Okay, so you've found a place for your dream evening reception but the church isn't available for that time. If you schedule the wedding in the afternoon everything will be okay except that photographer said that she needed to leave for another wedding at…. Are you there yet?

Creating such a lavish affair is fun and exciting but it is not easy. There are so many details to maintain, so many people to organize and all of these things need to come together as if you do this everyday. Possible for some, but for us others there are wedding coordinators.

Wedding coordinators, like any vendor, come in different shapes and sizes. Most wedding books or magazine give you a "list" of qualifications or questions to ask. The most important thing for you to look for when interviewing a wedding coordinator is finding someone you feel comfortable with. This person will become your right arm as the day draws nearer. You need to be able to communicate well with them. The coordinator should be able to offer suggestions and make recommendations. As you look into hiring a wedding coordinator you'll need to decide what level of involvement you want. (Oh great, more decisions to make!)

The basic levels are:

Wedding Ceremony only;
Wedding and Reception; and
"HELP" level.

Of course, the more you count on this person the more you can expect to spend. Charges can be hourly, flat fee or percentage of your budget.

Regardless of what level you choose remember: this person needs to make you feel comfortable and calm. (Yes, there are really people out there like that and they also can handle your Great Aunt Mary who insists on singing during the ceremony…at no charge!)

"You are the decision-maker; the consultant is
there to help you make the wisest choice."

So your next step should be to call a coordinator and ask to meet with them (there should not be a charge for this). They should be able to give you an idea of how they will help you before and during the whole event. They should ask you questions as well as you asking them questions. You need to feel comfortable with their knowledge as well as their manner.

Remember that their job is to help you make wise choices, organize the timing of all of the little details that you've decided on but most important, to make you feel like you are under control. You can do this! This can be and should be fun. You're only getting married once (right?)

If you feel overwhelmed it will be to your advantage to get in touch with someone that can help you get all of your little pieces of paper, calling cards and notebooks all organized. That someone should also be able to call Great Aunt Mary and to tell her thank you for her wonderful and generous offer but we just can't squeeze another thing into the ceremony!