Wedding Day Without doc

We didn't have a DOC, but we got lucky that our venue had an amazing person on staff that helped us. She was able to create the timeline from the ceremony until the end of the reception based on a questionnaire we filled out. She also made sure everyone knew what they were supposed to be doing. She had all of the vendors we used contact information in the event of a problem. She even helped get our gifts and cards to our hotel room (venue was a hotel). Our ceremony, cocktail hour and reception were at the same venue, but in different parts of the building and the staff handled setting up and tearing down of tables and chairs. Our decorator handled setting up all decor and taking it back down. Unfortunately, not everyone gets so lucky with the staff at the venues being so helpful which is why a lot of people will hire a DOC not employed by their venue.

I am having a DOC so I cant give a perspective on that, but have you thought about hiring someone to be a DOC who isn't a pro, just so there's someone people can go to with questions and problems that isn't you? I would totally do this for a friend or coworker for like $100. Then if anyone got lost on the way to the venue or had a wrong meal, you would have someone to handle it, but you would still be relied on to keep the day going

We didn’t have one either. But our venue was ceremony only and it was their responsibility to move the chairs. Did you try thumbtack? Maybe there is a cheaper DOC?

When it comes to the processional,some officiants offer to help on the day of. Some of them even think thzg a rehearsal or a DOC are not necessary ( at least for the ceremony part).
Anyways , you can ask your officiant if he/she can help with the procession.
About " moving chairs from the ceremony location (dance floor of our venue) back to the tables for the reception (same room)." The venue staff should do it. It seems logical in my opinion.

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That's what I was considering doing.

I have attended quite a few that didn't have a coordinator. Nearly all needed coordination of some kind so a guest was asked to fill in who was then unable to enjoy themselves as a guest. Please do not ask guests to work this position. Go to Thumbtack.com and hire a professional.

Coordinators provided by the venue only care about you following venue policies.

Hi Kris! I did not have a DOC and my venue coordinator was shall we say less than ideal. My husband’s aunt sent me her templates the professionals use and it was a life saver!!


In excel format, the first column was time, column B was the task (ex: move ceremony chairs to tables - 7 chairs to each table) and third column was who the responsible party was (ex: Aunt Sue or Bob from hotel). The fourth column was their contact info (Aunt Sue 555-5555).
I would double check with the hotel as they should certainly be responsible for this, however, if they say no, do you have a few cousins? Me and my girl cousins help each other out for each other’s weddings. I’m repaying the favor in August for a cousin’s help for her wedding and more than happy to!!
For the processional, learn from my mistake. I assumed the ceremony coordinator would know to space girls out over the course of the song. At my rehearsal it was a flub. Luckily day of it went good because I marked the lyrics when each girl walks out (at 2am!) If your song has lyrics, make a document of the words for each person and as soon as they hear it, know to start walking. Hope this helps Kris!!! ❤️❤️❤️

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That's all a wonderful idea. Thank you!!!!

My sister got married last year and had a coworker help with the venue. For my wedding I have a cousin who will be our DOC. For the sake of not spending a lot of money maybe you could ask a reliable relative or friend to help and just pay them what you have budgeted for a DOC.