Anyone not having a Day of Coordinator?

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UO: I feel like if it is a smaller venue with a smaller guest list with simple decor, you should be okay. I understand how you feel about family members asking to help. My mom, SIL and MIL want to help with everything but I don't want them to.

We have our venue the whole weekend, so we will set up the day before, go to rehearsal dinner then I will not see FH until the ceremony. Then we will clean up the day after wedding, but the venue already has a clean up crew so we will just go and make sure nothing was left behind. My MOH volunteered to be DOC, but I shot that down. FH cousin and aunt have volunteered to be DOC bc they desperately want to be involved.

I am not having a DOC because its not in the budget.

UO here, but I am having family help set up, for example FMIL, Aunt & FH.

So long as they can do it within 30mins prior to the guests arriving. Let them have at it. But you have to make it easy for everyone. Like make sure they have everything at hand and know what to do without you there because you will be busy enough.

If people have to show up like at 8am, forget about it.

Also decorate is not the only job.

I am having a DOC BTW who is going to run the day for me. Deal with vendors and keep everything and everyone on schedule.

I wasn't going to have a DOC because our venue has one. But after talking to her, she said she can set up flowers for me "assuming she has time"...... Well, what if you DON'T have time? I just don't get my flowers out? I'm not allowed to set up night before and can't go until 10:30am day off. Hair and make up starts at 10 so I really don't want to have to leave that for 30 minutes. Florist is OOT and we're picking up so she can't set up. I priced out some DOCs and the least expensive for the day is 500!

1. Set up on the day of will be stressful and/or tiring. I can guarantee that.

2. A DOC does a lot more than just set up decor. They will answer questions from vendors and just generally make sure EVERYTHING (like timeline, photos, etc) runs smoothly.

3. I didn't have a DOC and I wish that we had hired one. We set up the day before and I was exhausted when we were done and I had minimal decor and only 11 tables.

We won't be hiring a DOC but luckily I do that for a living so I can do everything myself and still have plenty of time for myself (and I never get stressed haha). That being said, it's not something I would recommend for other brides. There are so many small things that could go wrong before and during the wedding that you just don't want to deal with and that's what the coordinator is for. To make your day full of memories that are incredible, not something that you just wanted to be over with.

Our groomsmen and bridesmaids were the ones to set up the wedding and it all went perfectly. They were all very happy to help. Everyone on this site gets so temperamental and intense. Just live your life and plan your wedding how you want. Having family help isn't tacky, it isn't a horrible thing to do. If you can't afford it, then don't spend money on it. If friends and family want to help then there's no issues! Plus it sounds like they're happy to help!

I'm not! The staff at the restaurant we are having our reception at is helping set up!

I was not going to have a DOC. I was determined that I could do it by myself and people had offered to pitch in.

But.... when I met with my DOC, I knew that I needed her! She made me feel so much more at ease with everything. I knew she was a must have so I am switching things up to make it happen.

In my mind it would be ok, but in reality she will be the lifesaver and take so much stress off of me that week leading up to the wedding and the day of.

I would say it's worth it! Completely!

Lots of weddings happen all the time without a DOC. Do it yourself, you'll be just fine.

Im not having a DOC and I am not doing a damn thing to set up.... venue sets up table chairs and linens, florist/decorator doing everything else for reception....

My church provides and wedding day coordinator so she will be in charge of the wedding ceremony at church....

I am in the same boat. Under 50 attending, smaller budget but I am cutting things to be sure we can hire a DOC. There's a vision for our wedding, also for my family and close friends of how I'd like them feel well loved and taken care of at the end of the night. I know family would volunteer time and I'm sure they'll assist in some things. A DOC will have the know how to polish everything up and keep track of the flow of the event.

We aren't having one. Our venue will prepare the tables and we are paying our florist slightly more to set up the centerpieces and church decorations.

I'm not. I rented my venue for 12 hrs. (noon to midnight). I'm going to get there right at noon to set up. I think being organized will help a lot so I am keeping décor minimal and making a box for each table with the centerpieces/table cloths etc. My ceremony is not until 5 so I have plenty of time. Of course this is all in my head so we will seeeeee......

I have a DOC. I had to get one if not I'll be all over the place, then exhausted come wedding time. I don't want to have to worry about anything. Just staying relax and marrying my FH and enjoying myself with our guests.

I think of you trust your vendors you'll be fine. I trust that my florist will show up on time and set up flowers. I trust that my baker will bring the cake on time. I don't see why a DOC is necessary if you hire professionals.

TBH - it will be a challenge but doable. By doing everything yourself will you have time for pictures and to enjoy things if you are running around coordinating stuff during the ceremony and reception? If it is completely out of budget can you ask a family member or close friend who can stay on top of stuff? (Yes - I am aware of the general rule against this but I'm working in the contraints of the original poster). If not, ensure you have handy color coded spreadsheets, a fully charged cell phone and all contact numbers

This is exactly why FH and I both picked up second jobs, we've both been in weddings where we had to help setup, it was very stressful and doesn't move as fast as you would think it would. The bride was stressed and late to hair and make up because she was trying to setup for her wedding, in the end it was beautiful but the brides didn't enjoy her day. We both vowed that we are getting a DOC so we can go to breakfast with our wedding party and families instead of worrying about setting up our venues.

I helped set up for a friend's wedding, and it was really not fun. The bride and groom saw each other that morning, no makeup, tired and crunched for time. The entire wedding party was setting up tables and chairs and tablecloths and centerpieces and favors. Family may offer to help. I would too. But if you can avoid it....people will appreciate it. It takes away some of the magic of the day. For you and your loved ones.