On-the-Day Wedding Coordinators in Ireland: What They Do, What They Cost and If You Need One

# What an on-the-day coordinator does

An on-the-day coordinator is an independent planner you hire to run the wedding day so you can be a guest. They connect with you 1–2 months before the wedding to collect contracts, contact numbers, and a draft running sheet. From there they create a master timeline and take over supplier communications.

On the wedding day their tasks include:

• looking after small emergencies and personal essentials like sewing kits or umbrellas.

# Venue coordinator versus independent coordinator

Most venues assign an in-house coordinator. Their duty is to the venue: they manage kitchen timings, bar staff and venue operations. An independent on-the-day coordinator is hired by you and owes their loyalty to your plans. That means they handle external suppliers and make sure personal details are arranged the way you want them.

# Finding the right style of coordinator

Examples mentioned in the Irish market include coordinators who provide regional coverage for coastal and castle venues, partnerships that offer hands-on styling and day management, and planners who specialise in timeline oversight nationwide. There are also planners who offer full, partial, or bespoke planning packages alongside on-the-day services.

# Cost and when it's worth paying

In Ireland, on-the-day coordination commonly costs between €800 and €1,800. Price depends on factors such as the number of suppliers, travel distance, the complexity of a marquee or dry-hire site, and how many weeks out the coordinator assumes supplier management.

When the hire tends to be worth it:

• couples who do not want to manage calls, deliveries or timing on the day.

When you might skip it: if your reception is in a full-service hotel with experienced venue staff and minimal external setup, you may be able to rely on the venue alone.

# Short practical checklist for hiring

• Decide how much supplier communication you want to hand over and when (commonly 1–2 months before the wedding).
• Clarify who is responsible for vendors who arrive late or change plans on the day.
• Ask for a sample master timeline and confirm how they handle timeline overruns.
• Confirm travel, setup time and the total fee including any extras for late finishes or additional staffing.

# Bottom line