FAQ
Your questions, answered.
Everything couples ask before hiring a day-of wedding coordinator in New York City, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley.
What does a day-of wedding coordinator do?
A day-of coordinator takes the plan you already made and runs it, so you don't have to. That means building and sharing the final timeline, being the single point of contact for your vendors, running the rehearsal, cueing the processional, keeping the reception on schedule, and fixing whatever pops up before you ever hear about it. Despite the name, the work starts weeks before the wedding: you can't run a day you haven't learned inside and out.
What's the difference between a day-of coordinator and a wedding planner?
A full planner helps you build the wedding from scratch: finding and booking vendors, managing the budget, and shaping the design. A day-of coordinator steps in once those decisions are made and makes sure they actually happen. If you've booked your vendors and want someone to take it from here, day-of coordination is what you need.
Why hire a day-of coordinator if I've already planned everything?
Because otherwise the person running your wedding is you, or your mom, or your maid of honor. Someone has to answer the florist's call, tell the DJ when to start the entrance, find the missing bouquet, and make sure the vendors get paid. A coordinator handles all of it so you and the people you love can actually be at the wedding.
What should I look for when hiring a wedding coordinator in Westchester or NYC?
Ask these questions before you sign with anyone:
Will they meet with you before the wedding to build the timeline, or just show up on the day?
Do they visit the venue or run the rehearsal?
How many hours are they onsite, and is there an assistant, or is it one person covering everything?
Will they be your vendors' main contact during wedding week?
Can they collect vendor insurance certificates if your venue requires them?
Exactly what's included and what isn't, in writing?
What do past couples say about them?
Then trust your gut. This is the person standing next to you on one of the biggest days of your life, so you should like them.
How do I find a reliable day-of wedding coordinator in New York City?
Start with reviews from real couples, ask your venue who they like working with, and set up a short call with your top picks. A good coordinator will ask about your vendors, your timeline, and your family before they talk about themselves. Older Sister Events coordinates weddings across New York City, Westchester County, and the Hudson Valley, and you can read what our couples say.
Where does Older Sister Events work?
We coordinate weddings throughout New York City and Westchester County, from New Rochelle and Rye to White Plains and Tarrytown, plus the Hudson Valley. Ballrooms, rooftops, estates, backyards: if it's in the area, we'll be there.
What's included in day-of coordination with Older Sister Events?
Up to six hours of support before the wedding: an onboarding call, a timeline meeting, a processional and inventory meeting, check-ins, and time for your questions
Collecting insurance certificates from your vendors when your venue requires them
A handover meeting where we officially take over coordination
A site visit before the wedding or coverage of your rehearsal
A lead coordinator and an assistant onsite for up to 15 hours on your wedding day
See the full step-by-step on our Process page.
What isn't included?
Design and florals; finding, booking, or contracting vendors; budget management and paying vendors; guest lists, RSVPs, and invitations; and catering or bar service. Need something extra? Ask, and we can add it in writing.
How much does day-of wedding coordination cost?
Every wedding is quoted individually, based on your date, your venue, your guest count, and how many hours you need covered. Send us your details and we'll get back to you within 48 hours with availability and a quote.
When should I book a day-of coordinator?
As soon as you have a date and a venue. Dates are first come, first served, and yours is only held once your agreement is signed and your retainer comes in. The planning meetings happen in the lead-up to the wedding, so booking early just means your date is safe.
Do you coordinate anything besides weddings?
Yes. We scale up for full wedding weekends (welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, after-parties, farewell brunches) and offer a lighter version for bridal showers. Bachelorette weekends are planned ahead of time without onsite support. Details are on our Services page.
How do I get in touch?
Fill out the form on our Contact page or email Katie@OlderSisterEvents.com. Don't have your headcount locked in yet? Give us your best guess. We'll take it from there.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Let’s get your date on the calendar.
Tell us your date and venue. Then, consider it handled.