Now, in our last post, Part II "The Truth about Day of Coordination" (that's number 2 of our 4 part series) we talked a little about some of the popular misconceptions behind what a "Day of" Coordinator service offers and how to really determine if it's the right fit for you. You've taken a good, long look at your daily schedule. You've flipped through your calendar for the next 9 (or 10, or 14) months. You've gone over page after page of your Bridal Magazines, pictures, and notes. Most importantly, you've really looked at what (besides marrying the one you love of course) means the most to you and after some soul searching you've come to a few realizations. That...- You just don't have a lot of free time - Thanks to your job, school or, well, life.
- You need a Pro's help with organizing and planning - You're just not that thrilled about the idea of juggling dozens and dozens (and dozens) of details.
- You want your wedding to be personalized and as unique as you are - Perhaps you've got unconventional ideas, a have unusual venue, or maybe even a destination wedding in mind.
- Your wedding date is rapidly approaching - You have soooo much to do and time is not your friend.
- You just don't want the drama - Not from the planning process or your family... It's your special day. You'd rather relax, enjoy, and let someone else do the work.
Ok, so you need more than "Day of" Coordination... what are some of your choices? Most people automatically think of a Full-Service Planner. You know, this is what Hollywood typically shows us when we say, "Wedding Planner". One of my personal favorites, for a good laugh, is Martin Shorts character from the 1991 film "Father of the Bride" but say the words here comes the take charge, whirl wind, over-the-top character you see in the movies or on TV. A high-energy (sometimes high-strung), uber focused, multitasking woman (or man) usually accompanied by a poor little assistance scurrying behind them, taking notes and desperately trying to keep up as they blow through the scene. Well, that makes for entertaining movie fun but the reality is just a little different.
The truth is Planners (Coordinators and so on) should never dominate "the scene" - the Bride and Groom are always the stars. Pros usually think of that 1st consultation as not just a time to review portfolios, service packages and pricing - it's also a chance to get to know each other, discover their personalities and (for me personally) hear their love story. Weddings are an emotional time and planning one is an intimate journey for a couple. Most of us (as Wedding Professionals) recognize how special it is to be asked to become a part of their love story and we often bond on many levels. That's why it's so important for a Bride and Groom to select a Professional that can not only "do the job" but can connect with them, after all, the Full-service Planning Process is a nearly year long relationship and you want them to be more than just Vendor.
In actuality the Full-service Planner is more like a Project Manager - a person that will report to you (the Bride and Groom) but will responsible for overseeing every last phase of the planning process and it's final execution. These Professionals usually has at least one assistant (if not a team) to help execute either various steps from scheduling and attending the first vendor meeting to the managing the "Day of" to the "Day after". After? Yes, after. These professional may see to follow-up tasks ranging from rental returns to executing the Farewell Brunch (the family brunch the next day prior to the Couple departing for their honeymoon).
Wooooh, I don't know if I need all of that. If you'd like something a little more involved than a "Day of" Coordinator but less involved than a Full-Services Planner then another option is the "Partial Planning Service". This type of service has become very popular over the years, especially with those who like the idea of being a "hands-on in their wedding planning but know they will need professional assistance to ensure their once-in-a-lifetime day will be as planned properly, looks polished, and feels fantastic. With Partial Planning service Brides and Grooms receive limited guidance (often via meetings, emails, or phone calls) to keep you and planning on track but you will be doing the majority leg work like scheduling appointments, attending Vendor meetings, and Budget management yourself. Think you'll need a little help planning out a seating chart or tracking RSVPs? Some Planning Pros offer customized Partial Planning services that offer additional "a la carte" or hourly assistance for various phases in the wedding planning process.
Partial Planner services may be a great way to get many of the benefits of a Full-service provider while saving a some money if you are well organized and willing to do the follow-up work. Now, which type of planning service is the best fit for you? Here are a few things to keep in mind about "Who offers what" when it comes to Partial Planning vs. Full-service Planning...
What "Partial Planners" will do:
- Typically up to 80 hours of pre-wedding services
- Provides advice and assist with developing ideas
- Provides Preferred Vendors or suggested Vendor Referrals based on needs
- Usually furnishes custom Checklists and updates on regular basis to keep you on track
- Creates Event Timeline and Itineraries
- May offer additional assistance on an hourly, a la carte, or custom package basis
(in addition to the above Partial Planning services, a Full-service Planner will also...)
- Anywhere between 80 to 250 hours of pre-wedding services (depending on needs)
- Assists in developing and managing budget
- Assist in contract negotiations
- Schedules and Attends Vendor meetings
- Assist with Guest services including RSVP, Hotel Room Blocks, Seating Charts, etc.
- Manages all Vendor Communications and Confirmations
- Manages Wedding Rehearsal
- Manages the wedding day including all vendors logistics
Be sure to check back for our next (and last) installment... So, what exactly is an Event Designer
