Hiring a wedding coordinator was once a luxury. Today, for many couples, it's a necessity. Planning a wedding can be a complicated endeavor, especially now that most prides and grooms don't meet and marry in the same hometown. And though both the bride and the groom usually want to be involved in making the arrangements, they are often busy with work or school. Not only can a wedding coordinator handle many of the time-consuming, stress-inducing details, she can help make the planning itself more enjoyable.
It is the coordinator's job to advise, inform, and inspire you, and to orchestrate every detail of the day under your watchful eye. A good coordinator can also help you set your wedding budget and stick to it. Some provide more limited services to couples that might only want help on the wedding day or with certain aspects of the event. Wedding coordinators may charge an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the total wedding cost. Get recommendations from friends and colleagues, hotel managers, caterers, or the Association of Bridal Consultants. And be sure to check references.