Do you need a day-of coordinator?

A day-of coordinator runs your wedding day so you can be in it. This page says what one does, what to expect to pay, and how to run the day yourselves if you'd rather. For the times, see the wedding day timeline. For the list of things to remember, see the wedding day checklist.

What a day-of coordinator does

You make the plans. They take them over a few weeks before the wedding and run the day.

• They talk to your vendors and confirm who arrives when.
• They run the rehearsal.
• They keep the timeline and cue the moments: the processional, the toasts, the cake and the send-off.
• They set out the details you have made, such as place cards and signs.
• They solve the small problems, and the two of you never hear about most of them.

A venue coordinator is not always the same thing. Some look after the venue only, so ask what yours covers.

What one costs

It varies widely by area and by experience. Many charge a flat fee for the day, plus a planning meeting or two. Ask a few for quotes, and ask what is included before you compare.

Is it worth it?

It often is when you have a big guest list, more than one location, or a venue with no coordinator of its own. It is also worth it if you would otherwise be the one answering questions on the day.

It matters less for a small wedding at a venue that runs the day well. There, a friend can do the job, with a good timeline.

Run it yourselves: pick a day captain

A day captain is a friend or family member who keeps the timeline. They move it calmly if it runs behind, and they are the one vendors ask. Pick someone calm and organized, and ask them early.

Give them your wedding day timeline. Day mode, part of Plus, lets a day captain move the rest of the day in one tap, and gives each person their own timeline on their phone.

What to give a coordinator or captain before the day

Send it a week before, and walk through it with them once.

• The timeline. With the times, the places and who is in each part.
• Vendor contacts. A name and a phone number for each one.
• The shot list. The photos you most want.
• The family photo groups. Who is in each group, and who will call them.
• Where everything is. The rings, the license, the decor, the tip envelopes and the emergency kit.

Frequently asked questions

What does a day-of coordinator do?

A day-of coordinator takes the plans you have made and runs the wedding day for you. They confirm your vendors, run the rehearsal, keep the timeline and answer the questions so you don't have to. They are the person your vendors ask.

How much does a day-of coordinator cost?

It varies widely by area and by experience. Many coordinators charge a flat fee for the day, which usually includes a planning meeting or two. Ask a few for quotes, and ask exactly what each one covers.

Is a day-of coordinator worth it?

It often is for a big guest list, several locations, or a venue with no coordinator of its own. It also helps if you would otherwise be the one answering questions on the day. For a small wedding with a calm venue, a day captain can do the job.

If we can't afford one, who runs the day?

Pick a day captain: a friend or family member who keeps the timeline and is the one vendors ask. Give them the timeline and the vendor contacts a week before. Day mode, part of Plus, lets a day captain move the rest of the day in one tap if it runs behind.

What do we give them before the day?

Give them the timeline, the vendor contact list, the shot list, the family photo groups and where everything is. That means the rings, the license, the decor and the tip envelopes. Send it a week before, and walk through it with them once.