My work pal Allison got married last year to another co-worker, Dave. This was a very fun and significant wedding for me in two ways. One, I have cube right next to Allison and thus see/talk to her more than just about anyone except my dear husband, Justin. She first told me about Dave asking her out in January 2010; a few weeks later they were crazy for each other. I had watched their entire relationship unfold, so it was wonderful to see them so happy as they exchanged vows.
It was also a big event for me because they asked me to be their day-of wedding coordinator. Now, this was easy because Allison is incredibly organized and has a very classic, elegant taste - she was born to plan a wedding. So there weren't a lot of obstacles on the day of. However, I did work my butt off.
Quick background: I used to be horribly unorganized. Too much focus on seemingly unnecessary details has always stressed me out, I enjoy a bit of spontaneity, and the aforementioned ADD made me very distractable from any plan. I was able to make it through high school losing things, forgetting homework, and showing up late to everything. But when I went to college, it was a whole new ballgame, and after a tough first semester I had to start adapting. It didn't happen all at once, but sometime after I moved to DC post-college and officially had only myself to rely on, I became a planner. I sometimes get sick of my own need to organize and plan - but it was really sink or swim, and helped me get a decent job, get my personal finances in order, and plan some awesome vacations. Fast forward to now, and I have been asked to plan birthday parties, trips, and work events, and even helped out with a few weddings. Starting with Allison's.
The job started out a month or so before the wedding with a walk-through at the venue and a lunch "meeting" (where we spent some time discussing the wedding and more time rehashing the latest episode of Mad Men). We went over general layout, the timeline for the day, and who would do what (florist doing centerpieces, baker delivering a cake, my role).
On the big day, I got to the venue at 1pm and set to work putting out place cards and some other small items. I greeted the vendors and made sure they had what they needed (they all did). Most of the day was spent taking care of the little things: strapping a baby seat to her nephew's chair for the reception, finding little missing items, communicating schedule changes. These things seem minor, but since I didn't have a day-of coordinator when I got married, I can appreciate the different it makes to someone. When you're already thinking about a million things and overwhelmed with emotion and just trying to take it all in, you don't want to have to remember to get someone to get a baby seat out.
When the ceremony time came, I directed each of the wedding party members down the aisle, then scurried to my seat. During cocktail hour it was just double-checking things were all set, and then during the reception I sat where I could see the bride, so if she needed something she could just wave. The question that I've noticed always comes up is when and where the photographers will eat their dinners. We got that settled, and I still had plenty of time to enjoy my meal and chat with our mutual friends in attendance.
I stayed on the clock until the boxes were being packed up at the end of the night. I LOVED it - because my favorite things are being helpful, feeling important, and running around a lot. And staying behind the scenes - when I was directing the wedding party down the aisle, I had to stand kind of at the back of the room where everyone could see me and it was my least favorite part. I should have worn some dark brown to help me blend in with the mahogany doors.
The job started out a month or so before the wedding with a walk-through at the venue and a lunch "meeting" (where we spent some time discussing the wedding and more time rehashing the latest episode of Mad Men). We went over general layout, the timeline for the day, and who would do what (florist doing centerpieces, baker delivering a cake, my role).
On the big day, I got to the venue at 1pm and set to work putting out place cards and some other small items. I greeted the vendors and made sure they had what they needed (they all did). Most of the day was spent taking care of the little things: strapping a baby seat to her nephew's chair for the reception, finding little missing items, communicating schedule changes. These things seem minor, but since I didn't have a day-of coordinator when I got married, I can appreciate the different it makes to someone. When you're already thinking about a million things and overwhelmed with emotion and just trying to take it all in, you don't want to have to remember to get someone to get a baby seat out.
When the ceremony time came, I directed each of the wedding party members down the aisle, then scurried to my seat. During cocktail hour it was just double-checking things were all set, and then during the reception I sat where I could see the bride, so if she needed something she could just wave. The question that I've noticed always comes up is when and where the photographers will eat their dinners. We got that settled, and I still had plenty of time to enjoy my meal and chat with our mutual friends in attendance.
I stayed on the clock until the boxes were being packed up at the end of the night. I LOVED it - because my favorite things are being helpful, feeling important, and running around a lot. And staying behind the scenes - when I was directing the wedding party down the aisle, I had to stand kind of at the back of the room where everyone could see me and it was my least favorite part. I should have worn some dark brown to help me blend in with the mahogany doors.
Where was my date during all this? He had a job, too: he was recruited to film the ceremony for them using a little Flip camera. I knew he would do a great job, and trusty engineer that he is, he got there early to plan the angles of the tripod (marking the feet positions with tape) and documented other key moments throughout the night in addition to the ceremony. We became known as the "working couple" at the event.
But we had a blast, too! We danced and imbibed and ate delicious food. I was sore on Sunday from all the dancing. I doubt this is part of the job description for most paid wedding coordinators, but since we did this as a favor, I assumed I should pay myself in alcohol and made a killing.
It was really an honor to be there for them, and I'm so glad I was able to make their day better by taking care of the little stuff. Being a wedding guest is fun, but I really enjoyed being a wedding guest with a purpose.
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