How did you utilize your DOC?

I have been fighting myself over getting a DOC and now that my wedding is 5 months away I am finally ready to let go of control and seek the help I need.

How long did you use your DOC for? I have quotes for 6 hrs, 9 hrs and 12 hrs and I am not sure which one to select.

I am most concerned with someone making sure the ceremony runs smoothly & to make sure that the reception hall is set up properly (escort cards, menu cards, flowers, candles, etc).

My ceremony & reception is in the same location. The ceremony is from 630-7, CH 7-8, reception 8-12 so I am thinking I only need a DOC for either 6 or 9 hours.

Does the DOC usually stay until they reception ends?
Are you having a DOC while you get ready at your hotel (or home) or just for the ceremony & reception?


Sorry for rambling. This wedding is starting to get so stressful.

How did you utilize your DOC?

I actually have a full-service planner...but her DOC services includes up to 10-12 hours of coordination, 2 assistants, rehearsal and rehearsal dinner coordination, set-up/break down, ceremony processional, vendor management. I also get my own personal bride assistant and FH gets his personal assistant. She is going to be with me all day, from pre-ceremony to post reception. I heard most DOC leave after the cake is cut! If you want her info, I'd be glad to give it to you! She's worth every penny!

How did you utilize your DOC?

If you are looking to save money, I can tell you from experience as a DOC on the side- I've dont weddings where I've left after the first dance, after the cake cutting, and stayed until the end. It really matters on what you want out of it. I personally think its best when the DOC meets the bride while getting ready just to square off the day & make sure she is happy, things are in order, and nothing last minute needs to be taken care of. Then it is your decision as too how much time you want into the reception. Each person offers different things & depending on how fanatical you are with detail yourself you may want more or less time. It comes down to budget & how important one is to you. HTH! (For the record- knowing how much a DOC does I'll be using one for myself so I don't have to worry for once and will most Likely do 9-10 hours )

How did you utilize your DOC?

I had my DOCs (A Modern Day Affair) from 1pm until the reception ended at Midnight. They were doing stuff for me the entire time, because there was always something unexpected that came up. Here's a list of things my DOC handled, and these are just the things I know about:

When they arrived, they went over information with me, ran around the hotel and got things that I needed from other rooms (family members for pictures, stuff I left in my sister's room, etc.). Then, at the reception hall, they oversaw set up and made sure that the shuttle of guests from the hotel arrived, while we were taking photos and my family was relaxing in the bridal suite. When it was time for the ceremony, they were directing everyone where to go, and while the hall had people there to help with that too, having another set of people was very helpful. During the cocktail hour, we thought there was going to be an issue with a guest who brought his his kids who weren't invited, and they were able to quickly talk to our parents and find out what the situation was for us (seriously, just moving in cocktail hour was hard, because EVERYONE wants to talk to you). During the reception, they took cards from us every time a guest handed us one, got us drinks, made sure my husband was dressed for cake cutting, and various other small tasks. They also helped me when I started throwing up from anxiety, which was obviously unexpected and I don't know what I would have done with out them. I threw up about 3-4 times, and each time they saw me moving off the dance floor and were immediately following behind me and clearing the way for me to make it into a stall. At the end of the night, they tipped everyone and helped us throw all the decorations and stuff into my in-laws car.

Our parents who were skeptical about needing a DOC could not stop raving about them after the wedding. It took a lot of the pressure off of us and our families the day of.

How did you utilize your DOC?

Thanks everyone for your response! Such a big help!

How did you utilize your DOC?

so far we have 6 hrs but are thinking about lengthening? maybe?

about same timeline as you so far we are thinking of having them 2-8 (or thru first dance)

How did you utilize your DOC?

My DOC has an EXTREMELY affordable set rate that covers her services for the entire day. I couldn't believe when she told me that she was willing to come as early and stay as late as I needed. Every other DOC I contacted seemed so rigid with their timing and either told me about 'overage fees' or led me to believe they'd be leaving as soon as the clock struck on the hour.


VERY happy with my decision. If you talk to a good DOC/planner, she will be able to save you money with ideas.