Whether or not you want to hire a DOC or the site requires you to hire a DOC, be sure you know what her/his job is. We have found many differences in what these individuals will do and how hard they work the event. A few new to the industry told us they had been to many weddings and thought it would be fun—they work as if they are guests. But this is hard work. I always look at their shoes—spiky or high heels are not working shoes.
This is a detail-oriented business. The person must be organized and exact. They need be accessible, especially on your wedding day—will they give you a 24-hour phone number?
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| Unexpected Snow was Gone by Noon |
The Birkby site manager was out of town for two of our weekend weddings several years ago. Since there was a DOC for each, I didn’t think there would be much for me to do. For the first wedding, I was right—the DOC was hard working who constantly looked around and did what was needed. Boy, was the second wedding different! I took a photo of the three DOCs sitting on the bench during dinner. When I asked them if they were going to straighten up the bride’s room and help her pack up, they said that that wasn’t their job. I found out that many things weren’t their job.
So that expectations are met for each, we have a list of activities that may need to be taken care of during an event. Use this as a guide so there is clear agreement as to what will and will not be done:
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| Cake ready to be moved to the Gazebo |
- Confirm that programs, place cards, guest book, and other needed items are onsite, and in their proper place
- Provide welcoming touches for bridal party e.g., if food is to be in the rooms, etc.
- Keep upstairs rooms clean; disposed of food and other trash properly.
- Contact vendors with day-of issues (for example, what if the cake is late?). have all phone numbers.
- Take care of any other details including placement of flowers (work with the florist), favors, votives, place cards, guest book, etc.
- Help bride and bridesmaids, mothers, groom, groomsmen, fathers get ready. Most planners pin on corsages and boutonnieres and tie bow-ties.
- Keep things on schedule and throughout the event check with site manager, caterer, and DJ.
- Line up bridal party for ceremony.
- Queue musicians and wedding participants.
- Straighten the bride’s dress, ensure everything is picture perfect.
- Keep in contact with photographer. Make sure all photos requested by the bride are taken.
- Make sure the bride and groom are served drinks and food.
- Be sure the food service and the property are kept neat and tidy.
- Direct guests from the cocktail area to the reception area.
- Work with master of ceremonies (usually the DJ) for announcement of the wedding party.
- Line up wedding party correctly for the dinner introductions.
- Keep things moving and on schedule: speeches, dances, cake cutting, bouquet toss, farewell activity.
- Through out the event, the planner should keep a close eye on the bride and groom to insure every detail is going as the bride and groom had envisioned.
- Help in gathering gifts and making sure each has the card securely attached.
- Coordinate the departure of the couple (limo, transportations) and the guests.
- Help to clear all items from the bridal salon, groom’s lounge and all other areas of the property.
- Pack food/cake for the bride and groom for later.
- If the wedding is in the church, ask how the flowers are to be moved or picked up.
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| Chatting during the Cocktail House |
We want the DOC to know the property and any rules that may influence how things are done. Good DOCs will become familiar with a new site much before decisions are made. Most will attend the pre-event meeting which develops the time schedule and define placement of activities.
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| Bridal Party Entering the Reception for Introductions |
