If you’re planning an informal, casual wedding with fewer than 30 guests and a very small processional (or no processional at all), it’s unlikely that you’ll need the services of a wedding consultant. 

But if you are planning to have an entourage of bridesmaids and groomsmen, or if your wedding follows traditional formal guidelines, a wedding consultant or coordinator is a must-have if you budget will allow for it. A consultant will do all the detail work so you can just relax and enjoy being a bride. On your wedding day (and in the months leading up to it) you’ll be busy with a million small details. A consultant can do everything from comparing catering prices and decorating options to finding an officiant or scheduling manicures for your bridesmaids. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to turn it all over to someone else so you can focus on what’s really important?

In order to decide if you need a coordinator, follow these guidelines:

A coordinator isn’t necessary if...

• Your wedding is small (less than 30 guests) and there are no more than four people in your bridal party (bride, groom, maid of honor and best man).
• Your wedding will be very casual and informal, in a small venue with very few logistical challenges.
• You have a friend or relative who’s a great organizer and is willing to manage some of the details.

A coordinator would extremely helpful if...

• It’s a formal wedding with a large processional that includes bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearer, flower girl and all the trimmings.
• You’re planning a complex series of scheduled events that need to be organized and supervised, such as a pre-ceremony photo session, pre-ceremony cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a large processional, a receiving line, a sit-down dinner, and/or specific scheduled events during the reception, such as toasts, speeches, cake cutting and other activities. These activities have to be precisely timed, and a good coordinator will know how to keep things moving.
• There will be numerous vendors to deal with, such as florist, photographer, dressmaker, venue, church or ceremony site, caterer, accommodations for out of town guests, honeymoon destination, decorations, etc.
• You’re too busy with work or other aspects of your life to do much planning on your own.
• You’re coming from out of town and aren’t familiar with the islands. A local coordinator will be intimately familiar with locations, florists, caterers, photographers, ceremony sites and everything else you might need.

Here’s a good rule of thumb... if it won’t break your budget, then definitely hire a coordinator. It will relieve an enormous amount of stress and help you enjoy your special day even more. Please browse through our list of professional San Juan Islands wedding consultants to compare prices and services. And don’t forget to call their references! © 2010 Terri Daniel

Bridal Consultants and Planners On Lopez Island, Orcas Island, and San Juan Island.