DOCs - cost & usefulness?

I'm curious what it costs to have a DOC and whether or not you think it's worth it? What exactly does she do that day, and is she involved beforehand to any extent?

Thanks!

from the quotes i got for a DOC it seems very reasonable, i got prices from 700-800 dollars and that included unlimted emails, phone calls, confirming all your vendors, when they were setting up, when they arrive, leave, the rehersal dinner, the full day of your wedding just making sure everything you have planned out, goes according to plan, and your not the one running around in the white dress trying to orchestrate everything. From what i have read on these boards and from hearing stories from friends, the day flies by so fast and i think it could help if all the details were handled by a DOC and a bride can just enjoy her day and her new husband, the DOC also carries emergency kits with everything you need, plus they will make sure you get all your must have pictures, they will help reapply your lipstick so you always look fresh.

if a small wedding these days is costing 30 grand 750 dollars doesnt seem like that much for all you get.

I'm still on the fence about a DOC. My worst fear is how involved do they get? I have enough input from all the pain in the arse wedding experts in my family. If she just oversees the day of then I might consider it. The other problem is how do I keep my MOM away from her. Mom will wind up overseeing the DOC. As far as the expense considering what a wedding cost and what your already spending, it's really not expensive, if it gives you peace of mind the day of the wedding..go for it.

I call my DOC my professional worrier!! But in all honesty, she is soooooo much more than that. She has listened to me vent, helped me with problems I've had with other vendors, helped me find my dream vendor at a price I could afford, and the day of, she will make sure I get down the aisle on time etc etc. I could go on and on. IMHO, hiring Francesca from Dazzling Affiars was the best money I spent on this wedding - and the smartest move I made.

well, i think the 'what do they do' question has been answered from the looks of the posts above-- it's all that and then some!

the costs range-- mine is $650 (it would be less if I did not want her to be present at the RD) but I do so $650 is the price.

she has been fantastic so far and one of the best decisions i made for my wedding... christine from EAP (a vendor on NYCweddings)

THE SITE!!!!!!

Kara:

I just hired a DOC and I couldn't be happier. She is supposed to confirm all vendors two weeks prior to the wedding and handle all snafus (major and minor) during my wedding day. I just don't want to have to worry about that stuff primairly because I am (a) lazy and (b) planning on partying my azz off at the reception. She also happens to have some really great tips on vendors, saving money and tons of great advice. FM me if you want her info.

I completely agree about not having a DOC. I had 4 bridal attendants and 1 maitre D' and they are all on top of everything. I had the time of my life w/o a DOC and everything was perfect!

Of course I did prepare abit by giving my bridesmaids wedding day tasks, a timeline, seating chart, song list, etc. so I was never bugged about these small things.

But honestly save your money unless the place you're having the wedding at doesnt supply you with a maitre d' and bridal attendant.

I will completely disagree with some of the above posts.

I had a small wedding (75 people) and did not even think about considering of hiring a DOC. Well, towards the end of planning, Christine (ChrissynRicky) decided to go into her own business as a DOC. She offered to me her services, and we decided that it would be a great practice for her since it was a small wedding and she knew me, etc etc. She helped me out with my church programs, votive placecards, favors, and whole bunch of other stuff. Towards the end, I really appreciated what she had done for me as I was so burned out from all the planning and work that I did not have the want or the time to do any of it.

The day of my wedding, she arrived early and at that point I was nervous, anxious and ready to flip my lid on everyone around me, and as soon as she walked in, I felt a sense of calmness come over me. She steamed my veil, got on the phone with the florist when they delivered the flowers and the bouts were incorrect, delegated to everyone on getting ready, staying out of the way, sewed on my button as it decided to fall off when I was putting on my gown, headed to the church early, helped the guys with the bouts, held the door, made sure everyone entere through the side doors when we were all getting ready to proceed down the isle, distributed programs, the bubbles and on and on and on...I could really go on and on...

In one word, whether you're having 70 people or 300 people, I think every bride needs a DOC...a good one...because things will NOT go as you want them to go on their own the day of...unless you have someone there to direct everything....someone with experience. Yes, your BMs will be there, but they are worried about their appearance and nervous about walking down the isle, and they want to have a good time as well...yes, you will have a Bridal Attendant and your Maitre'D but they are just there to take care of the basic things (Bridal Attendant- serving you and your husband and the Maitre'D to delegate to the staff).

A DOC is your own personal assistant. Someone who has planned with you, knows your style, gets to know you and will make sure that the day will run as planned by YOU.

Im not just saying this bc I know Chris- NO WAY! I am saying this from my own personal experience...I know how it feels...you will not be able to make sure that everything will run smoothly. And its really up to you, if you dont want to spend the money and let things be, thats fine too...its your day regardless and it will be perfect no matter what!

HTH

I had a DOC. Was she helpful? At times, yes. However, my DOC was completely unprofessional and in the end, cost me even more money because I had to pay for something she refused to accept responsibility for.

That being said, my DOC did come in handy the day of. If I had to do it all over again, I would hire a different one. Although I was an organized bride and had a great bridal attendant and maitre'd, I still needed someone to take care of odds and ends. I recommend one to all those who can afford it.

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Posted by October Bliss

I call my DOC my professional worrier!! But in all honesty, she is soooooo much more than that. She has listened to me vent, helped me with problems I've had with other vendors, helped me find my dream vendor at a price I could afford, and the day of, she will make sure I get down the aisle on time etc etc. I could go on and on. IMHO, hiring Francesca from Dazzling Affiars was the best money I spent on this wedding - and the smartest move I made.

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I COULD NOT AGREE MORE!!!! Francesca has been OUTSTANDING. She has been the best money spent so far. Even though she is only hired for 'the day' she has been soooo helpful since we hired her in April. She's the BEST!

My friend's sister is going to be my DOC. She's one of those super organized girls who pays attention to every detail. She has a lot of interest in going into event planning as a career.

If you don't want to pay for a DOC, you could designate a friend or family member as your official DOC.

Speaking from our experience and OUR experience ONLY...Our DOC was a complete and total waste of money. We paid a LOT and the things I actually needed her and her asst for was not done.

BUT....I have heard of other DOC's to be very reasonably priced and EXCELLENT help!

Good luck!