Tuesday, February 23, 2010

What does a DOC do anyway?

It's the age of the DIY Bride ~ and I think that rocks! I mean, how much more personal can you get? Not only will you look back at your awe-inspiring photos taken by your incredibly talented photog... but you can point and say "I made that!" Oh the gushing that will ensue after that...

Today's bride is savvy enough to realize that although her vendors are secured and her DIY projects are coming along nicely (complete with blog photos!)... she does not want to be the point-of-contact on her wedding day. Nor does she want her Mom, her Grandma, or her Aunt Helen who's flying in from Connecticut to take care of executing said wedding plans. It's a Catch 22 ~ you will only allow someone you trust to take the reigns on your day, yet it's *those* very people you want by your side the day you say "I Do".

This is where your DOC (Day-of Coordinator) steps in.

You wake up on your wedding day. You are calm, cool, and collected. Your carefully planned details are being executed by your DOC who, at this point, is also your friend. (Smile.) Your vendors are greeted and instructed where to go. Your reception is a smooth flow of fun...

Here is what my DOC package consists of:
  • Unlimited email & phone conversations to answer last-minute questions or just to be a calming presence for you.
  • Consultation 4 to 6 weeks before your wedding to review established wedding plans. (Every. Last. Detail.)
  • Walk-through of ceremony & reception sites so you can show me your vision. (This can be combined with the consultation to review wedding plans, if desired.)
  • Review vendor contracts… so I know what to expect ~ when they are to arrive, what services they are providing for your wedding, etc.
  • Final vendor confirmations.
  • Distribute final vendor payments (check/money order only) and gratuities.
  • Rehearsal Coordination & Direction – 2 hour.
  • Custom itinerary & time lines for your wedding day as well as the days preceding and/or following.
  • Time lines distributed to Bride, Groom, all vendors, and any bridal party/family members you choose.
  • Eight hours on-site Wedding Day Management ~ I will be the Point-Of-Contact for the day... for vendors as well as any bridal party/family members who have questions.
  • Serve as Personal Assistant to Bride & Groom.
  • Keep wedding party on task.(i.e. tracking down the rogue groomsman so he can get his bout. :)
  • Keep entire event as close to time line as possible.
  • Oversee ceremony & reception set-up.
  • Set up of details not handled by vendors ~ place all DIY projects for you, programs, favors, escort/place cards, menus, etc… as well as set up guest book table, gift table…
  • Choreograph ceremony ~ cue music and instruct wedding party.
  • Wedding Reception ~ coordinate all activities to ensure beautiful flow…
  • Wedding “Emergency Kit”. Double-sided tape anyone?
Another thing to remember, Ladies: if you wear stress on your wedding day, it will shine through in your photos just like your dress or those rockin' shoes...

Here is another take on hiring a DOC: Please Hire a Wedding Planner

Happy planning... and here's to a stress-free wedding day!

Best,
Bobbi

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