Behind the Scenes| Wedding Planner’s Day

day of wedding coordinator, boston wedding planner, bespoke boston weddings, wedding planner in new england, the knot wedding planner


Happy Monday and happy October friends! Our busiest month for Bespoke Boston Weddings has just finished & I thought it would be fun to share what a day in the life looks like when we have a wedding! This is going to be a bit different from normal “day in the life” posts because I’m going to combine a few different types of weddings that we do & as you all may have guests – every single wedding is different! 


Since starting our business, I think our LBD collection has grown quite a bit – we normally opt for a classic black dress. Our on-site time can range from early in the morning when the bride starts getting ready to going straight to the venue to start with the prep. 


As a wedding coordinator, your goal is to ensure that everything goes according to the timeline and the bride, groom and their families are relaxed and not worrying about any of the details. Even a slight delay can throw off the start of cocktail hour, the first course being served and even when the dancing starts! While we might not be there when the hair & makeup professionals start on the bridal party, that’s really when our day starts – since the timeline starts with them!


Once we arrive to the venue, it’s really not as hectic as movies will have you believe – it’s a well oiled machine because we work with the venue staff and coordinator in unison to get everything ready! We’ve gotten to know the couple & know exactly how they want everything set, where people are sitting & how they expect things to be laid out- so that is exactly what we do! 


Church ceremonies often mean we meet the couple wherever they are getting ready and coordinate the on time departure (doesn’t that sound like an airline attendant) to the ceremony, usually via limo, bus or trolley. This involves making sure the bride and groom don’t accidentally run into each other in the hall – especially if they aren’t doing a first look! One thing I have perfected- getting the boutonniere’s on the groomsmen in a matter of minutes! 


Lunch is normally eaten on the run to make sure we stay on schedule! 


If the ceremony is at the venue, then it’s normally later in the day & we have more prep time to make sure everything is in place! What’s great about having a duo during your wedding day is that about 20 minutes before the ceremony one of us is typically with the bride & the other is with the groom prior to the ceremony. Jackie & I have perfected our texting code words – lot’s of MOG, FOB’s being thrown around! Thank you Wedding Planner for the fun lingo! 


We are lucky to work with some incredible vendors & we also get introduced to new and amazing industry folks including B.Darling Florals& live event painter Vesna. Being asked to find a live wedding painter was one of the coolest vendor recommendations we’ve ever researched! The painting(s) are actually completed that night & can be taken home right away! 


Sometimes there is a larger gap between the ceremony and reception & we’ll work alongside the photographer to make sure everyone is present for the photos before cocktail hour. We are really there to do whatever needs to be done – like a wedding concierge of sorts! One of my favorite memories is holding a bride’s veil off the side to make it look like they are blowing in the wind! 


Once the reception starts, introductions are made and speeches are given – we can relax a bit with the timeline because the fun of eating, drinking & dancing begins for everyone! We can stay through the entire reception or head out after the dancing really begins – all of this is decided well in advance of the wedding!


By the end of the night we’ve basically walked the equivalent of a short race & are ready to wind down! So I might not technically be getting a workout in, but I’m sure hustling through the day! 



Where we find ourselves to be most valuable is for the little things – making sure those details that we discussed leading up to the day of your wedding aren’t forgotten, that your guests actually take their wedding favors that you have put hours into making, that your grandmother and grandfather can see your first dance & most of all that you don’t have to worry about anything other than having a great time! I hope this was a fun read for a little behind the scenes of what we do when we coordinate a wedding – granted this is about 1/4 of what actually happens! 



Did you have a wedding coordinator for your wedding?


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61 Comments

  1. Rachel McCarthy
    October 2, 2017 / 11:04 am

    What a fun post, Biana! I loved seeing a behind the scenes look at your day. There is so much that goes into planning a wedding, I can't imagine doing it several weekends a year! The live wedding painter is such a different idea! How cool and I'm so impressed you found one! Happy Monday!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  2. Andrea Nine
    October 2, 2017 / 11:33 am

    Your work is so amazing and so very valuable to a bride!! Knowing all the details are taking care of would be so vital to me. I uses to coordinate big parties for my place of employment, it's fun but exhausting work. You did so good girl, love the kisses bags!!

  3. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    October 2, 2017 / 11:40 am

    I've always wanted to be a wedding coordinator but then someone reminded me you lose your weekends. my wedding coordinator commented that she wanted to hire me because I was such an organized bride. lol Love seeing all the fun and unique details that go into different weddings. That bouquet is gorgeous!! xo Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis

  4. Girl Meets Bow
    October 2, 2017 / 11:54 am

    When I was younger I always wanted to be a wedding planner, so it was so fun to read more about your daily routine as a planner ! The weddings you've done are absolutely gorgeous!

  5. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    October 2, 2017 / 11:55 am

    After recently going through a wedding without a planner (just a day-of-coordinator), I can seriously imagine how much work goes into your job! Looking back I wish we had hired an outside planner because it would have saved me SO much stress! I'm sure you're absolutely AMAZING!! What a fun job!

    Rosy Outlook

  6. Katherine
    October 2, 2017 / 12:04 pm

    I love these kinds of posts! This was so interesting to read too! Your job looks like it's very rewarding but also very difficult at times! You are amazing!

    Katherine | oneswainkycouple.com

  7. Unknown
    October 2, 2017 / 12:07 pm

    I love all the details that go into a wedding. It sounds like you are a pro at it! So great that you get to work with such amazing people both vendors and friends to make things magical for the bride!

    Xoxo,
    Whitney & Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  8. Sarah Shaneyfelt
    October 2, 2017 / 12:12 pm

    I'm so glad you did this post! I found it so interesting! This seems like a really fun job to have!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

  9. Sarita @ it's my girls' world
    October 2, 2017 / 12:30 pm

    Such hard work but soo fun too!

  10. P!nky
    October 2, 2017 / 1:18 pm

    My wedding planner was incredible and kept things rolling on time. I've been to a few weddings where one wasn't used and you could just tell, the bride was stressed and things weren't flowing right. Not having to stress is HUGE on the wedding day.

  11. Laura @ Laura Likes Design
    October 2, 2017 / 1:21 pm

    Ah, I didn't know you were a wedding planner! That's so awesome! We didn't have a wedding planner but I feel like that would have eliminated a LOT of the stress and helped us to enjoy the engagement season more intentionally!

  12. Just Jess
    October 2, 2017 / 1:29 pm

    What a fun post! It was great to get a peak behind the scenes of your job and it looks like you are one amazing planner. Jess at Just Jess

  13. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    October 2, 2017 / 1:57 pm

    My wedding planner was such a life saver. She helped run the entire show but never felt overpowering. She knew my venus inside and out. My mother and I still talk about how amazing Alexis was. It is a lot of work though girl, I give you so much credit!

  14. Ashley @ The Wandering Weekenders
    October 2, 2017 / 2:11 pm

    Y'all really do so much to make sure that everything goes smoothly for the bride and groom during their big day! Our venues actually had some wedding planners to help make sure that things went smoothly, but if they didn't, I for sure would have hired one!

  15. Marie
    October 2, 2017 / 2:22 pm

    I have always heard that a Wedding Planner is must and a total life saver. I can't even imagine how much work it is, it is all in the little details. Right?? It must be so much fun.

  16. Straight A Style
    October 2, 2017 / 3:02 pm

    You have it down to a science! Love it.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  17. Beautifully Candid
    October 2, 2017 / 3:05 pm

    I love getting a look at more of the behind the scenes! I would be exhausted by the end of the day but it must feel so great when you see how happy the bride and groom are. You coordinate some amazing events, girl! xo, Sierra Beautifully Candid

  18. Kay R.
    October 2, 2017 / 3:08 pm

    Loved reading this. How bout you come plan my wedding huh?

  19. Kate at Green Fashionista
    October 2, 2017 / 3:14 pm

    Such a fun post! You girls pull off such fabulous events, and the details are always amazing. Love watching your dream unfold each weekend <3
    Green Fashionista

  20. Lily (Beauty With Lily)
    October 2, 2017 / 3:29 pm

    Really enjoyed reading this Biana! You two definitely keep busy, I admire you. You do so much!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

  21. Rachel F
    October 2, 2017 / 3:41 pm

    any bride would be lucky to have your help… you are the MOST detail oriented person I know!! You're made for this!!!! XOXO, R

  22. Cat Chat With Caren and Cody (Caren Gittleman)
    October 2, 2017 / 3:41 pm

    This was just fabulous! Wish we could have had you when my step daughter was married! Both of my weddings were on the smaller side (well the first one was 150) but we got married right at the venue…….so we didn't have a wedding coordinator. I can tell that you have to be the best of the best! xoxo catchatwithcarenandcody

  23. A Dash of Pretty
    October 2, 2017 / 3:45 pm

    You make me want to get back into event planning with this! Weddings are definitely the most adrenaline inducing and I love the excitement and go, go, go of it all! You do an AMAZING job!

  24. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    October 2, 2017 / 3:56 pm

    I seriously applaud you for doing this on top of your regular 9-5 job because wedding planning/coordinating is no joke and you ladies nail it flawlessly every single time! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  25. Nadine
    October 2, 2017 / 4:03 pm

    It's so fun hearing about all the behind the scenes details! I know it is a lot of work to coordinate a wedding with all the moving parts, but it sure sounds like a lot of fun too! You girls pull of some beautiful events!

  26. Brittany
    October 2, 2017 / 4:06 pm

    I always love learning what other friends do and this was so fun to read. You have such a fun job! Happy Monday!

    Brittany 😉
    kingdomofsequins.com

  27. Christina Lea Loves
    October 2, 2017 / 4:08 pm

    I studied a little bit of wedding planning in college so this was so fun to read – a fun day! I also love your camel wrap cardigan!

  28. Rebecca Jo
    October 2, 2017 / 5:07 pm

    I need someone like you helping me out in weddings…
    Its a tough day, I feel ya on the 12 to 13 hours of standing & being on your feet.
    I also need you for your boutonniere talents. We are always searching for someone to put them on right. They look to me & I'm like, 'I gotta take the picture of someone putting it on, I cant do it" 🙂

  29. Unknown
    October 2, 2017 / 5:13 pm

    It's so interesting to see the behind the scene's wedding! You can be proud of you, it looked beautiful!

    violettedaily.com

  30. Denise
    October 2, 2017 / 5:17 pm

    Such a cool behind the scenes share. I knew all that went into it, but it was cool to see it from your perspective! I cannot believe how long you are standing!

    Denise | Fashion Love Letters

  31. Nina Kobi
    October 2, 2017 / 5:35 pm

    I enjoyed reading about behind the scenes details. Coordinating a wedding sounds like a hard work. You should be proud of yourself. xx

    Nina's Style Blog

  32. Jalisa
    October 2, 2017 / 6:03 pm

    Girl, hats off to you! I don't know how you both do so much with just the two of you! I know that your clients must be over the moon with joy to see how everything turns out each time because you have such an incredible eye for detail and I'm sure your partner does, too! Thanks for sharing a day in the life, this was such a fun read and great for getting some insight to what goes on behind the scenes! I hope you have the best week ahead, my friend!

    XO,
    Jalisa
    THE STYLE CONTOUR

  33. Tanya Dufour
    October 2, 2017 / 6:05 pm

    This sounds like a fast paced industry for sure! I bet it's a ton of work but pretty overwhelming at times…yet always exciting! That on site painter idea is really cool!

  34. Lindsay's Sweet World
    October 2, 2017 / 6:10 pm

    This is so interesting to read about. You guys have planned some beautiful weddings, girl! All of these pictures are just perfection!

  35. Catia
    October 2, 2017 / 6:45 pm

    So, that's a wedding planner day at work. Nice! Love it!

  36. Missy
    October 2, 2017 / 7:29 pm

    Love getting to see all the behind the scenes work! All of the details are just so lovely. I will be using one when the day happens. Wish I could use your services!

  37. kerri @ cheshire kat
    October 2, 2017 / 8:17 pm

    seriously it's so impressive all that you guys do when it comes to wedding planning. i totally picture the wedding planner so when you said you use those little codes i love it ha. and i don't doubt this is only a snapshot (pun intended). love it!

    xoxo cheshire kat

  38. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    October 2, 2017 / 8:29 pm

    this was so interesting B! i doubt most people realise just how much work goes into this and i love the wedding concierge analogy. seriously, hats off to you guys! i work with my friend sometimes when she needs an assistant for weddings, she's a hairdresser, i just curl hair and she does the updos. we are generally working for 4-5 hours on our feet non stop and it is no joke! but at least we are standing still haha. this really was very interesting, thanks for sharing!

  39. a little bit of emily
    October 2, 2017 / 9:03 pm

    It's so fun to hear about this – wedding planning sounds like so much fun and that painting done is SO NEAT! It turned out awesome!

  40. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
    October 2, 2017 / 9:12 pm

    It is always so fun to see how different weddings look from behind the scenes! It looks like you do a great job girl!! xo

    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams

  41. Zelle B.
    October 2, 2017 / 10:20 pm

    Loved this post! I feel like going into my wedding I had a decent idea of what a wedding coordinator's actual role (and how much they truly do!) is as I worked at a wedding event venue as the marketing director so when it came time to my wedding, I was so appreciative for everything my team did! I love following along with your wedding planning business!

    Zelle | Southern Style

  42. Brooke
    October 3, 2017 / 1:23 am

    I used to dream of being a wedding coordinator! The venue we went with had a day of coordinator and it made life so easy. I truly appreciate what you ladies do!

    Brooke
    pumps and push-ups

  43. Brianne
    October 3, 2017 / 1:25 am

    You do such a great job!!

  44. Emelia @ Dream Big and Buy the Shoes
    October 3, 2017 / 3:29 am

    I LOVE this post and getting to know more. Event coordinating is always something I've been interested in and loved doing for myself and family members on a smaller scale. I enjoyed the part of you making sure people don't miss the first dance and that everyone gets their favors- such little but important details. Your events always look fabulous and I applaud you and your partner for your great work- always looks so amazing!

  45. Shannon Jenkins
    October 3, 2017 / 4:49 am

    You are amazing! Wedding planning is definitely no joke and all your weddings look like they turn out so beautifully!

    <3 Shannon 
    Upbeat Soles

  46. Unknown
    October 3, 2017 / 9:58 am

    There is so much going on behind a wedding, I remember mine, the list of things to take care of was unbelievable!! xx
    bonjourchiara.com

  47. Way2flowers
    October 3, 2017 / 11:59 am

    First of all, Many many congrats. I love the decoration. Great work.

    From Online Flowers Delivery Team

  48. Owen Davis @ Davis Duo
    October 3, 2017 / 1:48 pm

    This is so interesting to me! I can totally see myself doing this in another life because I loooove weddings and I am super Type-A! Gorgeous pictures and that bouquet is to die for!

  49. Mattie | Comfy & Confident
    October 3, 2017 / 2:24 pm

    This is so cool to see! You get to make the bride's dreams come true. What a fun and exciting job.

  50. caschelldorf
    October 3, 2017 / 2:38 pm

    This is a great, thanks for sharing! How did you get into this?

  51. Roxanne
    October 3, 2017 / 3:01 pm

    This post is so interesting! Wow what a FULL day! I wish I would have had a wedding coordinator!
    –Roxanne
    glassofglam.com

  52. Carly
    October 3, 2017 / 3:32 pm

    So fun to read through your day! I still think the wedding painter is such an awesome idea, and swooning over that wedding dress in the picture after that one.

  53. Jenn
    October 3, 2017 / 4:31 pm

    I know it's a lot of work but it also seems like a lot of fun too! 🙂

  54. Annessa
    October 3, 2017 / 6:58 pm

    It was so crazy planning y wedding, I just can't imagine how busy you are on wedding days! I'm sure it's 1000% satisfying to see it come together in the end though. The weddings you've done are so gorgeous!

    Annessa
    seekingsunshine.com

  55. The Girl who Loved to Write
    October 3, 2017 / 7:13 pm

    I loved reading this! You are amazing!!

  56. Unknown
    October 4, 2017 / 2:34 am

    What a full day of work but it seems like you LOVE what you do. What's your go to lunch when on the run?
    Belen from ahintoflife.com

  57. Rachel Emily
    October 4, 2017 / 11:56 am

    Loved this look inside your wedding planning days! Sounds like so much fun!

  58. Stella Cadente
    October 4, 2017 / 6:02 pm

    I loved this! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!

    xx
    Lauren Elizabeth
    Petite in Pearls

  59. Sparkles and Lattes
    October 5, 2017 / 10:06 pm

    I love the idea of a live wedding painter. So cool. Thank you for sharing a day in the life of a wedding planner. So cool.

  60. sara [at] journey of doing
    October 7, 2017 / 4:44 pm

    Girl, your events are gorgeous!! You are so talented at wedding planning. I could not have made it through our wedding without our amazing coordinator and planner. Everything went flawlessly and she kept everything running on time. When I go to weddings that are 45 minutes (or longer!) behind, I remind myself over and over and over how worth the investment she was.

  61. NotJessFashion
    October 8, 2017 / 11:52 am

    So this is what a wedding planner's day look like. You guys did a great job!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com