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— Since 1991

Coordinators & Consultants

coord pic CoverUps coord pic Carlock’s Bakery

At most of the momentous events of our lives, we have professional help. Sure, you’ve got your photographer and caterer and disc jockey, and they all know what’s going on. When everything works well, they can keep things rolling just fine.

But, nobody is in charge of the whole affair—except you. And, you have something else to do that day: To enjoy your wedding and reception!

If you do hire a wedding coordinator or consultant to help you out. What can you expect this person to do?

She’ll take charge of the whole day. Isn’t that a relief! You will not be overwhelmed. You will eat better, rest better, sleep peacefully, and know you’re getting a better deal from other vendors in some cases than you could have gotten yourself.

A coordinator will know about things you don’t know about. Little things, like the table linens arriving before the cake and flowers, so table arrangements don’t have to wait for the cake. There are dozens of details that only an experienced person knows about. She’ll deal with the other vendors for you. The Coordinator is there to reschedule events if necessary.

She’ll bring an emergency kit. In it will be thread, needles, tape, pins, black socks for the guys who forgot them (it happens), breath mints, smelling salts, tools, scissors, ribbons, wires, cash, a roll of quarters, and all sorts of other things you won’t think of.

She can—and will—negotiate better prices for you. She won’t let anyone take advantage of you. She has the experience to know when things “just aren’t right” with a vendor. Also, to the other vendors, she represents repeat business—something you don’t represent. This adds a bit of leverage to every negotiation she does for you. It’s a major point.

Speaking of her fees … Coordinators usually do not take a “kickback” from other vendors. Most coordinators will ask that they give a discount to you instead. In this way, you receive a discount.

The fee charged by coordinators can differ, depending on what she is doing for you. If she is handling the whole thing, from start to finish, including hiring of other vendors, etc., you can expect to pay more for her services. Some charge a fee plus expenses, and some charge by the hour or day. Others charge a percentage of certain costs of the wedding and reception. It’s something you must talk through with coordinators you are considering.

coord pic White Wolf Studio

Finally, she will save you a lot of time. If you are from outside the area, the time saved in travel (and expense) can be a major help.

In the end, what a coordinator provides more than anything else is a feeling of peace and confidence. This is something you might not have, to the same degree, if you do it all yourself.

Do you really need a coordinator? It’s up to you. If your wedding is not a big one, and if it’s not a hugely expensive affair, you might not.

However, if it is big, with a large guest list, you might be well-advised to visit a number of coordinators.