There can be a lot of confusion about what a venue coordinator vs. a designated “Day-Of Coordinator” does? And if your DJ/MC is telling you they will also coordinate the reception (possibly using terms like “staging”), you’re probably scratching your head wondering who is doing what.
VENUE COORDINATORS
Venue coordinators make sure if you need 8 round tables that 8 round tables get set-up, if you requested blue linens that you get blue linens, etc. 90% of venue coordinators are NOT present during the actual ceremony and reception. For the most part, those who are present during the wedding are typically just watching to make sure guests don’t destroy their property, not to actually coordinate anything. Of course, there are exceptions. For example, I know the Red Barn Ranch in Pauma Valley actually provides a true Day-of Coordinator with their packages (not just a venue coordinator).
DAY-OF COORDINATOR
A Day-of Coordinator makes sure everyone is in their places for the ceremony and coordinates timing with the DJ and officiant, that you get a plate of food without having to go through the buffet line, that your special engraved cake knife on the cake table right before the cake cutting, that all your votive candle centerpieces get lit before dinner starts.
MCing/STAGING
If a DJ/MC tells you that they offer staging and/or coordinating the reception, that typically refers to: instructing your dad on how to use the microphone before his toast, reminding toasters to bring their drinks up to the mic with them, telling your mom to stand on the side of the dance floor ready to dance when the last toaster finishes so everyone doesn’t have to wait for her to walk across the room in awkward silence for the start of the Mother-Son Dance. While the DJ/MC is “staging” (and coaching) the toasters, for example, a Day-of Coordinator might be making sure the champagne is getting poured so that the champagne is ready at the same time the toasters are ready.
Still have questions about the differences between a Venue Coordinator v. Day-of Coordinator v. “Staging”/MCing? Let me know in the comments below, & I will answer them.
Post by DJ Track Star Staci
I'm DJ Track Star Staci, an international DJ, MC, turntablist, & producer for 14 years. My clients have included: Lamborghini, Victoria's Secret, Reebok, and many more. My performances are trusted at A-list events like Comic Con, Entrepreneur of the Year, and movie premieres. I've rocked Sr. Frogs in Cancun, music festivals, the Vegas strip, celebrity events, & 500 weddings. Check my availability, get an instant fee estimate, or listen to some of my DJ sets or my original remixes & mash-ups.
