Don't Have a Day-of-Wedding Coordinator? Read this!

So your wedding is coming up and you have so much to plan and not enough time to do it all! After you've hired all your vendors, secured your wedding venue, and finally decided on the right food menu, now comes the actual wedding ceremony and reception planning. If you have a good wedding coordinator, this will be a breeze, since they will most likely have a general wedding timeline template for your to use and begin to plan with. If you don't have a wedding coordinator, this is where it gets tricky! Luckily, you have us here to help!

Not every DJ company is the same. Actually most are very different and what you get for your money will vary greatly, so be sure to ask lots of questions about what is included with the service. If you have a wedding planner, ideally, he/she will also serve as the day-of coordinator, but this is not always the case. Some planners will do all the planning and then charge an extra fee to also serve as the day-of coordinator. This is surprising, but true. So be sure to clarify with your coordinator if this is included. If it is not included, there are some options. 

Option 1: Your DJ can also serve as the day-of coordinator for your wedding ceremony and reception. You'll need to work with your DJ and write every detail down, so he/she can be sure to follow your planning. Luckily, we have a very detailed wedding timeline document (and Quinceanera timeline document) that makes this planning process much easier. You'll need to identify every key moment of the night (ceremony start time, bridal procession time, cocktail hour, dinner, first dance, etc). You'll need to be specific about what time each event will occur and what songs should be played, too. Read our blog post on examples of popular songs for weddings, if you're having trouble getting started.
Once you have all the details written out, send a copy to your DJ (if he/she is willing to do this) and they should be able to coordinate everything according to your wishes. Oh, and be sure to ask if this is something your DJ will do. Not all DJ companies will do this. Many will charge extra, to do this, too. We include this service, free! 

Option 2: Additionally, if you don't feel comfortable leaving the wedding details and coordination with your DJ, ask a member of your wedding party, or one of the parents. Most often, the maid of honor will have this duty. Give her your document and she'll need to check in with the vendors and DJ, as often as needed, to be sure everything is flowing smoothly. Be sure to send a copy to the DJ, too, just in case she gets busy and loses track of time. Make enough copies of your timeline to give to the vendors that may need it. Don't forget to have the designated coordinator introduce him/herself to all the vendors, as soon as they arrive, just so they know who to check-in with. 

Option 3: The last option, is to go ahead and hire a day-of coordinator. Know that this can get expensive, though. The cost can be anywhere from $500 - $1500, for their services. If you have the money in your budget, then you should certainly consider this. If not, then try the above-mentioned options. 

No matter which option you choose, be sure to have your wedding timeline thoroughly planned out and written. Every hour should be planned! It's better to over-plan, then to under-plan. Lastly, as always, if you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to help! 

- ABDJs