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Some couples hire professional wedding coordinators. But many prefer to ask a family member or a close friend to help them coordinate the day of the wedding.
Playing this important role in someone’s celebration is an honor. It’s also a unique way to ensure their special day goes exactly how they want.
Not sure what a wedding coordinator is?
Or what a wedding coordinator does?
We’ve got you covered!
Here’s our DIY wedding coordinator’s checklist for the days leading up to the wedding and the big day itself:
What Is a Wedding Coordinator?
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A wedding coordinator is not a wedding planner.
It’s a completely different role.
Wedding coordinators are typically not involved in the wedding planning process at all. They’re most important in the days leading up to — and on the day of — the wedding.
Wedding planners assist in booking vendors and designing concepts for the entire wedding. They work with the florist, caterer, videographer, and other wedding vendors to plan the day’s events and what everything will look like.
Planners help the couple-to-be choose table settings, floral arrangements, decor, and music. They ensure the lighting is right and the ceremony space looks exactly how the couple wants it to look.
The wedding coordinator plays no role in the decision-making process or the actual planning of any wedding events. Instead, the coordinator’s job is to ensure the couples’ plans fall into place at the right time.
For the wedding planner, it’s all about the look and feel of the wedding.
For the wedding coordinator, it’s all about logistics.
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Is Wedding Coordinator an Important Role?
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The wedding coordinator is a really important role. They guarantee all last-minute details are in place for the big day.
They’re a second set of eyes, hands, and ears to help with the logistical details on the day of so that the couple can enjoy the day stress-free!
Some professional wedding planners offer day-of coordination services as part of their contract, but some don’t. When planners don’t provide this service, couples often turn to family members and trusted friends to take the reins as wedding coordinators.
Almost anyone can do the job if they’re organized, detail-oriented, and authoritative.
Related: What Does Each Wedding Role Actually Do?
Wedding Coordinator Checklist: The Weeks Leading Up to the Big Day
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When a wedding planner handles the event, the wedding coordinator doesn’t usually get involved this early. But for couples who have planned their own wedding, bringing a coordinator in about a month before can be a huge benefit!
In the weeks leading up to the wedding day, a wedding coordinator can:
If you’ve agreed to be the coordinator for a loved one’s wedding, here are some questions you should ask the happy couple a few weeks ahead:
Discussing these topics in advance makes it easier for the couple and coordinator to manage one another’s expectations!
Wedding Coordinator Checklist: The Day Before the Wedding
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The day before the wedding, the coordinator’s job becomes really important.
Here are some wedding coordinator duties you can expect during the afternoon and evening before:
As a wedding coordinator, it’s also a good idea to check in with the couple at the end of the rehearsal dinner. That’s your chance to reassure them that you’ll do your best to make the next day as perfect as possible!
Day-Of Wedding Coordinator Checklist
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The wedding day is when you’ll truly shine!
Here’s the ultimate day-of wedding coordinator checklist to make sure you don’t miss a beat:
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From ensuring the wedding party is dressed on time to guaranteeing the gifts are in a safe place at the end of the night, wedding coordinators handle all sorts of important tasks. As long as you’re organized, can follow a to-do list, and feel comfortable managing time and people, it’s a fun job.
If you’ve been asked to be a wedding coordinator for someone’s wedding, embrace it. It’s an important role. The couple wouldn't have asked if they didn’t think you could handle the job!
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