Why Day-Of Coordination Is A Myth and What To Offer Instead

Okay planners, let's talk about "Day-Of" coordination and why it doesn't really exist.

If you’re already following me on Instagram, chances are you caught my reel. Watch that right here.

Chances are that you might have already handled a few wedding days with this pesky package and realized it can be a big source of frustration.

Let's be honest, it's a unicorn.

“Day-Of Coordination” just doesn’t make sense!

The name implies that we as wedding planners can swoop in on wedding day, wave our magic wand, and everything is going to unfold perfectly, from set up to reception.⁠

The reality is, we know weddings take months —or years— to plan.

As a wedding coordinator we need at least a few weeks to get on board, get acquainted with all of details and the vendor team. Plus we need plenty of time in advance to build a wedding day itinerary for how we hope things will run smoothly.

There's lots that can go wrong, particularly if we weren't helping out earlier. The less help a couple has from a professional during their wedding planning process, the more fires there are to put out and problems to solve in the home stretch.

The other issue that often comes up is when you already offer “Month-Of” and a couple clearly states they want “Day-Of” instead. This is usually an indicator that they’re looking for a better fit for their budget.

If you’re finding that you’re getting ghosted by new inquiries, there could be a few reasons. Want to avoid it? Try having a more affordable option for help can help avoid that. I’ll tell you all about it below!

So here's what to offer as an affordable option for clients who ask for wedding day-of coordination: ⁠

On-Site Styling

From experience, I’ve found that when couples ask for “day-of coordination” what they’re most worried about is actually set up of their wedding decor.

On-site Styling is a smaller time commitment for planners, and therefore, a more affordable way to offer wedding day help to more couples with a smaller budget.

You might also hear this service referred to simply as “Wedding Day Set Up”.

When I offered this service —as On-Site Styling— I structured it very simply: just three consecutive hours on wedding day, and one meeting (plus emails) ahead of the wedding to get caught up on the details of what I’m setting up, and where.

As wedding day stylist, you’re at the wedding venue for just a few hours to set out light details; like place cards, table numbers, and beautify the welcome table, and so on. This might even include setting up DIY items or rental decor. Of course you can, and should, quote more for a heavier installations that might require more time or helpers, or adding teardown.

Always quote based on the scope of work.

Always.

Your couple gets to enjoy their day, getting ready with the wedding party and taking their time for ceremony and pictures. No more rushing through it themselves the night before, when they should be resting up, or celebrating at their rehearsal dinner or welcome reception. No need to rely on a friend or family member to pop in and set everything up, while they’re also trying to get ready and look their best. No worrying about a venue “coordinator” who’s busy with a million other tasks rushing through it, or a 17 year old busboy who doesn’t really care how it all looks.

Your couple can arrive for their big day, knowing that everything will look perfect. Everything is photo ready, because a wedding pro with a great eye set it up with patience and care, just for them.

⁠Instead of all that time invested in preparing an itinerary as well as coordinating on the wedding day, this smaller time commitment allows you a lower price point to attract more couples. Plus, you can fill a few more dates on the calendar without tying up your entire day or weekend. Wouldn’t it be nice to be on your way home in the afternoon to enjoy the rest of your day and evening. No wedding hangover with this package either!

Understanding what clients inquiring are really looking for help with is so important to offer them the right package and make the best use of your time in consultations. A question as simple as “What are you most worried about on wedding day?” will pinpoint those looking for coordination, or just needing help with set up. Great conversion copy on your website will also help couples figure out which of your packages is the best fit for their wedding pain points as well.

Looking for more help structuring your wedding planning packages?

Learn more about my Pick My Brain sessions right here.