Choosing a Coordinator Exactly one minute after becoming engaged couples are expected to become experts in all the areas they will need or desire to procure services. They call their friends, recall past weddings they enjoyed, spend a small fortune on bridal magazines and traipse to weddings shows far and near in search for the perfect vendor. The arena for wedding industry vendors is broad and full of talent. It is easy to be wowed by a photographer’s work blown up life-sized or a sliver of wedding cake that was "to die for", but when it comes to signing on the dotted line The question becomes which one? Cost is always a factor as is quality. What about referrals? How long have they been in the business? These are all great questions, but inevitably it’s the questions that weren't asked that pose the most problems for brides. And vendors are only the tip of the ice berg what about "etiquette" and dealing with RSVP's and guest seating charts—that alone has caused a number of couples to elope. There is help out there in the form of a wedding coordinator. Whether referred to as a wedding consultant, bridal consultant or wedding planner; in a nutshell this person is the encyclopedia of weddings in your area and most importantly, once hired, your advocate. A coordinator is essential to the well planned affair. Your coordinator will be well worth every dime spent (and saved). The immediate experience you gain on your team in the areas of negotiating contracts, design, etiquette and most importantly logistics management. With the average wedding taking nearly three hundred hours to plan paired with the fact that most of today's brides are working professionals, finding the time to adequately compare vendors and review deals can be near impossible. Take into account that most reputable wedding coordinators have planned numerous events at venues in your area that you are probably considering. They have also worked with many of the vendors in the area and can help to pair you with the vendors best suited for your type of event. An additional plus of using a coordinator is that the relationship that they have with your vendors can only benefit you. Vendors enjoy working with other vendors they know, and as vendors get to know each other their work flows smoothly and seamlessly. Being a subjective third party also works to your benefit. Your wedding coordinator is there to advocate on your behalf, they will fight your battles in dealing with difficult vendors or situations. You want more than anything to feel like a guest at your wedding as you attend to your new spouse and your guests who have come to share this day. A coordinator will allow you to do just that while making sure everything stays on schedule and to manage all the details. How to you choose a coordinator? You should feel completely comfortable with the coordinator and feel assured that he or she completely understands what your needs are. View their work. Have they accomplished any events that appeal to your sensibilities? What are their credentials? This will let you know how much pride they take in their trade. Is this their full time occupation? Do they have referrals from former brides? These questions will help you identify the coordinator that is right for you. As for their fee structure, it can vary greatly from planner to planner. Examples you can expect to see are a percentage of the total cost of your event (anywhere from 10-20%), flat fee packages or hourly rates. Many consultants will offer a la carte services to allow you to build the package of services that best suit your needs. Most consultants will offer full scale planning or day of wedding coordination others will have a myriad of specialized services for you to choose. About the Author Vicky Johnson is a full time, certified Professional Wedding Consultant and owner of Holy Matrimony with offices in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. She has coordinated weddings nationally for more than 15 years.