What exactly is a DOC?

Ok, I am with you on this!! This is just my understanding not actually sure if I am right.

A wedding planner is there for everything. They are there from start to finish of the wedding and the wedding process. Most planners will do all the planning for you. They will find the vendors and caterers etc, etc. The day of the wedding, they are usually the first ones there and the last ones to leave. They make sure all of your vendors are on time and is the one who is on the phone with the vendor if the vendor is late. They basically do it all!

The Day of Coordinator or Venue Coordinator just focuses on the aspects of your wedding that concerns the actual Venue. They make sure the food is out on time and that things are set up correctly. Basically everything that is discussed in the contract, is their main focus.

If I was to rewind all of my wedding planning, I would have gotten a wedding Planner. I am a natural worrier and think the wedding planner would have made a huge difference.

I just got an email this afternoon from a company I contacted yesterday. On their website they describe what their duties are as DOC. I don't know if the duties would differ from company to company. I would def. try to set up a meeting with any company you feel you want to work with and ask each company of their specific duties.

In the meantime here is what the company I contacted described:

This package is a wonderful option for the couple who wishes to take care of all the wedding planning themselves, but wants the luxury of enjoying their wedding day without stressing over the “day of” details and issues that may arise.

With this package we are on hand to ensure your wishes for the day are executed in the manner in which you would like them to be. With the purchase of our Wedding Day Coordination package, we are happy to do the following for you.

Consultation

• Meet with you prior to your wedding to gain a clear understanding of your vision, goals, and requirements for your wedding day (1.5- to 2-hour meeting).

• Be available to answer any etiquette questions you may have.

Planning

• Develop a detailed, wedding day timeline and distribute it to appropriate wedding vendors.

• Obtain vendor contracts from you to ensure all items and services you contracted for are provided.

• Review each contract to ensure no detail has been over looked.

• Contact every vendor to confirm delivery dates and time, locations, services contracted for, etc.

Ceremony Set-up & Coordination

• Attend the wedding rehearsal to ensure all participants understand their responsibilities and are aware of the flow of the ceremony.

• Coordinate all vendor set-up at the ceremony site to ensure your vision is executed properly.

• Ensure wedding rings and marriage license are on hand.

• Oversee all details before the ceremony including:

o Placement of the guest book, programs, and altar items o Ensuring all bouquets and boutonnieres are distributed o Line-up of the wedding party

o Cueing the musicians

o Assist you and your family with any matters that may arise. Reception Set-up & Coordination

• Supervise all vendor set-up and act as your spokesperson to ensure all of your wishes are achieved.

• Ensure tables and stage areas are set up according to your floor plan.

• Ensure the guest book, gift, place card, and cake tables are placed and decorated appropriately.

• Place favors, table numbers, and any other items on guest tables.

• Coordinate with the master of ceremonies or DJ to ensure your reception flows smoothly from start to

• finish (announcement of your arrival, first dance, toasts, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc.).

• Distribute final payments and/or gratuities to musicians, caterer, photographer, etc.

• Inspect restrooms before guests arrive.

• Greet guests that may arrive late.

• Secure all gifts with caretaker of your choice.

• Assist you and your family with any matters that may arise.

Just like what Denise said they make sure everything goes smoothly the day of the wedding.

Samantha where are you located in NJ and can you PM the services you offer? I think I may want to hire a wedding planner but I don't want to completely turn over the reins of my wedding to anyone. That's my fear, that I won't feel as involved with the wedding planning process if I hire a wedding planner

I have a wedding planner but mainly because myself or anyone else close to me other than friends have gotten married. My mom and aunts etc really don't know much about weddings. I also needed my wedding planner to bring my ideas together. My venue will set up everything and break down everything but my wedding planner will coordinate the colors with me and make sure everything is going smoothly the day of and days leading up. She also right now is reading over contracts with me and doing most all my research. I basically paid her a little under $1000 to do all the things I either don't want to do or won't have time to do. I like having a person who is being paid to do something vs asking for help. My life is super busy!

Thank you Rev. Fuller, that is my problem. While I know the venue offer their DOC services I am trying to figure out if I should also hire someone else to help with set up and everything else.

You should check out "Accessory to the Bride." They're based in CT but do a fantastic job. I know she worked with my friend's small budget too. I'm not sure if she travels to PA, but I know she does parts of Jersey and NY so she might make an exception. Here's her business card.