DJ vs. Day of Coordinator - What is the Difference? | Sound Wave Events | Boise Wedding DJ

Ever wonder if you should have a day of coordinator for your wedding - or what a day of coordinator even is?  How does a coordinator differ from your DJ?

One question we get asked a lot by brides is, "If my DJ will make sure my special activities run smooth at my wedding, do I need a day of coordinator?"  Great question!  There are some main differences between your DJ and your Day of Coordinator.  Yes, a good DJ will ensure that your special activities run smoothly, but a Day of Coordinator is your wedding day personal assistant. She will make sure everyone is in the right place at the right time ALL DAY. Sure, you have your DJ the start of the ceremony or reception and for the evening to help with things....but what about all the details that lead up to this important evening and the many details that are not related to music or timeline on the day of your wedding?  Here are some of the things that you can expect from your DJ vs your Day of Coordinator:

Photos courtesy of Ampersand Studios

A Good DJ Will:

• Cue Wedding Party for ceremony processional with the music (DJ or live performer)
• Work with all your vendors to make sure everyone is aware of important upcoming activities that involve or affect them
• Ensure that the reception timeline is followed and the evening flows along smoothly - making adjustments as needed
• Keep an eye on the important people at your wedding (like your parents) so they don't miss any of the special moments

A Day Of Coordinator Will:

• Confirm vendors - including arrival and departure times
• Assist during your rehearsal
• Ensure that your wedding party is on time to day of appointments - hair, make up, dressing, etc. 
• Complete a venue walk through and floor plan, suggestions on placement of items and setup
• Collection of any wedding items prior to wedding to be brought to and set up at your wedding venue(s) such as favors, programs, guest book, place cards, etc.
• Greet vendors, ensure all arrive and deliver as contracted, receive deliveries
• Make sure that your transportation throughout the day is prompt
• Ensure that all special items (such as unity candle) are accounted for and placed properly
• Set up centerpieces, if needed
• Assist with distribution of wedding flower bouquets, boutineers and flower girl baskets
• Assist with pinning on corsages and boutonnieres
• Make sure guests with special needs are attended to, assist guests with questions
• Ensure that the best man has the wedding bands in his pocket
• Ensure that the marriage license is signed
• Assist your maid of honor or mom with bustling your gown and changing your attire if needed
• Make sure that guest seating plan and/or place cards are displayed properly
• Manage wedding gift attendant to make sure that all cards are attached to the gifts to keep track of what was received and from whom
• Ensure that all wedding favors, photos, table numbers, signs, menus, disposable cameras, toasting flutes, cake cutter and server, etc., are placed properly
• Make sure that any special meals (such as vegetarian requests) are taken care of
• Distribute gratuities to the proper people and vendors on your behalf
• Pack up all your personal items, top tier of your wedding cake, disposable cameras, gifts, etc. at the end of the celebration and place them in the appropriate cars

Note: services may vary between coordinators/package

So, do you need a Day of Coordinator?  It may be worth looking into.  Can your mom, sister, or maid of honor take care of these things?  Sure....but do they want to focus on this all evening or enjoy the festivities?  We highly recommend researching your options.  Here are a couple of referrals for you: 

Day of Coordinators

Hope this helps as you plan your wedding.  Let us know if you have any questions or if there is anything we can do to help - that is what we are here for!

Sound Wave Events
208-891-0094
www.soundwaveevents.com
[email protected]

{*portions of this are adapted from Exquisite Events Seattle}