Wedding Tips: Working with a Day-of Coordinator

"Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down. Never gonna run around and desert you!"

If you don't know that hit by Rick Astley, then I'm seriously dating myself (don't judge me!). He talks about all the things he's going to for a girl during his relationship with her. It's a pretty impressive list. But can he match all the promises a day-of coordinator offers?

We’re all familiar with Wedding Planners and the full-planning services that they provide, but what happens when a couple enjoys the planning process and wants to do it themselves? What happens when that same couple wants to hand off the stress to someone else on their big day, in hopes of being fully present and not having to worry about the day-of details?

A Day-of Wedding Coordinator happens.

I work with a TON of wedding vendors throughout the year, and I've hand-selected the vendors I feature on my Preferred Vendor list. None of the vendors on that list pay me to be featured because I think that referrals and recommendations should be natural and organic and based on the quality of the work a professional does. In fact, I've reached out to 90% of the vendors on that list to see if I could feature them because I believe in them and the experience they provide our mutual clients.

Nicole of She Be But Little day-of coordination is one of those esteemed professionals featured on my list. I think her services are so important because it allows a couple to hand off the to-do list and energy-draining tasks to an expert on the big day, which means that couple will have the most relaxed, blissful experience possible. I love the events where I know Nicole is going to be a part of the all-star vendor team because she allows me to focus on just the photography aspects of my day, and she handles all of the coordination and set-up. If a coordinator isn't present, sometimes those last-minute tasks like setting up the reception venue or making sure everyone is in the right place at the right time can fall to the bride, the mother-of-the-bride, a bridesmaid, or even the photographer! A coordinator ensures that all couples and wedding party members get to completely enjoy their day, and the other vendors only have to focus on their services. The services offered by a day-of coordinator varies from one company to the next; however, I asked Nicole to outline what you can expect from She Be But Little. Below, I've included snippets of our conversation:

A Recommended & Preferred Vendors List

"Navigating the wedding planning process can be so difficult, especially if you aren’t familiar with local wedding vendors. There are overwhelming amounts of florists, DJs, and other wedding vendors out there, and we’re here to help you narrow them down. We have the inside scoop on which vendors will align with your style, exceed your expectations, and land within your budget." If you take a look at Nicole's vendor list, you'll see KLEM Studios listed on there as well–nice choice, my friend ;)

Invaluable advice, recommendations, and assistance.

"Here at She Be But Little, we are SO eager to share loads of wedding-related knowledge with you. We can guide you to the best vendors in the area that meet both your quality and cost expectations, help you with small planning tasks as needed, and give you suggestions based on experience."

Creation of a wedding day timeline.

"Every wedding needs an agenda that breaks the day down to the minute, and we know how to construct such agenda to incorporate even the tiniest of details. This is one tedious task that you’ll be glad to delegate to a professional!" I create a photography timeline for your wedding day to ensure that we all know when the important events are happening, and who needs to be where, when. Nicole and I compare the timelines we have drafted and work it out together to make sure that all of your needs are met without you having to lift a finger.

Coordination of your rehearsal.

"Rehearsals can be mass chaos, especially if you have a large bridal party; let us at She Be But Little lead you and your people through a few “practice rounds” of the ceremony until everyone is comfortable, knowledgeable, and ready for the real deal. Our day-of wedding coordination package includes rehearsal coordination up to 1.5 hours, which allows us plenty of time to perfect your ceremony!"

Coordination of your wedding day!

"Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing – you shouldn’t spend your big day worrying if your wedding cake arrived on time, if the table numbers are placed correctly, or if the ring bearer is lined up on time for the processional. Let’s be real, it might be easy to pass these responsibilities on to your parents or family members, but they shouldn’t have to worry about these things either.

Having SBBLittle as your day-of wedding coordinator allows you, your family, and your friends to be fully present on your wedding day. You all can spend your time drinking champagne, laughing, and hugging loved ones you haven’t seen in years – we will worry about the details of the day and night.

Other tasks we will take care of on your wedding day (this list is not all-inclusive):

  • Coordinating set-up

    • Communication with all vendors to ensure a smooth and seamless set-up of your ceremony and reception venue

  • Placing personal items/décor

    • Set-up of your card box, bathroom baskets, programs, place cards, unity candle, and other small items

  • Guiding the day’s activities

  • Providing a day-of emergency kit

    • An on-site bag full of goodies! Band-aids, hairspray, q-tips, floss, sewing kit, stain remover, etc. We’ve got you covered!

  • Ensuring everyone is in the right place at the right time

    • Lining up the bridal party for the processional

    • Coordinating introductions with you, your bridal party, and your DJ

  • Day-of contact person

    • We will be the point person for all of your vendors, so you won’t be bothered with phone calls and questions while you’re trying to enjoy the morning’s activities."

I thought it was so important to share Nicole's name with you because when we first started talking about your wedding experience, I told you that my main concern is making sure that you have the absolute best wedding experience possible. I know that a day-of coordinator helps make this possible, and Nicole is the crème de la crème. Not only does she provide an amazing experience, but she knows all about what it means to be deeply in love with someone and wanting to have a wedding day that reflects that. She's married to her third-grade sweetheart and the love of her life.

If Nicole sounds like someone you'd like to have on your team on your wedding day, you can contact her either via phone (920-585-5038) or email (nicole@sbblittle.com). Or, you can visit her beautiful website here. If you have any questions about the services she offers, I would be happy to chat with you further. Your wedding day deserves to be the most relaxed and blissful adventure you two have taken so far. I'm here to help ensure that happens.

At your service,

Kate