What Is a Month-of Wedding Coordinator? (And Why It Might Be the Best Investment You'll Make in Your Wedding Planning Journey)

May 6, 2025

Planning a wedding is no small feat—especially when you're juggling vendor emails, family questions, travel logistics, and a Pinterest board that won’t stop growing. Whether your wedding is happening in a cozy lodge in Canmore or against the mountain backdrop of Banff, a month-of wedding coordinator can be the difference between chaos and calm.

Here’s everything you need to know about what a month-of coordinator does, why it’s worth every penny, and why so many of my couples say hiring me was the best decision they made.

What exactly does a month-of coordinator do?

A month-of coordinator steps in about 4–6 weeks before the wedding to pull together all the moving parts and ensure everything runs smoothly. While you’ve done most of the planning yourself, this is when you hand off the reins and get to breathe.

In my case, the support begins well before that—my couples have unlimited access to me from the moment they book. I'm here for vendor recommendations, contract reviews, or to talk you through that moment of panic when your table layout just doesn’t feel right. I aim to be a trusted, calming presence throughout the whole process.

Here’s what I take care of:

Venue Walkthrough & Timeline Creation:

‍ I’ll map out your entire day—from the moment hair and makeup begins to the last song on the dance floor. It becomes the master plan that everyone follows.

Vendor Confirmation:

‍I contact all vendors to confirm arrival times, setup needs, and contact details so no one is left guessing. You won’t be stuck answering texts while getting your nails done or packing your suitcase.

Rehearsal Coordination:

I lead the rehearsal so everyone knows where to stand, when to walk, and what to expect. It brings confidence to the wedding party, calm to the couple, and peace of mind to me—because the ceremony has a lot of moving parts, and it’s so worth walking through them all.

Full Wedding Day Management:

I’m the first one on site and the last to leave. I oversee setup, cue events, troubleshoot issues, and keep everything flowing smoothly behind the scenes.

Late-Night Teardown:

When the lights come on and everyone’s heading home, I’m still there—helping with teardown, packing personal items, and making sure everything is accounted for. Especially at venues with strict closing times, this is a huge relief. Nobody wants to be put to work at 1 a.m.

Emergency Kit & Problem Solving:

I come prepared with stain remover, safety pins, extra chargers, Advil, snacks—you name it. My goal is to quietly and efficiently solve any issues before they ever reach you. Whether it’s a missing boutonnière, a dress snag, or a sudden change in weather, I’ve seen it all and I’m ready for it. You shouldn’t even notice a hiccup—just smooth sailing while you stay fully present and soak in every moment.

Why hire a month-of coordinator?

Most couples have never planned an event of this scale, and even those who feel confident with spreadsheets and timelines deserve to actually enjoy their wedding. Hiring a coordinator lets you do that.

I’ve managed over 150 weddings—including more than 60 through my own business, Bow Valley Weddings. Most of my clients are planning from out of town, so they rely on me as their eyes, ears, and advocate on the ground. And I take that responsibility to heart.

The biggest benefit? You get to hand everything off in the final weeks to someone who knows exactly what to do—and who you trust to make judgment calls when needed. That’s why so many of my clients tell me it was the best decision they made.

What’s the difference between month-of and day-of coordination?

"Day-of" coordination sounds like someone shows up and makes magic happen with no prep. In reality, that’s not possible. True month-of coordination includes weeks of planning, reviewing vendor contracts, building timelines, and prepping for the unexpected.

By the time the wedding arrives, I know the day inside and out. I’m not just managing logistics—I’m protecting your vision and holding space for you to be present in one of the most meaningful days of your life.. I’m not just managing logistics—I’m protecting your vision and holding space for you to be present in one of the most meaningful days of your life.

Questions to ask when hiring a month-of coordinator:

Can we speak to any of your past clients or see testimonials?
When do you step in and how early can we reach out?
Will you help us with vendor referrals and contract reviews?
Do you include rehearsal and late-night teardown?
How many weddings do you coordinate per weekend?
What’s your backup plan if you can’t make it?

Planning from afar?

Whether you’re across the country or just two hours away, getting married in a destination like Canmore or Banff brings extra layers of logistics. That’s where I come in. I know the venues, the vendors, and the mountain weather curveballs—and I’m here to help you navigate all of it.

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If you’re wondering whether month-of coordination is worth it, that’s totally fair—and really common. It’s a big investment, and if you’ve already done most of the planning yourselves, it can be hard to picture what’s left to do. But the truth is, while the planning takes months, the execution takes one very full, very intricate day—and that’s where I quietly work my magic.

I’m often the first to arrive and the last to leave. I coordinate with every vendor, manage the timeline, solve problems behind the scenes, and make sure that all the effort you’ve poured into this day can actually be felt—without distractions or stress. My role is to keep things running smoothly so you can be fully present, from your first look to your final dance.

I’m deeply passionate about this work because I love working with people. Being part of such a meaningful moment in someone’s life is incredibly special, and I take that responsibility to heart. I show up with kindness, calm, and a sense of humour—and I do everything I can to make sure your day feels effortless, joyful, and truly yours.

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Photos by Wind and Blue Media

Wedding Planner: @bowvalleyweddings
‍Venue: @fairmontbanff
‍Photography & Videography: @windandbluemedia
‍Florist: @bluelakesfloraldesign
‍HMU: @juliajoybeautyco
‍Band: @supersonicheartsband
‍Ceremony Musician: @HarpAngelHarpist
‍Chair Rentals: @mountaineventrentals
‍Transportation: @banffsedan
‍Wedding Favours: @balance.explore

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