HOLY MOLY!! It’s December, and Christmas is just around the corner! What?? I can’t believe this decade is coming to an end in less than a few weeks! Did you get everything done you wanted in 2019? Did you have a great year overall? Do you have your goals figured out for 2020?

As another year comes to an end, most people go into goal-setting and organizing mode. I know I definitely am while in my off-season. There are so many things that I want to streamline and fully work out all the kinks on before my weddings start up again in March 2020. This feeling of constant decisions and keeping things in line is how every bride feels leading up to her wedding day and sometimes even on her wedding day.

Stress is often one of the first adjectives that come to my mind when thinking of wedding planning.

But as a photographer, I want you to be enjoying this time and spending it stress-free with your fiancé. That is why I so strongly encourage a day-of-wedding coordinator, and why I am inviting Alyssa Kurtz of Miss Lyss Planning to answer all of your burning questions about this incredible wedding vendor. Now, I’m not saying to give up all your planning for your wedding. Trust me, I am not saying that at all.

Especially from a girl who planned and coordinated her entire wedding!

But I am saying, let someone help you on your wedding day so that you can truly enjoy the day surrounded by the people you love. Marrying the man you love! Alyssa has been in the wedding industry for 14 years, doing everything from catering to working in a bridal shop and even working for a specific wedding venue. So she knows the ins-and-outs of the entire wedding day which makes her such a perfect day-of-wedding coordinator. She finally took the dream she had and made it a reality in February 2019 when she opened up her own business.

Now she is able to pour into her own couples and give them the stress-free beautiful day they always dreamed of.

I am so excited for her to answer some of your top questions when it comes to day-of coordinating. You may even be surprised by a few of the answers. She truly is incredible, and one of my favorites to work with on a wedding day! That’s for sure. If you have more questions or think this might be perfect for you, feel free to reach out to her through email or on Instagram. I know she will take the BEST care of you!

XOXO ~ Heather Marie

What’s the difference between a wedding planner and day-of coordinator?

Congratulations! You’re engaged! Now what? Most likely, you’ll take one of two paths. Either a) hand off all the planning and minor details to a skilled professional or, b) roll up your sleeves and get planning. Plan A is when you hire a wedding planner; someone to take your Pinterest board, “must-haves” and “have-nots,” and budget to turn into a magnificent, one-of-a-kind personal event and celebration. Plan B is more likely when you’ll need a day-of coordinator. Contrary to the name, day-of coordinators don’t just show up for 12 hours on the day of the wedding and go about their business (or at least shouldn’t).

A great day-of coordinator will be able to recommend vendors for hire, help build a timeline of the day, coordinate the vendors in advance, even run rehearsal all before the big day.

Do I even need to hire a day-of wedding coordinator?

Depends, do you want to worry about Grandma finding her wrist corsage, that the decorations are set up just as you intended, that the caterer with the linens is running late and the florist needs to leave? There are so many moving pieces to the day, and your one job should be to enjoy and focus on your friends, family and future spouse.

Think about it this way, you’ve spent months planning, worrying and getting excited (probably a good chunk of change too) on this celebration. Why wouldn’t you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor?

What can I expect from my day-of coordinator?

Each coordinator certainly has their own unique functions and the way they do things. However, staples of a day-of coordinator should include:

– oversight of vendors (directing where to unload, park, arriving on time, proper set up),

– guest management (helping guests find the ceremony location, assisting grandparents to seats, welcoming them to reception), and

– set-up assistance (favor placement, guest book set up, seating arrangement display)

My venue provides me a “venue coordinator,” that should cover what I need, right?

Not necessarily. A venue coordinator’s role is to make sure that the venue is clean and set up as promised possibly even manage the catering team if that’s in-house. That person won’t make sure you’ve had something to eat and drink before the ceremony, ensure the best man has the rings, or that the marriage license is signed, among other small, yet important details.

When should I book / get involved with my coordinator?

Like most wedding vendors, it’s smart to book your preferred vendors a year in advance, if not more! It also depends on a coordinator’s availability and number of bookings they’ll take on. Feel free to ask around and compare coordinators.

How should I qualify my coordinator for hire?

You’ve seen and heard of a handful of different planners or coordinators for hire, how should you pick one for you?

1. Availability. Like any vendor you hire, they should first be available for your date and for more popular vendors, they’ll easily be booked a year in advance. Check their WeddingWire or Knot availability calendars, others may have it on their website.
2. Personality. You’ll be working closely with this person for a very important day, if your level of details or communication don’t match up and you’ll be frustrated every step of the way, it may not be a match.
3. Experience. A coordinator who has been to your venue before is a plus, but not always necessary. You definitely want someone who’s been around the block and knows how to handle a-little-too-drunk-groomsman, or a bad weather situation.

Want more tips?

Vendor Spotlight | Hair and Makeup Artist

Vendor Spotlight | Makeup Artist