DOC

lauram3177 · August 2011

I was wondering what the going rate is for a DOC... I am getting married at Los Vaqueros in the Stockyards. Since it is in the garden we arent using many decorations. The florist is doing the tables, along with the venue staff and there isnt really anything left to do. When we first started planning, my sister recommended her friend to be our planner. She had quoted us 500 for everything. This chic has been MIA since last year and now has popped back up. She knows we have planned everything and wants to be DOC, but 500 is still the price. I am sorry, but I think thats absurd to pay when she isnt really doing anything. But this has now caused family drama and I am just over the whole thing.... Am I missing something here.. What exactly do DOC's do???

professorscience · August 2011

A DOC would handle everything the day of your wedding -- set up/tear down, making sure you are happy and well-fed, coordinating vendors.

If you have people who are handling this, then you don't need one, really. But $500 is a good price for Day-Of, I think.

lauram3177 · August 2011

Thats the thing. There isnt really anything to do. The venue has said we can come in the next morning and get everything. So no one has to stay late that night. I dunno, my mother has been calling her since Thursday. She has left a message everyday. She called her this morning and said it was the 5th time she has called and would like a call back. Well she just TEXTED her back and said No, this is the 2nd message I have received from you, not the 5th... Um we wont be using her.

KendallandAlbert · August 2011

For comparison, my DOC is $800.

lauram3177 · August 2011

Yeah but I assume yours is a professional? Mine was not, she was a family friend that does this on the side. Which is part of the problem. Family friends=== wedding day horror stories!!!!

MLandCJ · August 2011

I paid $1200 for DOC services. It really started 2 months out. She did alot more than just the day of though. We had a print-outs of everything, she called everyone to verify they were on time, and really handled everything wedding related. It was worth every penny since my family didn't have to do anything in regards to set-up or clean-up.

My original budget was $500 for DOC, but I couldn't find anyone in that range. The lowest I could find was $895.

lauram3177 · August 2011

Mom already told her we dont need her. For what we need, I feel 500 is alot. Like I said we are using the garden as the set up, so the only thing to take down would be the tablescapes. And I like the idea of having one, but this chic has been nothing but a hassle. I have tried calling her several times, no response. She will text, but she will not answer a phone to save her life. I understand email... but text message... really. Just seems unprofessional. Not to mention the huge fight this has caused with my sister.... Geesh....

fallbride1109 · August 2011

I was able to use my venue's planner leading up to the wedding and she was really helpful as to logistics--I had a million questions about where will this go, what table will I use for this, etc. She helped me with my timeline and ran the rehearsal. And of course answered any questions about the venue itself.

On the day of, she did all the setup (along with the venue staff and my florist) and arranged all the decor, which she did beautifully. Where she failed is on the day of actually helping me stay on schedule, having everyone where they needed to be, pinning flowers on the wedding party, helping with cake cutting, and arranging my exit. She was too busy showing the hotel to other brides and when she found out how mad I was, left early. Things come up on the day of that you can't really anticipate and this is where a DOC really comes in handy (hence the term, "day of coordinator.")

So I guess what I am saying is--it is great to have someone to help you even with a florist and event staff. It's certainly worth paying for, but I don't think I would pay that much to someone with no experience.

MarieSD · August 2011

I'll probably just echo Stephie here. It sounds like you've already decided not to use this lady recommended by your sister because you don't have a good impression of her, and I have to say it's a good idea to go with your gut on that. That's a lot to pay someone you don't trust to come through for you.

It sounds like setup and takedown might not be something you need. For me, since we had vendors bringing in the linens, food, flowers, liquor, and then the bartenders and DJ arriving at various times ... my DOC was invaluable with setup / coordination and tipping delivery people and other vendors / and cleanup at the end of the night. Since the restaurant is your caterer and I assume also the liquor provided/bartender/linen provider/etc, it makes sense that they'll do the setup/takedown.

The DOC also helps the night run smoothly. Mine got everyone upstairs after the cocktail hour, went around telling me when to start table visits, cued the DJ on when to do various dances/speeches/cake cutting, and helped make sure the buffet was moving smoothly. I believe she also got the plates for DH and I and several other vendors (photog, videog, DJ), or at least directed the catering staff to do that.

I also got dark chocolate from the cake right in the front of my wedding dress. She ran and got club soda from the bar and dabbed at it until it (finally!) came out. Meanwhile every wise woman in my life, including my mother, just stood around wringing their hands. Do I think my mom would've known to use club soda any other day of my life? Yes. But on my wedding day, she was just as thrown off as I was, and logic wasn't coming to any of us. It helped to have a completely cool head around there, because everyone else was just as overwhelmed as me.

If you want to recommend a DOC, I think they're helpful for everyone but I wouldn't pay this girl, who you have such a bad feeling about.

professorscience · August 2011

I agree about the bad feeling -- if she gives you the willies, she is not worth it. However, one of the biggest reasons I hired a coordinator was because I did not want to be dealing with any set up or take down at my own wedding, nor did I want my mother, my sister, my bridesmaids, my anyone dealing with that. But it sounds like you have people who will help you out. I wouldn't pay anyone who is being a flake.

jmitchel · August 2011

My reception is at Los Vaqueros as well. I felt like I needed a DOC at first but then Vicki (events coordinator) is so hands on, I trust her and her staff completely. I feel like between her, my florist, and a friend who is just kind of floating around tying up loose ends we will be totally covered. I understand wanting one for peace of mind - and I still worry about it now and then but I think the venue and staff is so accomodating that they are going above and beyond to try and help more so than I've heard of other venues doing... hopefully I'm right!

lauram3177 · August 2011

Thats pretty much what I am hoping as well. I would love one, but I think everything will be fine. And if this is the only wedding drama I have (which so far so good) then I am perfectly fine with that!!! I would love to see your pictures when you are finished. I have only seen one wedding photographed there... If you dont mind

lauram3177 · August 2011

Just realized you were one week before me.... I guess thats not enough time to steal your decorating ideas!!!! LOL

jmitchel · August 2011

Ha, ha yes we are one week apart! So crazy

I would be happy to share ideas with you if you would like ... we are leaving for honeymoon the very next day so I won't even be able to talk to you about how things went before much less give you pics

So swapping thoughts back and forth before hand is the best I can do! Apparently great minds think alike!

PM if you want to talk details!

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