We get asked this question A LOT! Our business cards used to say "Wedding Coordinator" but after the J.Lo movie came out a few years ago, brides started expecting their "wedding coordinators" to run around with a tool belt and revive drunken fathers prior to the ceremony. If that's what you're looking for, you should definitely hire an actual wedding coordinator.
Below is a list of Hayley and I's responsibilities as your catering manager:
1. Preplanning: our main focus is on the food and beverage requirements for your reception. We can offer suggestions on decor and examples of things we've seen before, but ultimately we consider these things to be your decision. We're happy to give you the names and numbers of local vendors, as well. We will also go over the set-up of the room with you. You will do your own seating chart and let us know how many guests we'll need to seat and where.
2. Ceremony: if you have an on-site ceremony we will be there to cue the bridal party as they start their procession. Prior to the ceremony, we typically coordinate with your officiant and musicians (or DJ) to make sure we all know when to start everything. Once you walk down the aisle, we are off to check on the cocktail hour and dinner set-ups. If you need flowers or anything else moved from the ceremony to the reception room, we will either do that ourselves or arrange for someone to take care of that for you.
**You might also want to see this post on Rehearsal Ceremonies.
3. Favors/Placecards: we will arrange the placement of both these items, as well as other items you might bring in. However, you should always let us know in advance so we're sure to set aside time for any additional set-up needs. Sometimes we have several weddings going on at the same time so it's difficult to do too much extra for each of them. But if we can we are always happy to help!
4. Reception: this is our primary responsibility, to ensure the food and beverage quality is top-notch and the service is 5 star. For this reason, we will do our best to keep you on the predetermined timeline so the food is hot and fresh when delivered to your guests' tables. We will be there with you as you enter the room and leave shortly after your entree is served.
If you would like someone to help you with all the planning prior from the moment you get engaged until you're headed off to your bridal suite, a wedding coordinator would be a good investment. He/she can help you form an overall vision for the day and guide you based on his/her experience.
Here are a few things that could happen on your wedding day that we most likely wouldn't be able to help with. If you're worried about any of these things, you might want to consider hiring a day-of coordinator:
- Your bridesmaid busted a zipper while putting on her dress.
- You left your lipstick in your room and need a touch-up during pictures.
- A groomsman started the party early and is nowhere to be found for the bridal announcements.
- The limo to take you from the church back to The Abbey never shows up.
- You spill a drink on your dress and need help getting it out before your first dance.
- You need someone to help gather up all your gifts/personal items before going back to your room for the night.
There are a LOT of variables on your wedding day and we will do our best to assist you with everything you need, but there are some limitations on our ability mostly due to time constraints. If you lay awake at night worrying about the "what ifs", consider hiring a wedding coordinator. One of my brides who had just hired a day-of coordinator once said to me, "Peace of mind comes at a price so I wrote her a check." Smart girl!
If you are interested in speaking directly with an area wedding coordinator who would be able to help with all the above scenarios, as well as initial contracting and planning, please visit www.somethingbluelakegeneva.com.
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