We are looking to hire both a wedding coordinator to oversee the entire day and a master of ceremonies (MC) to run the reception. The closer our wedding date gets, the more I feel the itch to solicit the aid of professionals. Quite honestly, if we were having a smaller wedding, I would feel more comfortable handling it myself or having friends and family help me. However, we are expecting close to 250 guests of all different ages, cultures and backgrounds. We will have several vendors coming and going throughout the course of the day. We need professional help!

In terms of a coordinator, we will be looking for a simple package: “day of” coordination, basic familiarity with our list of vendors, a positive attitude, and a willingness to handle and manage the day. I really don’t want someone who will be in my hair every other minute, as I know that will just make me more nervous and anxiety ridden. I have started doing research and have found that I should be able to find these services in Los Angeles in the price range of $900 to $1200. This usually includes day of coordination, 2 or 3 meetings prior to the wedding (may or may not include a tour of your venue), unlimited email communication, and help with things like the rehearsal/rehearsal dinner and vendor coordination.

In terms of the MC, we want to hire a combination DJ/MC. In addition, we have a somewhat unique situation. I don’t know if I mentioned it, but almost half of our guest list will be Mr. G’s parents’ friends. Rather than get into a long winded post about why this is the case, I’ll resist my urge to complain and present the facts. Many of the friends of the Glitters-in-law speak Korean as their first language. They understand English, but they feel most comfortable speaking Korean. I want a MC that will be sensitive to this situation and plan accordingly. An ideal MC doesn’t need to speak Korean, but they also won’t talk to the crowd like they’re idiots (i.e. speaking slowly and loudly). I hate when people do that. In the same vein, the MC will also need to connect with the other half of the crowd. These guests will be our friends and my side of the family who will not have language or cultural barrier issues.

Wow, I already feel sorry for our future DJ/MC. We have done some research into this and feel we can hire a fabulous and culturally sensitive DJ/MC in Los Angeles for about $1000 to $1100. These packages usually include one or two prior meetings to plan the music and review the wedding schedule, all sound equipment, basic lighting, and microphones. The MC would also review all of the names of the wedding party and other announced parties prior to the wedding to ensure correct pronunciation.

We have a budget of about $2000 ($1000 each) for both of these vendors. I hope we can make it work!

Will you hire a wedding coordinator? Will you hire a MC? If you wouldn’t mind divulging, about how much are you planning to spend?

thelessthandomesticgoddess

6 Comments

  1. Linda Ly

    December 30, 2008

    Hi Westside Bride,

    I’m a wedding coordinator who actually got married at the Biltmore in July. Feel free to contact me if you’re interested in speaking further.

  2. Krista

    December 30, 2008

    Hmm … Have you posted on the reason for half the wedding being your fella’s family in the past? I didn’t realize that, but haven’t read all your back posts (some, but not all)

  3. thelessthandomesticgoddess

    December 30, 2008

    @Krista: Nope, this is the first time I’ve made mention of it. It has (understandably) been a major point of contention. Our guest list isn’t nearly complete yet, but I know there are going to be some issues. L’s parents are traditionally Korean. The thought of not inviting many of their friends and extended family would be rather painful for them. We are planning to be more than gracious and allow them to invite most of their guest list (which literally adds up to roughly 40% of our entire list!), but we may have to cut some people. They may not be too pleased, but I think we are allowing them plenty of guests as it is. I might write a post about it. But honestly, L and I haven’t officially decided how we will handle it yet.

  4. AmyJean

    December 30, 2008

    Have you tried Paul (PK) From Kollaboration? I know he does MC, and he’s 2nd generation Korean in LA, so understands what is needed… i’m not sure his costs, but i can get you that info…

    My wedding coordinator rocks, but i don’t know her availability… i used Weddingbee.com boards to find her … maybe you can find someone via weddingbee?!

    good luck, can’t wait to hear what you find!

    RelentlessBride

  5. thelessthandomesticgoddess

    December 31, 2008

    @Linda: Thanks for stopping by! I’d love to hear more about your wedding. I’ll check out your site.

    @AmyJean: Thanks for the recommendations! That’s funny you mentioned Paul Kim. My future in-laws absolutely loved him (he MC’d a wedding they attended). We are definitely considering him…though he may be a bit out of our price range. In terms of coordinators, I have been searching on project wedding and weddingbee A LOT. after the new year, we will probably meet with our top picks. i’ll keep ya posted! thanks again!

  6. Anne K. in L.A.

    January 7, 2009

    Hi Carly! I just thought I’d pop in and say “hi”.

    Definitely hire a coordinator, they are worth their weight in gold. I should add the caveat… Good ones are worth their weight in gold. I know 3 coordinators personally that are roughly in your price range.
    Jill and Stephanie from Style and Grace Events. http://styleandgraceevents.blogspot.com/

    Amanda Auer from In the Now Weddings
    http://www.inthenowweddings.com/

    Paola Spagnoletti from Just Chic Events
    justchicevents.wordpress.com/

    All three have great reviews on Project Wedding and really do go above and beyond for their clients.

    For DJ/MC, I highly recommend Tom Chandler from California Sounds
    http://www.calsounds.com/

    I’ve been to several weddings where he did a wonderful job. He really is culturally aware. I’ve been to a Jewish wedding that he worked and a Vietnamese/Chinese wedding. Both very different, but he adapted well to both. His prices are very reasonable.

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