Day of Coordinator- Opinions needed!!

em105

So, I keep arguing with myself as to whether or not I 'NEED' a Day of Coordinator. 

Certainly, no one does.  I'm pretty sure all you need is a bride, groom, marraige license and officiant.

We've been doing well with the budget- we are paying for just about everything (minus rehersal dinner, dress and cake) and our budget is 15k.  We're having a 75-100 person wedding in a gorgeous location, with a church ceremony and then a formal reception.

We hired a full service caterer who does venue coordination.  I was originally just going to have a good friend 'run' things, but am seriously considering just hiring a DOC.  There's a woman in the area who has an AMAZING reputation for what she does- she's not cheap (it would add 1500 to our budget), but on the other hand, I just got 1000 I hadn't expected as a gift from my father for the wedding.  It wouldn't make for any sort of financial hardship.

The decision is basically- do I do what I really want to and hire this woman knowing that she'll make sure everything goes flawlessly and I can just sit back and enjoy or do I have a friend run everything from the ceremony through the start of the reception and then have the venue coordinator take over??

Truth is- I really just want to hire this woman so I don't stress at all, but on the other hand, I am not sure I can justify spending an additional 10% of our budget on something that seems... 'frivolous'.  Thoughts?

mspurr

We are only using the day of coordinator at our reception venue (it was included in the price).  She will coordinate all of the vendors for the reception (cake, DJ, photographer).  What do you feel the additional person you may hire would do?  Would they be organizing florist and limo from the church?  I would try to decide what the additional DOC would actually do to decide if it is worth the money.  For me, it would not be worth an additional expense.

Kello4221

If I had budget I would totally hire a day of coordinator... when the time gets closer I seriously hope I can find the budget and someone available... so I'd say go for it!  I think $1,500 sounds a little high for a true day of coordinator, in my area that would get you a top notch DOC with 3 or so prep meetings to help with planning.

NO2012

My attitude is peace of mind and minimizing stress is far from frivolous, especially if you can afford it. : Go for it!

em105

1500 is her plus her assistant for not only the day of but basically a month out-

Thanks for the emotional support guys!  My best girlfriend just looked at me and said, "Sooo... Your first priority is to enjoy getting married and you're willing to spend money for everyone else to enjoy themselves but not you??"

ejheart

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_september-2012-weddings_day-of-coordinator-opinions-needed?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:a464c18c-2e4d-469b-8eae-3865079cb9cfDiscussion:4c65ad30-5cf9-49b3-aaf2-685dfec1b6cePost:2b1a2ea4-cf37-48f0-9ef4-a157db1e98a4">Re: Day of Coordinator- Opinions needed!!</a>:
[QUOTE]1500 is her plus her assistant for not only the day of but basically a month out- Thanks for the emotional support guys!  My best girlfriend just looked at me and said, "Sooo... Your first priority is to enjoy getting married and you're willing to spend money for everyone else to enjoy themselves but not you??"
Posted by em105[/QUOTE]

<div>That's a really good point. If she has great reviews then I don't think you'll regret it! In the big scheme of things you spend the most on what's important to you, so if it's important to you then do it!</div>

volleygurl0306

I agree that your friend made a really good point.  I think a lot of it depends on how complicated things are (or how packed the schedule is) and how reliable your BMs are.  I ended up getting DOCs but only because they are two women who have experience but are trying to get started on their own.  So, to bulk up their portfolio they are doing it for free (though I'll tip them).  But, I have to changeo over my ceremony space to a reception space in under an hour and have 3 out of 6 flaky BMs. 

If it won't cause a huge financial hardship peace of mind is nice.  But, I think you should double check with your FI first because big financial decisions should be made together and even with the gift from your dad it will still cost you $500 (plus if you get her a gift, have to feed her, etc).  If your FI is okay with it, I say go for it. 

BMcLeodTeam

I have a DOC through my resort, paying for her is part fo their wedding packages. Its more than a month out with a good DOC, she's already more than earned the money she's making! She recently found me a DJ in the area for half the price, and is now helping me with the hairdresser situation (mine backed out.... well kinda had to, when she got arrested lol).
I call her my wedding planning angel and can't imagine how much more stressed I would be without her!

kitkat887

Peace of mind is worth a lot. If you can afford it, then I'd say go for it.

KBSK12

I say go for it. The last thing you want on your wedding day is a million people coming up to you asking "Where does this go?" "How should this be arranged?" "Where should this be moved?" Blah Blah BLAH! Your job is to relax, and a DOC's job is to make sure that happens!

smartlypretty

Yeah, I have a DOC as part of my wedding package. I think you should do it. Someone needs to be at the venue to make sure the flowers are in the right places, the escort cards get set up, the guest book doesn't get lost, the cake gets delivered, the DJ sets up in the right location, the centerpieces look okay.....etc a million more things. Yeah, the caterer could do it, but since that's not really their job things might not get put in the right location. And directing guests! And making sure everyone is where they need ot be. 

AshnRobo

I recommend it. Every time I start freaking out about the day of timeline I remember that we only have to get dressed. Other than that we can just have mimosas and hang out.

Our DOC does set up and tear down. She coordinates with all the other vendors. I literally don't have to do anything except DIY projects and pay bills.

bridalmomma

We also have a DOC, she does it as her business but is also a family friend.... so her charge to us... cost of her room for the two nights!! We will also be giving her a kick a$$ gift card. Believe it or not but my dear sweet hubby (somewhat of a tight wad LOL) is the one who insisted we have one. He was worried I wouldn't enjoy the wedding.

em105

Update on this- I got outvoted by my fiance and the budget won out.  Thanks for the advice, but this was one of the places where my fiance's super-practicality won out.