Stupid Question...

Before DOC's and DJ's were common, couples used to ask someone close to them to be the MC- Master of Ceremonies. One of the MC's duties was to ensure that things happened when they were supposed to happen.

Does your venue offer a coordinator onsite? If you have Maitre D through your venue that might be their title for Coordinator. You should check your contract or call and ask what his responsibilities are.

Do not ask a family member or friend to make sure things are running smoothly. They are you guests and so should not have to run around stressed with a clip board.

If you do not have someone to coordinate through your venue and cannot hire one the responsibility will fall to you and your FH as the parties hosts.

This person needs to coordinate with the DJ so they can be aware of what things are happening when and what they should be announcing. Sometimes there are banquet managers or staff working from the venue that are usually in charge of the food coming out and those type of things. You can create a timeline of when things are to happen but day of coordinators do a lot more. They are in charge of coordinating your vendors for when they arrive and set up they also mediate any unforeseen issues. Idk if your MOH will be able to do that if she is getting ready as well. I'd consider someone to handle all the logistics of the day. Including lining people up for pictures and organizing the bridal party. I found some DOC's that were not as much some charged by the hour. My friend had a lady from her church who had experience in it do it for her. She made sure the person was not a guest at the wedding.

I think your DJ will handle all the announcements and work closely with your maitre d to make sure things are happening on time.

Don't ask your MOH or anyone in your wedding party to make sure things run on time, though they can be the point person for questions and such. It would be your maître d' or your bridal attendant - they will work together to make sure you stay on time. Check in with your venue and see what they say.

Are you having a DJ or photographer? It seems like, aside from a wedding planner or coordinator, the photographer and DJ provide the general schedule of events and times for the evening. The photographer will need to know when to take what pictures, so they'll more than likely set up a schedule with you within a few months of your wedding. If they don't, reach out and ask. The same goes for a DJ - they're typically responsible for the timeline of the reception and announcing what happens when. If you don't get asked about this by your DJ, I would reach out to them as well and check.

If you don't have a photographer, DJ, coordinator, or planner, then you may have to make up this plan yourself with your maitre d.

I would start the discussion with your DJ and photographer. They will be able to advise you of how long they need for pictures and a good order of events for the reception. Once you have a draft you can show it to the maitre d for his opinion. He will know how long it typically takes to serve each course of the meal and things related to food service then you can make adjustments as needed.

I would say DJ. I feel like they are trained for that. Our DJ gave us a timeline guide of what he would announce for us and how he would keep the night moving.