the best money we spent! It took all the stress away.

The hotels do have coordinators, but some are better than others. Also- they won't coordinate ceremony if it is not there. And for us, our hotel coordinator was one of the causes of stress, so it was really helpful to have someone else there to manage the details, make sure all the vendors were paid/tips, handle bridal party and getting ready vendors.

amgrossman

My venue requires a day-of coordinator, because they don't have their own staff ( b/c only do a few wedding a year). The venue is pretty cheap so the additional cost of the coordinator isnt a big deal. 

I'm going with ECI events. In addition to day-of they are finding me wait staff, possibly ordered some linens too. That'a about it. 

ECI is only $40/hr, however the next cheapest was $150/hr. The most expensive ones wanted like 4,000 for the whole day. 

@citybride boston, if you like the hotel coordinator I would stick with her. That person probably done tons of events at their hotel and knows what they're doing! If you feel the person doesn't know what they are doing, takes a while to get back to you etc then you could probably hire someone else if they allow it.

JBs_Bride

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_massachusetts-boston_day-of-coordinator-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:89Discussion:25a125de-719c-45d8-9c7c-9d96a66556dfPost:2cfb8011-5405-4a12-bee2-7f665c6cc149">Re: Day of Coordinator</a>:
[QUOTE]It was some of the best money we spent! It took all the stress away. The hotels do have coordinators, but some are better than others. Also- they won't coordinate ceremony if it is not there. And for us, our hotel coordinator was one of the causes of stress, so it was really helpful to have someone else there to manage the details, make sure all the vendors were paid/tips, handle bridal party and getting ready vendors.
Posted by megandjay[/QUOTE]

Ditto Meg. The coordinator at the hotel is dealing with dozens of events. Her main goal is to upsell you all kinds of stuff and make sure that the hotel gets paid. They won't make sure that everyone is where they're supposed to be or make sure that all of your vendors show up on time. In their mind, that's your job. Having a DOC is indispensable.

CityBrideBoston

Thanks, guys!  This was super helpful and just what I needed to hear.

Pesapenny

So, any recommendations?

anastefanovich

Dear bride to be,
I would be very happy to be your DOC depending on your wedding date.
Please check out my website at http://www.northshoreweddingsbyana.com
Best of luck,
Ana

MeaghanandMichael

I had a different experience. The site I had offered a position that was pretty much a day of coordinator person. They were the ones calling around, making sure things were there, and listening to my setup plan. Mt florist also did staging so for a fee less than a DOC I was able to have her make sure the style elements of the day were in place. I would check with your venue first about the responsibilities the wedding coordinator their has, you might already be paying for it.