Why you need a wedding coordinator for your DIY Wedding
Here is why a DIY Wedding Coordinator should not be a family member, friend or other supplier..
What is a DIY wedding – a wedding where the couple are heavily invested in the planning and creative direction of their wedding. Every little detail is thought about and personalised whether this be handmade by them, specially sourced or handed down from a family member. The couples may make a lot of their own décor or have help with other aspects of the day from family and friends.
What is a wedding coordinator – a professional to take over the entire running of your wedding day, ensuring everything happens exactly as you’ve planned and giving you a wedding day where you can be fully present and trust that nothing is forgotten.
So, I bet your initial thoughts on a DIY wedding is that the couple do it all themselves, plan it all, perhaps make some of their open décor with a huge emphasis on family and friend involvement. If they are doing it all themselves, why do they need a wedding planner or coordinator:
Who is going to make sure everything is ready on the day itself, who is going to do the last minute décor set up, who is going handle all the suppliers when they arrive, who is going to keep everyone informed of the timings and keep the day running to time, who is going to keep the day flowing, who is going to move décor or chairs and tables around – yes it could be friends and family helping but more importantly who is in charge of making this happen, who’s going to remember exactly what is to happen and when throughout your whole day????
Well…
If you are having thoughts about giving this DIY Wedding Coordination role to perhaps your caterer, your DJ or a family member or friend – think again. You wouldn’t call up a gas man to see if they could sort your electrics or your gardener to sort out a plumbing issue - even though they may know how, their skills set is in the gardening. Your DJ is best behind the decks bringing the party and they will work best when they can truly concentrate on their own craft.
In terms of family members or a friend, this can be a stressful task for them to undertake, they are less likely to be relaxed as they feel the pressure of making sure everything goes to plan for you. They are hugely invested but it can be unfair to ask this of them as they want to be fully present and enjoy your wedding day alongside you. Also, could there be risk of them having a few too many and forgetting to remember an important part of the role.
Some Dry hire, DIY wedding venues will have in-house venue coordinators, but they also have a lot on their plate from managing the staff, setting up the bar to dealing with venue related issues that arise throughout the day.
Having a Wedding Coordinator who has specialised knowledge in DIY weddings ensures all the plans you have made are delivered exactly how you want them. I know your DIY wedding has had endless love and care put into it, you’ve spent hours and hours planning it, so I would encourage you to give the day itself the same love and care. The end result will be your homemade décor arranged with care and precision. Your friends and family reminded and assisted with any tasks they have been given for on the day. Your DIY Wedding coordinator will keep the day moving, liaise with all your suppliers so that they can concentrate on what they do best.
Wedding Coordinators will work with you closely to incorporate all of your DIY décor, displays & personal touches. Most importantly they are there for the wedding couple to give them complete peace of mind so they can truly celebrate with all their loved ones.
One thing to end on is my personal experience from my own DIY wedding back in June 2023. I was severely drained by the Friday (day before the wedding) – and I am a professional organiser/planner (we are all human). The set-up days took it out of me, my name being called every two minutes, a few minor injuries and 30 degree heat all week. Now picture your mum doing all the catering on the run up, your dad doing the bar, your father-in-law sorting all the electrics, a family friend doing the flowers and I made most of the stationery and décor. Huge family effort but IT WAS A LOT.
Thinking back if I had had someone with specialist DIY knowledge to hand certain set up duties to, someone I had built a relationship with, someone who knew my vision, knew my plan and helped to bring it all together. Someone that my friends and family could go to and ask the endless questions. I wanted to do it all, and it was too much. I wish I had that someone now.
My new DIY Wedding Coordinator package includes assistance on your set up day – imagine having me there to rally the troops, helping you bring it all together.
I honestly believe that DIY weddings NEED a wedding coordinator - it's a no brainer. Check out behind the scenes of a huge DIY wedding that I coordinated back in Sept 2024 here.
Thanks for sticking with me and I’d love to know about your own DIY plans - get in touch here to fill me in on your plans.
xx
Photos - @lisacarpenterphotography