Wedding Blog
Oops, wrong “Doc”:
Early on in our planning, I knew that I wanted to hire a day-of-coordinator (DOC). I didn’t want a full blown wedding planner (I wanted us to have control of a majority of the “design” of our wedding), but someone to help run the show on our big day was a necessity.
I began the search for our “DOC” last November, and only met with two possible candidates before I made a decision. The first company I met with was really disappointing. I won’t call them out, but the woman who met with me seemed very disorganized (not a good quality for a planner!?!) and didn’t have anything prepared (except for a pricing list) to show me. In addition, they were a bit out of my price range… so her lacking first impression turned out to be a blessing—it was easier for me to cross them off our list. 
I continued to search via Google for wedding planners in the area, when I came across Pam with Celebrations Wedding & Events Planning. We met over coffee and we clicked instantly. She brought tons of information explaining her services and came prepared with pictures of past events she’s planned. I would have hired her on the spot, but I wanted to discuss it with Mr. Beagle first. Needless to say, I emailed her the next day, if not later that evening, to tell her we wanted to hire her.
This is by far the best decision we’ve made yet. She has helped us set planning deadlines, establish a day-of timeline, accompanied me to various rental appointments, has thought of all the tiny details I never would have considered, and has helped with coordination between all the vendors. It is so much easier to focus on my own wedding projects when the organization of our event is squared away. I think I would be lost and frazzled without her help, and I can’t thank her enough! I have no doubt that she will enable our day to run smoothly.
Are you hiring a wedding planner or coordinator? What’s the best wedding decision (besides saying “yes” 
) that you’ve made?
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Share this post: Our DOC
a coordinator comes with our venue and she is awesome. I literally just go with whatever she says and it is saving me tons of stress, especially since it’s a semi-destination wedding.
the best decision we’ve made is to get a full wedding planner. we are still in control of every design element, but we cannot begin to describe the hours of work and the stress she has saved us.
I wish we could find one that was in our budget! (and area) The location is more challenging than the budget aspect since travel fees add up fast!!
my DOC is a fellow bee — we’re swamping services and I couldn’t be happier
Without question, the DOC was our best wedding decision.
Posts like this have inspired us to hire a DOC - we are meeting with one next week to see if we click! It’s great to hear about what sort of things she’s helping with so I have talking points
I only met with one coordinator. I clicked with her instantly and she got the idea of our wedding, more of a party than a strictly formal affair. She has worked with our caterer and knows and loves their catering manager, so I know they’ll work together to make my wedding a wonderful event!
our planner is my lifesaver! I loved her the moment I met her, and even more as soon as soon as she started dealing with the “coordinator” that came with our venue, who was, let’s just say less then pleasant. I HIGHLY recommend spending the money if you can find it in your budget. We originally were just looking for day of because we didn’t think we could afford a full planner, but I was surprised to find that our particular planner offered what she calls partial coordination, we mapped out a few details she would also handle, like talking to the venue, as well as a few other vendor appointments, and it was not much more then her day of services!
My DOC has already been such a life saver and we aren’t even at the day of the wedding yet.
We are definitely hiring a DOC. There is no way I want to coordinate any of the day-of stuff alone. I know Mom won’t either. The few I have met with have been great, but I have one that is great….so I think we may end up booking her!
Mrs. Emerald made my wedding month so much easier!! I was so glad to have help!
I just want to be the voice of dissent to make all those brides not getting a planner OR a DOC feel better. I was occasionally anxious about our decision to not have either…and our wedding went perfectly! It would have been a huge waste for us. Of course every wedding is different, but I do want to let those bees who have decided not to get one, for financial reasons or otherwise, know that it is possible to have a great wedding without one.
I want a DOC so bad, but with the budget we’re on at this point its not possible, but then again our budget is weird, it keeps shape shifting, whats up with that?
After reading Miss Joey’s posts on Craigslist, I found my DOC there…for free!!! Its a best friend team and they are just starting out, so their doing ours complimentary in exchange for pics and a testimonial. Best money I never spent!
SAD! With a good planner you ALWAYS have full control. The planner is just your advocate with your vendors to get you the best possible deal and to be your sounding board when things aren’t going well and to give you advice when you need it.
That said, most catering managers won’t get to know all your vendors ahead of time and won’t help return all your items (your grandmother’s toasting flutes, all your presents, etc) to you after the event.
Even if you think you can’t afford one, often a planner (hired early on) can save you more money than they cost. Even later in the game, many planners will work with you on the cost if it is 60 days out and they are still available. Remember, this is a buyer’s market so don’t be afraid to haggle!!!!
Of course, I’m somewhat biased. Full Disclosure: I’m an event planner for a living (but I happen to be a bride as well).
@MrsSl82be: Could you provide me with the information about your coordinating team? My sister’s getting married next year, and coordinators would be a big stretch for her; having someone do it for free would be a life saver!
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Mrs. Beagle, Austin
Age and Occupation: 26, Electrical Engineer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Finance
Engagement Date: July 12, 2008
Wedding Date: October 2009
Venue: Church Ceremony/Reception at The Waterford House
About Me: I am a true, but rare, Austinite---I was born, raised, and continue to live in this great city! Although
I am an engineer by day, I feed my inner creative side through crafting, sewing, and obsessing over Martha Stewart. I love coffee, my mister, NPR, and exploring all the nooks and crannies of Austin.
I can't wait to share my adventures in DIY and wedding planning with all of you!
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