Venue Coordinator versus Day-of Coordinator

Since we started requiring a day-of coordinator for all of our weddings, we’ve gotten a lot of questions about the difference between a venue coordinator and a day-of coordinator.

Venue Coordinator

A venue coordinator’s first priority is the venue. His or her first job is to make sure everything is ready for your arrival: tables & chairs set, getting ready rooms stocked, lights on, bathrooms stocked, parking signs out, etc. The venue coordinator is on-call, but not always onsite. Generally, a venue coordinator does not get involved with executing the timeline, getting your bridal party ready to start the ceremony, and so on.

Here at the Mill, we cannot guarantee that your venue contact on your wedding day will be Shalese or Robert or even someone you’ve met before. It could be anyone that WE trust to serve the venue & make sure that everything about our space is ready to serve you.

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Day-of Coordinator

The title “day-of” coordinator is a BIT misleading! A day-of coordinator is more like a month-of coordinator. This person will help you create a detailed timeline for the big day and share that timeline with your other vendors. He or she will work with your other vendors to make sure the schedule for the day suits their needs as well as your own. You might meet with your “day-of” coordinator a few times before your wedding day to discuss details and make sure everyone is on the same page.

On your wedding day, your day-of coordinator is an extension of yourself. He or she is there to execute your vision and make sure the day runs as smoothly as possible. Here are some of the duties that your coordinator will perform before and during the wedding:

  • Coordinating rehearsal

  • Placing event decor (centerpieces, escort cards, signs, etc.)

  • Providing full day wedding day itinerary & timeline

  • Coordinating with other vendors (florist, caterer, lighting, photographer, etc.)

  • Gathering family for special photos, dances, toasts, etc.

  • Introducing wedding party, call tables, make announcements (as needed)

  • Distributing final vendor payments & tips

  • Getting gifts into the right car

  • Packing up event decor

  • 1 -2 in person meetings 1 - 2 months prior to wedding date to finalize details 

We truly believe that having a coordinator is KEY to having a stress-free, smooth, enjoyable wedding day! It’s also so important to have a PLAN so that your guests FEEL the organization and always know that everything is under control.

At Madison at the Mill, we do offer an in-house coordinator (Shalese) for an additional fee. You can find more information about our in-house coordination with Shalese HERE.

You’re also welcome to hire ANY experienced wedding planner/coordinator to be a part of your day! We list some great options here. Happy planning!

Wedding Tips, Weddings at the MillShalese HigginbothamComment