What Does a Wedding Coordinator Actually Do? Complete Guide
You’re getting married! Where’s the champagne?! 🥂 You’re embarking on one of the most incredible journeys in life and are also getting close to having the most memorable day you’ve imagined. If there’s one thing we want for you, it’s for you and your loved ones to be 100% present on your wedding day. A month-of wedding coordinator will help you do just that. We're wedding coordinators in Bismarck, ND, and we believe in helping couples make informed decisions. This guide will help you figure out if coordination services are the right investment for your big day, regardless of who you choose to work with.
You might be thinking, "I just need someone to show up on the wedding day, that's it." But here's what many brides don't realize: true "day-of coordination" doesn't actually exist. By the time your wedding morning arrives, dozens of details should already be finalized, vendors confirmed, and logistics ironed out. If someone were to step in only on the day of… they'd be set up to fail — and so would you.
That's why we don't offer "day-of coordination." Instead, we provide something far more effective: Month-of Coordination. Think of it as day-of coordination, done the right way.
Because without a wedding planner or coordinator - you become the wedding planner.
In your wedding dress.
We don’t want that for you, friend.
What Does a Wedding Coordinator Actually Do?
A month-of wedding coordinator is your sigh of relief after planning the majority of your wedding. They will be your main point of contact when you're out of ideas, running out of steam, need advice, or just someone to talk to about your wedding. Let's be real: as excited as your family and friends may be for your wedding, they might want a breather from the constant wedding jabber. #GiveUsABreak
A month-of coordinator will tie up your loose ends and make sure your details are all squared away. It's important to have this objective opinion to pull your day together in order to triple check that all logistics are executed correctly.
What a Wedding Coordinator Handles Before Your Wedding Day
From the moment you book, you'll receive a custom wedding planning suite and timeline to keep your wedding journey seamless, even before we officially step in.
Then, two months before your wedding, we take the reins to:
Wedding Coordinator Responsibilities on Your Wedding Day
Oh, the wedding day. 😍 The day that has more work put into it than you have ever imagined and will go faster than you can believe. It's time to let go of the reins and let your month-of coordinator take your stress away.
Your month-of coordinator will ensure:
Your photos run smoothly and stay on time (even if Aunt Betsy gets lost)
Your flowers are delivered and set up correctly
Your ceremony songs are on cue
The bridal party is directed to their locations
The toasts are coordinated
Vendors are tipped
Gifts are safely stowed away in cars
... you get the idea
Confirm every vendor and finalize all details — We'll even ask questions you may not have considered
Create and manage your wedding day timeline so everyone knows where to be and when
Run your rehearsal so the wedding party and family feel confident
Troubleshoot potential gaps before they turn into problems on your big day
Coordinate all logistics from setup to breakdown
Serve as your single point of contact — Instead of sifting through millions of emails from different vendors, your coordinator will be your ONLY point of contact
This way, when your big day arrives, you get everything you imagined when you searched for help with wedding coordination — peace of mind, smooth logistics, and the freedom to be fully present — without leaving anything to chance.
If there's ever a question or a hiccup, your month-of coordinator will ensure it gets resolved without you even knowing. After all, we want you to celebrate your new marriage—not be stressed out trying to give Aunt Betsy directions.
How Does Wedding Coordination Work? The Complete Process
At the first meeting, you will share your vision and show off all of the hard work you've done to plan your wedding leading up to this point.
Take our word for it: the last month before your wedding is CRAZY. Vendors are coming at you from all angles - wanting your timeline, music selections, guest count, and sanity. The last month before you get married should be spent reminiscing with friends and celebrating this upcoming transition in your life! NOT feeling like you're constantly forgetting something.
Instead of managing dozens of vendor emails, your month-of coordinator will be your ONLY point of contact. She will do the dirty work for you and come back with one organized spreadsheet with all the details you will need. And you won't have to worry about missing a thing. Now doesn't that thought just give you peace?
In the weeks leading up to your wedding, your month-of coordinator will give you expert advice on the logistics, delegate roles for everyone involved, ensure all vendors are confirmed, finalize your itinerary, and more.
Do You Really Need a Wedding Coordinator?
Wait a minute. I'm basically Monica Geller. I can do this myself.
Well, if you're anything like Monica, we know your wedding day is a day you've been planning for years in your mind. This is the day you've been dreaming of since you were chasing boys around the playground in 1st grade. It's time for you to sit back, soak every moment up, and let your coordinator do the work.
We also know that if you're like Monica, you've probably developed a list of duties to give to everyone involved in the wedding. We encourage you to remember that your parents, family, and friends are your guests too and deserve to enjoy the day! A month-of wedding coordinator wants to take the stress off everyone's shoulders - not just the bride and groom's. This way, family members aren't stuck with random duties and can just enjoy the day.
Want to see if we’re a good fit for your wedding?
Venue Coordinator vs. Personal Wedding Coordinator: What's the Difference?
But my venue and/or church already has a coordinator. What's the point?
We love when venues provide coordinators for our brides! We find it so beneficial as they add extra guidance in their area of expertise. However, they usually only focus on the venue, rather than your vision for the entire day. Venue coordinators work for the venue, whereas month-of coordinators work for you. Your month-of coordinator gets to know you and learns everything you're envisioning for your wedding day.
If you're still hesitant, we get it! We recommend, at the very least, to make sure you know what your venue coordinator is actually able to do for you based on your vision before sealing the deal.
When should I hire a wedding coordinator?
Ideally, book your coordinator 6-12 months before your wedding, even though their active work begins 2 months out. Popular coordinators book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season.
What does a wedding coordinator do the week before the wedding?
They confirm final guest counts with your venue and caterer, create detailed timelines for all vendors, conduct your rehearsal, prepare tip envelopes, coordinate setup logistics, and handle any last-minute vendor questions.
Is month-of coordination the same as day-of coordination?
No. True "day-of coordination" doesn't exist—by the wedding day, all details should already be finalized. Month-of coordination begins 1-2 months before your wedding to handle vendor confirmations, timeline creation, rehearsal coordination, and day-of execution.
Wedding Coordinator FAQ
What's the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator?
A wedding planner helps you from the beginning—choosing vendors, designing your vision, and managing the entire planning process. A wedding coordinator steps in 1-2 months before your wedding to finalize details, create timelines, and ensure everything runs smoothly on the day itself.
How much does a wedding coordinator cost?
Month-of wedding coordination typically ranges from $1,500-$3,500 depending on your location, wedding size, and services included. This investment ensures professional oversight of all your planning efforts. Our service is priced at $2,500, and you can read more here.
The Bottom Line: Invest in Peace of Mind
We hope we've been able to shed some light on what a month-of coordinator can do for you. We know how much time and thought you're putting into your perfect day, and you deserve to live it out completely when it finally arrives. We encourage you to remember that hiring a month-of coordinator is deciding to invest in having peace of mind on the most wonderful day of your life.
Now, cheers to you and your future marriage!
Ready to enjoy your wedding day stress-free? Our month-of coordination services ensure every detail is handled professionally, so you can focus on celebrating. Book your free consultation to discuss how we'll make your wedding day seamless.
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