I checked a big task off the to-do list this week and that was hiring a wedding coordinator. I kind of went about all of this backwards. Usually a coordinator is hired at the beginning of the wedding planning before all your other vendors are hired. But with me, I already knew (and have worked with) several of our vendors before professionally, so I didn’t really need any help there. What I did need help with was finding a coordinator.
Coordinators are awesome, but some of what they charge for is their expertise in giving recommendations of vendors in the wedding industry that are reliable and provide great services. I already had that part down. And I’m very confidant in my day-of- vendors (photographer, cinematographer and entertainment) that they can keep things on track and running smoothly throughout the night that I didn’t HAVE to have a coordinator for that either. What we do need a coordinator for and the main reason we decided to hire one is to help setup and break down, so our family doesn’t have to work the day of our wedding.
See, as much as we love OUR VENUE it is a do-it-yourself type of venue. We rent the space, and then we bring in all of our own vendors to take care of the day (including setting up tables and chairs, linens and decorating). And at the end of the night, we don’t want our parents to have to clean up anything or take centerpieces off the tables, pack gifts up, etc. Like I’ve said before, we want our guests to have fun and that includes our parents. That was the main reason we hired a planner. Plus there’s some decorating (aka hanging of items from the ceiling) that I just wouldn’t want to do myself anyway. I’d much rather pay someone to do that for us. 🙂
Sadly, I’ve never worked with a coordinator that I just absolutely loved (at least not one that was within our budget and available for our date). This was the first vendor that I really had to research and read reviews and meet with to figure out who we liked best. I researched a couple and met with them but it just didn’t click. I didn’t feel like they understood my vision nor were they selling me on the services they offered or offering suggestions on what can be done on our wedding day. I felt like I had to steer those conversations. And honestly? I feel like the professional should be the one directing the conversation and guiding an initial consultation. If you can’t control or direct a consultation how are you supposed to control and direct a wedding with several vendors working under you, a wedding party, family, etc.? I’m a big believer in $20 spent on a toy that doesn’t work is a wasted $20. Better to have not bought the toy at all or spend $40 on a toy the does work instead of being annoyed or upset.
From the recommendation of an industry peer, I finally contacted Ashely with TWO BE WED and I LOVE her. I was so happy when I found her because finding a coordinator that I believed in and liked was starting to become something of a headache for me. Ashley actually coordinated my friend’s wedding and I had some time to talk with her at that wedding and loved her instantly.
I say it to my brides all the time, but I believe it even more now that I’m a bride. Having vendors that you believe in and trust is so important. It takes all the stress away as I have complete faith that they will do a great job, and I won’t have to worry about a thing come October 23rd. 🙂
thegreenfieldlife.com 