~~Real Talk from an Asheville Wedding Planner Who Gets It

I get it, I do—you’re trying to save as much money as you can and your cousin said she’s “super organized,” and “always on top of things.” But let’s be honest: unless she’s a professional wedding coordinator with vendor contacts, insurance, and a timeline that could make Google Calendar sweat, she’s not your coordinator.

Here’s why this one common wedding planning mistake has to go (and others like it):

1. A Professional Day-Of Wedding Coordinator Does More Than Just Show Up 

A day-of coordinator isn’t there to just “be helpful.” Your coordinator is the one running the show, handling vendor arrivals, managing the timeline, solving problems before you even notice them, and making sure your day runs smoothly without texting you every 5 minutes. Trust me, you don’t want your cousin guessing when the cake should be delivered or trying to wrangle your DJ. Instead, set aside the money for a day-of wedding coordinator in advance and save yourself from a headache on your wedding day. 

2. Your Guests Can’t Be Your Vendors

It doesn’t matter how exceptional Auntie is at cooking or how picturesque your college roommate’s iPhone pics are. It’s simple: if someone is working the wedding, they’re not a guest—and they shouldn’t be treated like one. 

The Hidden Risks of Letting Guests Handle Vendor Roles

Food especially is a huge liability. Auntie may have cooked it, but who’s keeping it hot? Cleaning it up? Where’s the trash going? What happens if something catches fire? (Yes, that’s happened.) Vendors do more than what meets the eye—they plan meticulously, prepare thoroughly, and ensure everything runs according to schedule. And if they’re in charge of the food, for example, they are in charge of all aspects of the food. 

Skip this common wedding planning mistake, find a real vendor, allow your guests to be guests, and save yourself the trouble on your big day. Your wedding planner will have plenty of vendor suggestions for you (I do!). 

3. Avoid Vendor Disasters: Contracts, Booking Systems, and Insurance Matter

If you’re paying vendors via Cash App and getting a “you good?” text as confirmation, you’re gambling with your wedding day. “You good?” doesn’t guarantee that your money won’t disappear with a ghosted vendor. Instead, protect your investment, and peace of mind with vetted, insured pros. Real professionals have contracts, backup plans, and the experience to pivot when something doesn’t go according to plan (because there’s always something that doesn’t go according to plan). 

Bonus Tip

Even if you don’t want full planning, at least book a month-out coordinator. That way, someone is tying up loose ends, managing final confirmations, and stepping in before the chaos begins—not the morning of, when it’s already too late.

Bottom line: hire pros where it counts. You’ll actually save money, time, and stress in the long run. And your cousin? Let her enjoy the day with you—not work it.