Questions to Ask Your Wedding Coordinator a helpful guide.

A wedding coordinator, sometimes known as a wedding planner, can take the hassle out of your big day, freeing you up to focus on being in love. But, not all wedding coordinators perform the same functions, and a wedding planner might be a great idea if you work full time, have kids, or are planning a destination wedding or an extravagant ceremony.

Wedding coordinator checking table setting

Before you hire a planner for your special day, Here are some important Questions to Ask Your Wedding Coordinator :

How much do you charge, and what is the charge for additional functions?
What specific services do you perform?
Will you be there on the day of my wedding?
Have you worked with my venue before?
What do you do to make planning easier?
What happens if you get sick, are in an accident, or otherwise cannot make it to my wedding?
Do you offer a preset number of appointments, phone calls, or emails?
What will you need from me to plan my wedding?
Do you maintain a preferred list of vendors? Can I work with vendors outside of that list? Can you help me communicate with my family and friends? This can be especially helpful if you have controlling parents or inconsiderate friends.
Have one contact person so messages and appointments are kept in the hands of the right person.
Wedding Planners have a lot of contacts in the industry and will be able to negotiate discounts that will cover their costs.
What happens if I want to cancel your services? How much money will I forfeit?

Be sure to also ask about any special needs you or your guests might have. Remember, you hire a planner to ensure your needs are met, so there is no shame in asking lots of questions. Being clear about your wishes and then expecting your planner to stick to those wishes. It is your wedding, so choose the planner who can best understand and adapt to your needs!

What are the things a coordinator organizes?

Vendor Selection and Management: Coordinators can help you find and contract with various vendors like caterers, florists, photographers, etc. They can also oversee contracts and communicate with vendors leading up to the wedding day.
Timeline and Schedule Creation: They’ll create a detailed timeline for the wedding day, including when vendors should arrive when specific events (ceremony, speeches, dances, etc.) will take place, and more.
Venue Coordination: Coordinators will work closely with the venue staff to ensure everything is set up according to your preferences.
Rehearsal Coordination: They’ll oversee the wedding rehearsal to ensure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.
Problem-Solving: If any issues arise on the wedding day (which is not uncommon), the coordinator will handle them, allowing you to enjoy your day without being burdened by problems.
Guest Assistance: They can assist with guest seating, direct guests to various locations, and handle special accommodations.

How much does a wedding coordinator charge?

Well, this depends on the event size and the duties they will be expected to perform.

Day-of Coordination: This typically covers coordination on the actual wedding day. Prices can range from $800 to $2,500 or more.
Partial Planning: This involves assistance with specific aspects of the wedding planning process. Prices can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more.
Full-Service Planning: This includes comprehensive assistance with all aspects of wedding planning. Prices can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.

Remember that these are approximate ranges, and costs can vary significantly. It’s important to meet with potential coordinators, discuss your specific needs, and get detailed quotes before deciding. Also, remember to inquire about any additional or hidden costs.

Reasons to Hire a Wedding Coordinator:

Expertise and Experience: Function coordinators are professionals with experience planning and executing large events. They know the ins and outs of the industry, have connections with vendors, and can offer valuable advice.
Time-Saving: If you are time-poor, organizing an event on this scale can be incredibly time-consuming and stressful. A coordinator can handle the logistics, giving you more time to enjoy the process and focus on other aspects of your life.
Stress Reduction: The checking you haven’t forgotten anything can be overwhelming, especially as the date approaches. A coordinator can alleviate stress by managing the details and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
Keeping you on budget: A skilled coordinator can help you stay on budget by recommending cost-effective options and negotiating with vendors.
Creative Input: They can help bring your vision to life, suggesting ideas and themes that align with your preferences. Sometimes, things you wouldn’t have thought of in a million years. So one of the questions to ask your wedding coordinator would be what do you suggest?

Hiring a wedding planner overall will be a positive and uplifting experience, and by the time your wedding day arrives, you will be glad you did when everything comes together, and all you will have to do is enjoy the day.