How Early Should You Hire a Wedding Coordinator?
You just got engaged – congratulations! 💍
Once the excitement settles in, most couples jump straight into booking their venue and vendors. That part is fun!
But one question I hear over and over from St. Augustine and Florida brides is:
👉 “When is the right time to hire a day-of wedding coordinator?”
Let’s talk about it.
The Short Answer
There are different types of wedding professionals, and they come into the planning process at different times.
A full-service wedding planner is typically hired 12–18 months out.
A day-of wedding coordinator, however, is usually best booked much earlier than most brides realize.
My Professional Recommendation
Even if you feel confident planning your wedding yourself, I suggest hiring your coordinator:
At least 6–12 months before your wedding day
Here’s why:
1. Coordinators Book Up Fast Too
Many couples think “day-of help” means “last-minute hire.”
Not true!
Quality coordinators often work with a limited number of weddings per month so they can fully support each bride. If you wait until the final month, your date may already be taken.
2. You Want Someone Who Knows Your Wedding
The earlier you bring in a coordinator, the more helpful they become.
Booking early allows your coordinator to:
review vendor contracts
help refine your timeline
offer advice on floor plans
attend venue walkthroughs
answer questions along the way
Instead of a stranger showing up on your wedding day, you’ll have a trusted professional who already understands your vision.
3. Stress Starts Long Before the Wedding
Most of the anxiety my brides feel happens in the weeks leading up to the wedding, not the day they get engaged.
Having a coordinator in place early gives you peace knowing:
“If I have questions, I have MY person to ask.”
4. Better Timelines Happen with Early Support
A timeline created without a coordinator is often missing realistic transition time.
When you hire early, your coordinator can help you build a schedule that truly works – especially important for outdoor weddings, large bridal parties, or multiple vendors.
When CAN You Wait?
If you’re already in the final months of planning, don’t panic. You can still hire a coordinator later in the process.
But it’s ideal only when:
vendors are confirmed
the venue is secured
and the timeline is mostly complete
Even then, earlier is always better.
Who Benefits Most from Hiring Early?
DIY brides
couples planning intimate weddings (around 60 guests like one of my recent clients!)
destination brides who won’t be local
couples who want to actually enjoy their engagement season
Final Thought
Your wedding coordinator is there to support far more than “just one day.”
The earlier you hire them, the smoother your entire planning journey becomes.
Let’s Save Your Date
If you’re recently engaged and considering professional coordination, I’d love to chat with you.
Vision to Vows LLC offers personalized day-of coordination and partial planning services for St. Augustine and surrounding Florida venues.
📩 Contact me anytime to check availability and reserve your wedding date.
Signed:
Ashlyn Kirkland
Certified Wedding Planner & Day-of Coordinator
Vision to Vows LLC
St. Augustine, FL
