Hey Beautiful Readers!
Planning your wedding should be a joyful journey, not a stressful scramble. Amidst the flurry of decisions, securing a skilled wedding coordinator can be a true blessing. But how do you know you've found the perfect fit? A few weeks ago I talked about What Your Wedding Coordinator Actually Does on Wedding Day. Now that you have an idea of what your experience will be with a coordinator, asking the right questions is crucial to finding a coordinator who understands your vision and can seamlessly orchestrate the day.
To help you navigate this important decision, I’ve compiled a list of essential questions to ask potential coordinators:
Logistics and Services:
Will you put together personal decor or items brought in by other vendors? Often, decor and other items arrive separately, and it's essential to have someone manage their placement. Confirming this detail ensures a cohesive and polished final look, and most importantly, prevents your friends and family from getting pulled into setting up and directing guests on your wedding day. Let them relax and enjoy the celebration!
How many meetings will we have before the wedding day? Open communication is vital. Understanding the planned interaction helps establish expectations and ensures you're comfortable with their process. If you feel you need more meetings to fully convey your vision, don't hesitate to ask!
Tell me something you don't advertise that is included in your services? This reveals those special touches that set them apart and demonstrate their commitment to exceeding expectations. It also gives you a sense of their personality and customer service approach. You might be surprised by the extra mile they're willing to go!
What happens at the end of the night? Don't overlook the importance of a smooth ending. Clarify who handles breakdown, packing up valuables, and ensuring nothing gets left behind. Many coordinators offer this service, but it's important to understand the extent of their involvement to avoid any surprises or leaving your loved ones to clean up.
What if I want something DIY'ed? From inspiration to hands-on help, understanding their approach to DIY projects ensures your vision is realized, even with personalized elements. Clarify the level of assistance you'll need from your coordinator and what they’re willing to do, especially wedding morning.
Will you also attend our rehearsal? This is non-negotiable for many reasons. It allows the coordinator to meet the wedding party and families, run through the ceremony, and address any potential issues. This builds trust and ensures a smooth and stress-free ceremony, preventing any awkward moments or mishaps on the big day.
Will you communicate with our other vendors beforehand? Effective communication between vendors is essential for a flawlessly executed event. Confirm they prioritize this, whether through meetings or detailed timelines. This ensures everyone is on the same page and working together seamlessly. This is a question that should also be posed to all other vendors as well -ensuring they will be responsive and that your final production team has a cohesive plan before anyone arrives on wedding day. This should not be the couples responsibility to liaison and confirm with each vendor - you are their advocate, they are busy with other things especially in the final days.
Have you ever been at my venue, or will you do a site visit beforehand? Familiarity with the venue is ideal for optimal setup and flow. If a site visit isn't possible, discuss alternative ways to gain familiarity with the space, such as video calls or photos. Just because someone has never worked there before doesn’t mean they won’t be able to - it takes us coordinators only a short time to determine reception layouts, guest flow and present creative alternatives to some more “common” designs those venues typically see. Asking this question will allow you the coordinator to also draw on experience at similar venues, or with vendors that are experienced in that space.
Expertise and Problem-Solving:
What do you think about X element / What would you suggest if we're struggling to decide on X? Don't hesitate to ask for their opinion on specific elements or seek guidance on decisions. This reveals their creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to align with your vision. You'll get a sense of their expertise and how they approach unique requests. You also want to make sure they are supportive and positive, granted some things are just not possible, but your coordinator should be excited by your ideas and willing to help you bring them to life.
How do you ensure the event runs according to plan? A proficient wedding coordinator is an event producer. They create a detailed plan, taking into account vendor needs and potential challenges. They manage the timeline, direct guests, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. They are the key to a seamless and enjoyable wedding day, allowing you to relax and celebrate without worry. For example, they'll be the ones making the call on a weather contingency plan, managing guest flow to avoid delays, and working with catering to adjust the timeline if needed. They'll be there to handle any unexpected hiccups so you and your guests can simply enjoy the day.
By asking these questions, you gain valuable insight into a coordinator's experience, communication style, and problem-solving abilities. This ensures you find the perfect partner to bring your wedding vision to life, allowing you to be calm.
Still not convinced you need a wedding day coordinator? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your wedding day experiences, with or without a coordinator, in the comments. Let's learn from each other and ensure every couples’ wedding is as calm and magical as it should be.
Xoxo, Alyssa
Comentários