Why you should hire a wedding coordinator (or planner)
As a wedding photographer ive had the opportunity to witness countless people celebrate the amazing sacrament of matrimony. With weddings being a once in a lifetime event, involving hundreds of people, and thousands of dollars, let’s just say there’s a lot that goes into it. In my years of experience, one thing is incredibly clear- every bride deserves and needs support. This is best through a professional. Catholic brides especially need help since there are usually multiple locations involved, typically large catholic families, and funky timing because of church requirements (the ceremony has to start at 2pm but you have to be out by 3).
In the present, the photographer can become expected to be the leader of the day. I often see my brides looking to me for direction for planning their day and even directing it, when as a photographer- I should just be taking pictures! A day of coordinator is there to take care of the schedule and fix anything that might go awry.
1. “My Church has a Coordinator”
Often times, the church will have an in house wedding coordinator. This will be someone who knows the ins and outs of that specific church. They are great and you should definitely communicate well with them! But a day of coordinator/planner is all that and more. The church coordinator is only there for the ceremony not for any other part of the day.
A planner helps with the entire process and can alleviate so much stress. Entering into marriage there should be a focus on the sacrament, not on logistics. Ask any bride planning a wedding, there’s way more than she realized there’d be. Within the ceremony itself there are a number of details to consider that the coordinator would take care of - flowers, exit bubbles, programs, reserved seat signs, to name a few. But all those things I named are things a wedding planner would do, not your church’s coordinator.
2. Let your Photographer be a Photographer
As your photographer, I am focused on capturing every moment, every emotion, and every special detail of your wedding. However, if there is no clear timeline in place, even the most beautiful moments can slip by unnoticed or unorganized. I work with all my couples on their schedule to make it the best we can but a wedding planner will create a detailed timeline that ensures you, your bridal party, your guests, and vendors all know where they need to be and when, and they will make sure every possible detail is thought through and executed perfectly. A wedding planner plans weddings professionally. It’s even in their name. If I am doing any schedule prep or day of coordinating for you it because my job is wicked hard otherwise.
Oftentimes brides opt out of hiring a planner or day of coordinator because they are confident they can manage. And yes, it is an extra expense and yes I believe they are capable on their own, and yes but wait it’s an extra huge expense. But on your wedding day you should not be working. And you should not be the only one with answers (What time should we show up to the church? Where are the boutonnieres? How should we arrange the centerpieces?) It honestly amazes me how many questions a bride gets pounded with on her wedding day.
Since so many brides opt out of having a planner, I have gotten used to being the one that makes the schedule. Trust me, I can do it, but the question is “should the person that’s supposed to just take photos be planning my wedding day?” I don’t mean this in a harsh way- but in an honest way. I think weddings have become really centered around photos and so brides started naturally turning to the photographer for guidance, but honestly, the best way for me to do my job is not by giving me other jobs. I am often checking the schedule, telling people what’s next, trying to get them to move along when I could be capturing the in between moments and doing the thing you wanted me to do in the first place.
A planner/coordinator with a well-made timeline and a well-managed timeline, will give you the chance to capture those precious moments: getting ready with your bridesmaids, your first look with your father, the quiet prayer before walking down the aisle, and more. If the day is running smoothly, your photographer can focus on what they do best—capturing your love story in the most natural, beautiful way.
