This isn't really a 911, but I didn't see a better fit and the day is seriously nigh, so ?
There was some slight miscommunication with our venue, and I have discovered that they will not set out the decor I am bringing - "we" are asked to do that. Seems silly to me, since they are hanging garland and putting out the rentals, etc., but it's whatever, I understand that there's probably some complicated liability with people who are more attached to their decor, using heirloom pieces, what have you.
This decor is minimal. Half of each centerpiece is rented (a gold votive holder), so will already be set out; the other half of each is a peacock mat and then a table number - our stuff. Seventeen tables total. Then there are twist-on wired aisle decor for the ceremony seating - twenty of these. I've attached pictures of the central mats and the aisle decor. I am assuming I will also need to set out the bar menus; favors; guestbook; table chart; and flats, wraps, and fans for guests - since all of this is "my stuff."
Am I crazy to think I can knock this out in half an hour? I'm not asking my WP or guests for help; my mom will be with me the whole day but I'd really rather she just kept me company while I set this stuff out rather than worry about "doing it right" (on her side, not mine; she is a worrier). There's no reason I wouldn't have time, I think: hair and makeup is at 1, twenty minutes to the venue, photos are at 5 and start with me getting into the dress. I had wanted, originally, to just sit around with WP who wanted to get ready on site, but I'm also not sure how else to get this decor set out. But I would like feedback from others - is just doing this myself a recipe for disaster? Should we look into hiring someone to set out seventeen centerpieces, twist twenty wires, and set up one side table with stuff for guests? Who would we even hire for that?
(I guarantee that if I ask FI to do it - since he doesn't have a hair and makeup appt, etc. - this
will turn into all the men helping. A couple of them are aggressively super helpful and would be offended to have their offers turned down. Also, he doesn't see the big deal in accepting this kind of help because basically every other wedding in our circle has totally ignored this rule, meaning we have done a lot of setup and tear down for other people's weddings. He liked "my" plan to make sure everything was handled so no one needed to help and understood the logic of the etiquette when I explained it, but I just don't think he would stand firm on this the day of.)
TL;DR - Is half an hour enough time to set up some basic decor if the bride is doing it? Would it be smarter to just find someone to pay?