Here at Mid-South Bride we are a fan of both DIY weddings and weddings where you utilize professionals to make the day less stressful. We’ve shared before how to choose a wedding planner and today our awesome intern Sara shares the details on day-of wedding planners: what they are, what they do, what they cost, and why you should hire one!

Southern Sparkle Weddings, a Mid-South Bride listed wedding planner at work during a wedding! Photo: Starla Photography

What do day-of wedding planners cost?

Deciding on a day-of planner as opposed to a full service planner can depend on your budget in addition to any last minute assistance needed. The cost of a full service planner can vary from $5,000-$10,000. If a full service planner is not a part of your budget, the consideration of a day-of planner is highly recommended. The price of a day-of planner can range from $600-$2600 depending on your location.

Additional aspects that can affect the cost are the specific duties the coordinator is needed for from planning a timeline for the wedding party to packing up gifts at the end of the night. The budget for a day-of planner will be worth the expense in order to relieve you from stress and ensure the day is effortless for you.

 

What do day-of wedding planners do?

While the commonly used term is “day-of”, planners that are hired for the day of the ceremony usually work the month leading up to the wedding. Their duties vary depending on each wedding. Day-of planners coordinate the logistics of your wedding and take the pressure off of your family and maid of honor in order to make your day flawless. Their duties range from coordinating with vendors all day and assisting with photo schedules to setting up the newlyweds exit from the reception and making sure the bridal suite has been romantically prepared.

As the big day approaches your day-of planner will be the new point of reference for your vendors. She will contact your vendors and get an idea of what to expect. Your planner will create an itinerary for the day, breaking down everyone’s tasks as well as times for everything. They may also do a walk through to ensure that they are planning according to your vision of the day.

On the day before, the planner will run the rehearsal and coordinate everything the day of until you leave the reception, allowing you to fully enjoy your special day. Day-of planners can be a lifesaver and should be a priority when you begin to budget; you will thank yourself on your wedding day.

What do brides think of day-of wedding planners?

Nicole McGlaughlin, a 2014 Memphis bride, praises the multiple benefits she experienced with the hiring a day-of planner.

“The wedding should be about focusing on your future spouse and not on if the color of the napkins are correct,” she said. “Having a planner eased my mind of those anxieties and allowed me to be present in the moment and not worry about the logistics.”

Photo:Sara Ann Green Photography, Planner: Betts Made, Via: Fabiana & Daniel’s Rustic Wedding at Mallard’s Croft

“If I had a last minute thought or idea pop up, I shot my planner a text and then mentally marked it off my ‘list.’ I highly recommend a planner – the peace of mind it brought was worth the time it took to find one I trusted was worth the time it took to find one I trusted and the cost of her expertise and attention to detail!”

Why You Should Consider Hiring A Day-Of Wedding Planner

Making room in your budget for a day-of planner is a key ingredient to the perfect wedding day, or at least to a stress-free one.

Don’t be fooled by the idea that hiring a day-of planer is unnecessary. By hiring a day-of planner you will be ensuring max enjoyment not only of you, but also of your family and friends. From making sure your vendors are paid to making sure your groom doesn’t lose his shirt, a day-of planner is worth the expense.