Choosing Great Events

Setting up and breaking down the ceremony and/or reception space is likely the biggest challenge you will face on your wedding day. What you need to make it all work is the right team. Who should be on your wedding day setup team? Here are six key individuals to include. 

1. Wedding Planner

If you have been using a wedding planner, the big day is when he or she will take real charge. The planner should be familiar with your choices and will be able to give direction to helpers, vendors, and the venue. Haven't been able to hire a full wedding planner? Consider hiring a 'day of' planner to handle things on the wedding day. 

2. Yourself

Most wedding couples are intimately involved in the setup of the venue. But if you aren't planning to take an active role and are leaving it to others, be sure to be available to those you have put in charge. You are the final arbiter of any decisions being made on the big day, so make sure to stay in communication whether or not you're physically there. 

3. Venue Manager

Most wedding centers will have an assigned manager or liaison work with each couple. Have this person's contact information handy if they aren't onsite and share it with your main assistants. The venue manager has done this before and will be a wealth of useful assistance as well as knowing what the venue can do to help. 

4. Setup Assistant

Have a trusted family member or friend assigned to serve as the 'second in command' of the setup process. This person should have been involved in much of the planning. Go over specifics with them prior to the day of your nuptials. The setup assistant can make most of the decorating and placement decisions and will determine which major issues need to be addressed by the bride or groom. 

5. Breakdown Assistant

Just like the setup process needs someone you trust, so does the breakdown. Usually, the wedding couple will have left by the end of the reception, so the breakdown assistant needs to be prepared to handle the entire deconstruction of your wedding venue. They should meet with you, all the breakdown helpers, and the venue management to determine what needs to be done and when. 

6. Helpers

No matter what you're having done professionally, it's always a good idea to arrange for your own helpers to assist the setup and breakdown efforts. Look for helpers who know your style and taste and who can work independently. Keep in mind that it's better to have too much help than not enough. 

If you include these six people in your wedding day team, your setup and breakdown will be a breeze. And then you can focus on the all-important work of enjoying this exciting new chapter in your life. 

For more information, reach out to a local wedding venue.