Ryan Barnett Photography, Creative Solutions, Venue: The Dairy Barn
Hello readers and happy Thursday!
Today, we are here to discuss the difference between "Day-Of" and "Month-Of" planning packages. Many of our inquiries are for a "Day-Of" wedding planning package, which is actually something we intentionally don't offer for a few reasons, which we will discuss in this post! We gladly offer a "Month-Of" package that includes a variety of services, plus a few that are not typically included in a "Day-Of" package. So, before you decide on a package, weigh your options and find out what services are included in each planning package.
The appeal of a "Day-Of" package pertains to having a planner present during your big day to make sure everything runs smoothly. Typically, Day-Of packages include the planner's coordination of your rehearsal, ceremony, and reception. Occasionally these packages will include decor set up, but not all guarantee this service. There are a variety of reasons why we do not offer a "Day-Of" package and instead recommend our "Month-Of" package if you're seeking minimal help from a planner.
Josh Deaton Photography, Jennifer Abercrombie Beauty, Ribald Events, Venue: Ritchie Hill
There are various factors that are necessary for a smooth wedding day, which are not possible within the time limits of a "Day-Of" package. When a planner arrives on the day of the wedding, it is nearly impossible for them to "catch up" per se and know all of the ins and outs of your day. If they notice details that need changing, it's typically too late to make that call.
A few others include coordinating with vendors, planning several weather-permitting venue layouts, and planning the logistics of flowing from one highlighted moment to the next. In order to fully enjoy your day, you definitely don't want vendors pulling you aside when something goes wrong. You don't want your mother-in-law or random cousin making decisions for you either! Wedding planners like ourselves will get to know you through the planning process and make sure we have every possible outcome covered, so if something does go wrong: we will handle it!
Tyler James Photography, Lindsay Burchfield Beauty, Chelish Moore Florals
There are several things that could go wrong, all of which a "Day-Of" planner would not typically take care of. What happens when your final headcount is off because you forgot to include yourself, vendors and/or children? Or when a vendor shows up late because nobody informed them when you switched the start time?
If a crisis arises, would you trust the "Day-Of" coordinator to make the right decision? Day-of packages also rarely include set-up and clean-up, which would end up falling into you or your family's lap to take care of. Month-Of packages are responsible for all of these planning aspects, which are reasons why we offer "Month-Of" as opposed to "Day-Of."
Of course there are a lot of wonderful planners out there and in the greater Charlotte area that offer "Day-Of" coordination. We are in NO WAY saying you shouldn't consider or book them because of that. More-so, we wish to educate brides & grooms about the difference between the two packages. After speaking with brides, we often find that a Month-Of Package is a better fit for their needs.
Emma Loo Photography, Jennifer Abercrombie Beauty, Willow Branch Florals, Venue: Brawley Estate
Planners and coordinators definitely struggle with the whole "Day-Of" vs. "Month-Of" terminology. "Day-Of" is so commonly referred to and there are some businesses that offer Day-Of and do a great job. However, once a bride/groom hears that, it can be a big turn off when we say, "Well we don't offer "Day-Of" but our "Month-Of" package is quite comparable." A lot of times they view Month-Of packages as more expensive and think they can find what they need through a "Day-Of" package with someone else, which is not always the case.
We want to be totally transparent with you when we say: We don't think it's possible to fully understand every single detail of your planning process if we walk in just 1-2 weeks before the big day!
There are SO MANY moving parts, tiny back-end details and logistics during a wedding. The idea of only meeting once and prepping for a week or so (all to guarantee the biggest day of their life is perfect) gives us anxiety!!! With our Month-Of planning package, we are here as a resource and in communication from the time of booking (even if that is 6 month's prior) until sometimes after the wedding. We encourage our clients to reach out with questions, vendor needs and any small details that keep them up at night. We also ask them to keep our shared wedding portal up-to-date with contracts and proposals, so that we are updated throughout the entire planning process. When it comes time to have our month-out venue walk through, we feel fully prepared.
Chelsea & Jordan Photography, Makeup by Percida, Bookout Blooms
Typically a month or so before a client's big day, we request a venue walk-through and meeting. We like to physically walk through the space with the bride and/or groom to fully understand their vision for the day and ensure that vision translates to all vendors. During this walk-through, we review the lay out, decor set up and logistics of the night. We answer questions like:
- In order to achieve the desired flow, where should the dance floor, bar and Photo Booth be placed?
- How will we keep the bride hidden from her groom that day during pre-ceremony photos?
- Where will we stage the wedding party prior to the ceremony while guests are arriving?
- Where should the wedding party hide after the ceremony while guests are clearing the site for photos?
- Where will we line up the wedding party for introductions?
Etc. The LAST thing we want is for a client, or their family/friends to feel confused about what to do. We make sure to go through all of these small "behind-the-scene" details before hand, because it ensures the wedding day goes smoothly and prevents chaos.
Allure Photography & Suarez Bakery
Around the same time as the walk-through, we also reach out to all of their vendors to introduce ourselves (if they don't already know us) and to get to know them a bit. We send all vendors the layout diagrams and detailed itinerary to ensure that everyone is on the same page for the day. We request vendors' contact information, set up time, special set up requirements/details and ask if any final payments are due. This allows us to gauge how set up will go and lets us know if anything is missing.
For example, sometimes a DJ requires a table and linen from the client and sometimes they supply their own. Since Photo Booths need to be close to an outlet, we consider all feasible locations at the venue for this setup. Sometimes bartenders need a bar-back table and sometimes they don't. There are A LOT of small details and changes that come into play a month-out from the wedding, so we like to be there for all of this communication. It is easy for a bride/groom to feel overwhelmed when there are 8 different vendors emailing all at once. We try to take on some of this work for our clients so they can avoid feelings of stress and chaos during the process. Planning their big day should be a great experience from start to finish!
Photography by The Carters Creative, Ribald Events, Venue: Magnolia Room
Another big reason that we like to work together in-person a month or more out (rather than a week or two) is because the final headcount is typically due 2 weeks prior. We like to ensure that everything is taken into consideration for your final numbers. A final headcount is not usually just a plain and simple number.
Hypothetically, the chair count for a ceremony might be 92, while the reception chair count is 100. So, the 8-person wedding party standing at the altar fills that gap. The final food count could be 106 while the reception chair count is once again 100; the reasoning being the client decided to provide meals for 6 vendors. Once again, the final guest count might be 100 while the bar count is 89, since 11 of those are children under 21. All of this being said, we like to be there to ensure that all the numbers correctly match up and you aren't providing too much or too little. After all, weddings are already so expensive!
Lastly,
WE LIKE TO GET TO KNOW YOU! :)
As a coordinator, we are the go-to person and often the game-time decision makers. Many clients say, "If anything comes up, just use your best judgement and make the call - I don't want to have to think about or decide on anything!" Wow, that can be a lot of pressure, but it is so much easier once we know the clients and have had meetings to go over the flow, atmosphere, look and importance of their big day.
Julia Laible Photography, Ribald Events, Venue: The Chantilly
Again, there are talented coordinators who do offer "Day-Of" and there are some clients who only want/need "Day-Of." There are also coordinators whose "Day-Of" package includes some of the "Month-Of" aspects that I mentioned above. So, while we're not pulling you away from a "Day-Of" package, we want to ensure you are not put off by the two terms. When speaking with potential clients, there does seem to be some confusion between the two, so we encourage you to:
- Ask questions
- Review what is offered in the different packages
- Think about what is important to you
- Keep an open mind
If you ever feel confused or overwhelmed, we would love to chat with you and find the perfect package for your needs. Feel free to contact us via social media or email to find out more. Happy Planning!