What a Day-Of Coordinator Actually Does on Your Wedding Day
When couples hear “day-of coordinator,” they often assume it means someone who just shows up, checks a few boxes, and leaves once the ceremony starts.
In reality, a day-of coordinator is the person quietly holding your entire wedding day together so you don’t have to.
If you’re wondering whether you really need one, or what they actually do behind the scenes, this is for you.
Before Your Wedding Day Ever Arrives
A true day-of coordinator doesn’t just show up on the wedding day and wing it.
In the weeks leading up to your wedding, they typically:
Review and refine your wedding day timeline
Connect with your vendors to confirm arrival times and expectations
Answer last-minute questions and catch potential issues before they happen
Make sure everyone is on the same page so you’re not the middleman
This is where so much stress is eliminated before it ever shows up.
On Your Wedding Morning
While you’re getting ready, your coordinator is already at work.
They are:
Arriving early to oversee vendor load-in
Managing the timeline so nothing falls behind
Handling questions, deliveries, and setup
Making sure details are placed exactly where they belong
Solving small problems before you ever hear about them
Your job that morning?
To get ready, be present, and enjoy the moment.
During the Ceremony
Your ceremony may look effortless but that’s intentional.
A day-of coordinator:
Lines up the wedding party
Cues music and entrances
Ensures everyone knows where to be and when
Keeps things moving calmly and seamlessly
If something shifts? They adjust quietly, without interrupting the moment.
At the Reception
Once the celebration begins, your coordinator doesn’t disappear.
They’re still:
Managing the timeline for speeches, dances, and dinner
Coordinating with vendors throughout the night
Making sure décor transitions happen smoothly
Handling unexpected situations discreetly
Keeping everything flowing so you can stay on the dance floor
You’ll rarely notice them and that’s kind of the point.
If Something Goes Wrong (Because Something Always Does)
A boutonnière breaks.
The timeline shifts.
Someone has a question they shouldn’t be asking you.
Your coordinator steps in.
They troubleshoot, problem-solve, and advocate for you so you never have to switch into “host mode” on your own wedding day.
What a Day-Of Coordinator Really Gives You
More than anything, a day-of coordinator gives you:
Peace of mind
Space to be present
Freedom from managing logistics
Confidence that someone has your back
You only get one wedding day.
You deserve to actually experience it.
If reading this made you feel like you want to enjoy your wedding day instead of managing it, I’d love to connect and see how I can support you!With love, Erin