How to Have a Relaxing 12-Hour Day by Hiring This ONE Key Person
Congratulations on your engagement!
This is an exciting time full of love and anticipation for the future, but it can also be overwhelming. Planning a wedding, managing work, and maintaining your relationship can feel like a juggling act. One way to alleviate that stress and ensure you have a delightful day together is to hire a professional who can facilitate a seamless experience. This blog post will explore how hiring a day-of coordinator can transform your 12-hour wedding day into a stress-free, enjoyable adventure.
And WHO this is NOT, anyone that doesn't support YOUR ideas and visions
so, nix out about 99% of anyone that you know and hire someone that knows HOW to put on events.
because here is the reality, the entire 12 hours at Hillside Farms, will go by in a blur unless YOU have a really detailed timeline of what is happening next. Think of your wedding as a film- a director, the screenwriters, the producers and all the actors that have a ROLE in the movie.
and guess what Love, YOU two are taking the leading front roles-
so, if you're an introvert, well- welcome to the spotlight! 😳
now, let's get to the breakdown: The Importance of a Day-of Coordinator
As you enter the whirlwind of wedding planning, you'll quickly learn about the myriad decisions, timelines, and logistical arrangements required to make your dream day a reality. While some couples are tempted to take on the entire planning process themselves, the thought of managing all the little details on the actual wedding day can lead to overwhelming stress.
A day-of coordinator is your key to tranquility. Their role is to ensure that everything runs smoothly, allowing you to be fully present with each other and your loved ones.
## What Does a Day-of Coordinator Do?
Before diving into how to create that relaxing 12-hour day, let's clarify what a day-of coordinator typically handles:
1. **Timeline Creation**: A coordinator will work with you in advance to create a detailed timeline that outlines the schedule for the day. This timeline includes everything from hair and makeup appointments to the ceremony start time and the dinner service.
2. **Vendor Coordination**: A good coordinator acts as the liaison between you and all your vendors. They ensure everyone is on the same page and that the timings are adhered to throughout the day.
3. **Setup and Breakdown**: While you’re getting ready, your coordinator is on-site to oversee the setup of your venue, ensuring everything is in place and according to your vision. Post-reception, they also manage the breakdown process, relieving you of the burden.
4. **Problem Solving**: Should any issues arise (and they often do), your coordinator is trained to handle them swiftly and professionally. Whether it’s a late vendor, unexpected weather, or a forgotten item, they tackle problems so you don’t have to.
5. **Guest Management**: Your coordinator manages guests as they arrive, directs them to appropriate locations, and ensures that everyone knows where they need to be at what time.
6. **Your Support**: Perhaps most importantly, a day-of coordinator is there to support you emotionally. They can help you stay on schedule, remind you to eat and hydrate, and provide a calming presence when the day feels chaotic.
## How to Structure a Relaxing 12-Hour Day
Now that you understand what a day-of coordinator does, let’s talk about how you can structure your wedding day with their assistance. Here’s a potential timeline and tips for creating a relaxing experience:
### Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
- **7:00 AM**: Start your day with a nourishing breakfast together, or spend a few moments in blissful quiet if you prefer. It’s vital to eat a good meal to fuel you for the excitement ahead.
- **8:00 AM**: Hair and makeup begin. Your coordinator will ensure that everyone allocated for hair and makeup arrives on time and everything flows smoothly.
- **10:00 AM**: While you’re getting ready, your coordinator should be at Hillside Farms to meet with vendors, setting up the space according to your visions, and managing logistics.
- **11:00 AM**: First Look (if you choose to have one). This is an intimate moment where you may want some privacy. Your coordinator can help set the scene and ensure that your photographer captures this moment beautifully.
- **11:30 AM**: Bridal Party Photos. Your coordinator can help gather your party and manage the photography schedule to keep everything on track.
### Early Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM)
- **12:00 PM**: Lunch break. Take a moment to enjoy lunch with your bridal party or close family. Your coordinator can arrange for catered lunch so you don’t have to think about food!
- **1:00 PM**: Final Touches. Make sure everyone is dressed and ready while your coordinator double-checks the venue setup and manages any last-minute details.
- **2:00 PM**: Guests Begin to Arrive. Your coordinator will be on hand to greet guests as they arrive, directing them to the ceremony area.
### The Ceremony (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
- **3:00 PM**: Ceremony begins! Everything is set, and you can focus on your vows without worrying about the logistics.
### Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
- **4:00 PM**: Cocktail Hour. Enjoy this quiet time, wander the lavender for a moment of quiet, your coordinator will handle guest needs and vendor support.
- **5:00 PM**: Dinner Service Begins. You’ll want to make sure you carve out time to eat. Your coordinator can remind you to grab food and hydrate!
### Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
- **6:00 PM**: Time for speeches, dancing, and celebrating! This is your moment to enjoy with your loved ones. Your coordinator ensures everything flows well, so you’ll never have to worry about what’s coming next.
Enjoy every moment knowing your coordinator is overseeing the details.
- **9:00 PM**: As the night winds down, your coordinator can assist with the nighttime events, whether it’s arranging for sparklers for a send-off or managing vendor payments and tips.
### Late Evening (9:30 PM - final departure)
- **9:30 PM**: Time to wind down. Your coordinator can help gather personal items, manage transportation for guests, and ensure an easy exit.
## Why Hiring a Day-of Coordinator is Worth It
While hiring a day-of coordinator may seem like an additional expense, consider it an investment in your peace of mind. Here’s why:
- **Peace of Mind**: Knowing a professional is in charge means you can enjoy your day without worrying about the little details.
- **More Time Together**: With a coordinator managing logistics, you can focus on one another, creating memories rather than stress.
- **Enhanced Guest Experience**: A well-organized event makes for an enjoyable experience for your guests, leading to more positive memories of your special day.
- **Emotional Support**: Navigating the intricate emotions of the day is easier when you have someone there to guide you and help you stay calm.
## Final Thoughts
Your wedding day is a celebration of your love and commitment to one another.
With proper planning and the help of a day-of coordinator, you can ensure that it is a day filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories, rather than stress and chaos. By prioritizing your experience and hiring the right person to manage your day, you’ll create the relaxing and magical wedding celebration you deserve.
As you embark on this beautiful journey of planning together, remember that the essence of your wedding is the love that you share. Focus on each other, relish the journey, and don’t stress about the details—because there’s a professional for that!
Here’s to a beautiful wedding day and a joyful start to your next chapter, together!