People Just Don't Get What I Do

My recent discoveries about being a wedding coordinator is that not a lot of people (those not involved in the wedding industry) understand what we do.  At first I was naive and assumed most engaged couples would have a clear idea of what a coordinator does, but I was wrong.  Almost every time someone asks me what I do I'm always engaged in a 15 minute or more conversation trying to explain what a coordinator actually does.  I don't usually intend for this to happen, but people just keep asking more detailed questions, or maybe they're just trying to be courteous by keeping the conversation going.  =)

The reason why my conversations get so long is because I usually have to explain the differences between the three types of services most coordinators typically offer.  These three services include:

Month of Coordination (aka Day of Coordination)

This service is more so for those couples who have all the details put together, but need someone to manage things the month before and day of.  The couple will already have all the vendors set and the design/details done.  Generally, the coordinator at this point would create your wedding timeline, contact vendors beforehand, do your wedding rehearsal (sometimes), and ensure your wedding day is absolutely perfect!  

I would HIGHLY recommend this service to any couple even if there is an on-site coordinator.  Don't be naive and think you can be a bride and a coordinator on the day of your wedding!  =)  

Partial Planning

Usually couples who go with this option have some involvement with their wedding planning process.  A lot of the times, the couple will already have booked a venue or a few vendors.  They may need some guidance on budgeting, miscellaneous wedding consultation, and design ideas.   

Full Planning

This package usually means that the wedding planner will literally plan everything for you.  This includes from picking out your invitations to selecting the perfect vendor for you.  

If you're a wedding coordinator reading this, do you often feel this way when talking to potential clients and strangers?