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Why Day-of Coordination Doesn’t Really Exist

Why Day-of Coordination Doesn’t Really Exist  

Lately, we have been getting lots of inquiries asking for just “Day-of” services.  Day-of Coordination doesn’t really exist.  Month-of Coordination is the service that is required.

Many couples believe that they can plan their own wedding and simply have a coordinator show up on the day of the wedding and jump in.  Then came the newer planners, who decided to offer this service at a lower price to build a portfolio.  Long ago, we admit we did the same thing, but not for long as we realized that this simply doesn’t work. Keep reading and I will explain.

Experienced Wedding Planner

Experienced Wedding Planners have been in business for years and are professionals at identifying every potential issue that can arise at your wedding. They are able to manage all vendors prior to and on your wedding day.  They are also very resourceful, problem solvers, and calm under stressful situations. They built relationships with many of the vendors in town, along with venues.  Most importantly, they are licensed and insured.

Inexperienced Wedding Planner

They are most likely starting up their business and may only have a few weddings under their belt.  Knowledge of contracts and timelines is lacking along with insurance and being licensed.

In order for a Wedding Planner to be successful at your event, the following should be considered:

  1. Your Planner needs to know who all of your vendors are and have read the contracts. They also need to understand each of their duties, what exactly they were contracted for, setup times and start times.  I can’t tell you how many things we catch just by reading the contracts.
  2. The Planner should know all of the aspects of the venue. This is a MUST!  It is mandatory that the planner have a walk through with the venue manager prior to the wedding to finalize the floor plan, load in and out location, electrical outlets, extra equipment, etc.
  3. Planners also are in charge of drafting a timeline for your wedding day. This is distributed to all of your vendors to follow, but may also need to be adjusted in real time if problems arise.
  4. What about rehearsal? Your Wedding Planner will direct your rehearsal.  Do not expect the venue manager to do this unless they are specifically contracted to do so. 
  5. And then there are your wedding decorations. The favors, welcome table, cake serving set, escort cards, etc.  Your Wedding Planner will obtain these items from you ahead of time so that they can review and inform you if there is anything missing.

Costs of a Wedding Coordinator

So the most popular question asked is, why does it cost so much? Let me break it down.

Contracting Vendors and Obtaining Contracts

3 Hours

Review of Contracts

3-4 Hours

Venue Walk Through

2 Hours

Timeline Creation

3-4 Hours

Rehearsal

1 Hour (usually everyone is late so 2 hours realistically)

Floor Plan Creation

1-2 Hours

Other Pre Planning

1-2 Hours

Wedding Day

10-12 Hours

Total Hours

24-31 Hours

Note that this doesn’t include business expenses such as assistants, insurance, licenses, and other overhead costs. So next time you ask a Wedding Planner to drop their pricing, you are asking them to work for an average of $4 an hour. Providing Month-of Services allows us to provide the correct level of service and professionalism that allows you to have the best day of your life.

 

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Charleston’s Beautiful Wedding Locations without Breaking the Bank

The most common question asked is, “Where can I have my wedding ceremony?” There are literally hundreds of Charleston wedding locations within the area, but listed below are some that will not break the bank.  Whether it is a beach wedding or a Charleston park wedding, we have wedding packages to fit your needs.

Beach Wedding Locations:

Combine both the Historic Charm of Charleston and its gorgeous coast lines and there you have it, elegant beauty. The two beaches that we recommend include Isle of Palms and Folly Beach.
Beach Information: Alcohol is not permitted on all beaches, free and paid parking is available
Recommended Packages: Romantic Elopement, Intimate, or Beach Package

Charleston Wedding Locations:

White Point Gardens/AKA Battery Park:

Located on the waterfront with Live Oaks, gorgeous Charleston Mansions and panoramic views.
Park Information: no restrooms, free street parking, 1 hour permit fees for the gazebo, gazebo guest count around 25
Recommended Packages: Romantic Elopement, Intimate, or Charleston

Waterfront Park:

Gorgeous views of Charleston Harbor, Gardens, and Fountains, including the iconic Pineapple Fountain.
Park Information: restrooms nearby, 2 parking garages nearby, No chairs or decorations allowed
Recommended Packages: Romantic Elopement, Intimate, or Charleston

Washington Square:

Lots of charm with brick paths and surrounded by buildings, also offers gorgeous oak trees to hide from the sun.
Park Information: no restrooms (1 block away), metered street parking and/or a parking garage
Recommended Packages: Romantic Elopement, Intimate, or Charleston, Charming

Hampton Park:

This local park boasts gorgeous floral displays, a gazebo, fountains, as well as large live oaks. Think of this as the Central Park of Charleston.
Park Information: restrooms on-site, free parking
Recommended Packages: Romantic Elopement, Intimate, or Charleston, Charming

Angel Oak Tree:

This park hosts the largest southern live oak tree east of the Mississippi.
Park Information: 25 Guest Maximum. No Decorations or Chairs, Free Parking, Restrooms on-site
Recommended Packages: Romantic Elopement or Intimate

 

Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park and Pier:

This park is situated right next to the Ravenel Bridge on the Cooper River and is home to fountains, green space, and a pier.
Park Information: 15 Guest Maximum. No Decorations or Chairs, Free Parking, Restrooms On-site
Recommended Packages: Romantic Elopement or Intimate

 

Sunrise Park/AKA Melton Peter Demetre Park:

Situated on water with a little beach, this park has gorgeous views of the Ravenel Bridge and downtown.
Park Information: 25 Guest Maximum. No Decorations or Chairs, Free Parking, Restrooms On-site
Recommended Packages: Romantic Elopement or Intimate

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