What is an on the day coordinator?
Hello! Firstly a little about me… I’m fairly new to the industry, having only set up Beth A Weddings in 2017 (before that it was more of a hobby, alongside my job as a History Teacher!), but since then I’ve created one of Hampshire’s coolest wedding venues - The Barn at Avington, coordinated weddings across the South East and in Portugal and worked for some amazing suppliers, such as Purple Door Props, Rabbit and the Rose and Bark’n’Render.
I advise and recommend, style,set up, take down, coordinate, assist your suppliers, solve problems and ooze calm. I make friends, laugh a lot and will most probably have a little cry when it all ends (partly because I’m emotional but mostly because I’m exhausted!)
A wedding coordinator is important, whatever your budget. Many venues don’t come with a dedicated Events Manager, from rustic barns to the local farmers field, village hall to your own back garden, so getting me (or someone like me!) is essential. Here’s why…
1. You should be having fun.
Your wedding day should be pure joy, not pressure. Without a dedicated wedding coordinator it falls on you to problem solve, check everything is the way you want it and worry about relatives that need some extra help. By hiring a wedding coordinator you don’t have to think about anything other than enjoying every minute. Let someone else worry how you’re going to get the grooms suit which he left in London, where the churros truck is going to go because they haven’t bought the right power cable and how you’re going to get a guest out of the portaloo when the lock breaks (all REAL scenarios from one wedding alone!). Weddings all have a ‘behind the scenes’ which should not be a part of your day… we will tell you about it when you’re back from your honeymoon though and have you in stitches!
2. Family should be having fun.
Many couples have the most loving team around them, who have the best intentions and want to be able to help to make the day a success. Fast forward into the afternoon of the wedding when they are stressed, haven’t had a moment to sit back and take it all in and are deeply regretting volunteering to do everything that they promised. Whether they want to help or not, family and friends should be there to enjoy themselves. So often parents and grandparents have said to me at weddings, ‘I wish my son/daughter had hired someone like you’. When family and friends are working, they are missing out on the special moments, lovely chats and putting their feet up which they’ll need after weeks of preparation.
3. Multi-talented
Many wedding coordinators, like myself, are multitalented. We can finish styling the venue on the morning of the wedding so you can concentrate on getting ready with your gang. Most will assist your other suppliers when needed to keep the day running smoothly, whether that be collecting plates or serving on the bar. I love keeping the kids entertained during the speeches and as I have a 4 year old I often bring some toys and a dressing up box for these moments (and am CRB checked for your peace of mind!). There is no clip board and high heels here… only comfy shoes, Google sheets and a huge amount of energy to be there for everyone and every eventuality.
4. Extensive knowledge
Though you might only have your wedding coordinator booked for a day or two, most will be delighted to provide you with recommendations and advice throughout the planning stage. Those who have been in the business for a few years or more will have tried lots of delicious food, work alongside great professionals and built a rapport with suppliers which means that if you follow their advice you will have the ultimate dream team on your wedding day, all working together to bring the best out of each other.
5. You will forget to eat and drink
One of my favourite jobs at any wedding is ensuring your fed and watered, wined, watered, cocktailed, watered, prosecco’d… you get the idea! It’s my chance to check in and give you a reassuring smile. It ridiculously common to miss out on canapes as you’re having photos, or cake because you’re too busy dancing… as a huge food lover this breaks my heart. Rest assured that your wedding coordinator won’t allow this to happen and the consequence will be that you have the energy to be on the dancefloor until the end of the night and feel well enough the next day to embark on married life.
Get in touch to discuss your wedding plans. I’m based in Hampshire, coordinating weddings worldwide.
Photography by the talented and wonderful Holly Bobbins Photography