Wedding Day Event Set-up

I really think your two options are to hire a day-of coordinator or find some way to do it yourself (which I wouldn't suggest because it's your wedding day and so busy already). Definitely don't ask your bridesmaids to do it.

Maybe college students?

Any friends who have siblings that aren't invited and want to make a little money?

After your venue said they do not take care of setup, did you ask if they could tell you what other couples do to solve this issue? If you ask, they might have recommendations based on what other couples who have used the venue have done.

Can you do it the night before?

Honestly, find a Day of Coordinator. I'm also a DIY bride, and I was able to find a venue that is brand spanking new to being a venue, managed by a DOC who just moved to the area and is trying to also get herself established. It was a win-win. Her prices are low because she's getting established and the venue is also getting established.

I coordinate events by day, and I just KNOW without a DOC, the day of my wedding, I'd feel like I was in "work" mode and start worrying about the details. Leave it to a DOC. Also, get there a day early to set up the venue if you can -- that's what I'm doing.

We're in a similar situation, where we have to set up the decor ourselves. Luckily we can do the majority the day before and some last minute touches the morning of. How early are you allowed at the venue?

Also look into hiring a day of coordinator.

Our day of coordinator was worth every penny we paid her and probably more.

You're right that you don't want to stress yourself out the morning of - it's worth hiring someone.

I've hired a DOC who doesn't do it for a living, but is a project manager in real life. My plan is to hand her my cell phone at the beginning of the day - she'll handle any and all emergencies, tipping, set up, tear down, coordinating with the vendor deliveries, etc. She won't quote a price for me because she's a friend of mine (but not a best friend)... but I have a dollar figure in mind that if I was spending the day doing something like this I would consider reasonable.

Hire a Day Of Coordinator. This is why they exist!!!

College students or a family member/friends kid that wants a few extra bucks. Just make sure they are responsible enough to handle it.

Look for a Day of Coordinator on a site like thumbtack, or even craigslist. shouldn't cost you a boatload. or ask a friend or family member that's not standing up if they would mind helping out on the big day.

Can you have personal attendants or parents decorate? Any wedding I've been a part of, the bridal party did all the decorating before getting ready. Usually after hair before changing and makeup. Or ask family. Just be sure to ask, went to a wedding last year, my FH was the BM. The bride practically made me her B. I made up for it drinking that night.

DOC. If you have a problem finding professional help, maybe ask some family members that you are close with that will be there, but will not have a big part in the wedding.

I would hire a DOC it's not the bridal parties job to do this. My mom or anyone in my family for that matter, would have done it but I know they would be stressed out with so much going on. We had one come with our venue and I'm so freaking glad we do! She sets up, packs up, deals with all the logistics and makes sure everything runs smoothly.

Check local colleges that have students in hospitality, or going into event planning.

Thank you for all the great ideas ladies!

I was originally going to have the bridal party put things together, but we can't start decorating until 1pm the day of the wedding and the wedding starts at 4pm. There's no way we could get hair and makeup done and set up the venue. Plus I want to enjoy my bridesmaids, not put them to work.

It seems like I need some type of DOC. The venue is doing a good amount of the set up so I don't need a full blown DOC. I'm going to look into Craigslist and local colleges to see if I can find someone willing to do some quick work. I could rely on family members/friends, but I'm a control freak and I want a semi-professional person that I know will get the job done.