Weddings can take around 250 hours to plan from start to finish - that's the equivalent of having a full-time job for over six weeks! Is your family willing to help, with both planning details as well as details on the day-of? Are you too busy to make all of the pre-wedding arrangements? Consider not only work, school, family and church commitments, but the other preparations needed before the two of you become one.

I hope you've got the time and energy; but if you don't there's a solution: your very own wedding coordinator.

Years ago, wedding coordinators were more of a luxury. Today, however, they have become increasingly more popular and are used by people of all economic and social classes. Additionally, they are utilized for weddings of all sizes, themes and locations.

When selecting the perfect person or organization for the job, there are many to choose from. If you know someone who's had a great experience with their wedding coordinator, references are a great place to start. But, there are two factors to consider when deciding on your coordinator.

Cost -
Generally, coordinators charge either a flat rate or by the hour. A flat rate can range in amount up to 10 (and in some cases 15) percent of your total wedding budget. Therefore, if you're having a $20,000 wedding, you can expect to pay your wedding coordinator around $2,000. Coordinators who charge by the hour will cost you anywhere from $20 to $60 per hour, most commonly around $45. Therefore, you can expect to get about 45 hours of your coordinator's time for the same $2,000 dollars.

Services -
Coordinators are at your service for just about any of your wedding needs, but you decide what tasks you want them to take care of. Your coordinators responsibilities can range from minimal day-of help to full-service planning and coordination, as well as everything in between.

Day-of help will mean your coordinator will be there to make sure that your ceremony runs smoothly and vendors arrive on time. Note that he or she needs to be present at your rehearsal to meet your wedding participants and learn how you would like the festivities to be carried out. Full-service planning will mean that your coordinator is working alongside you to arrange and order all details, such as flowers, entertainment, food, the venue, etc.

The amount that you have budget for this aspect of your wedding will have an impact on how much you can allot for your coordinator. Look over your list of To-Dos, while considering the amount of time that you will have to dedicate to your planning efforts; how much will you be able to take care of and what tasks would you like help with? You should be able to determine whether it is going to be better financially to choose a flat rate or hourly coordinator depending on the amount of help you'll need.

The last thing that you want is to have memories of your big day tarnished with recollections of unorganized and poorly executed chaos!  So, whether your Carolina wedding entails a small gathering of close friends and family in a garden setting; or entertaining hundreds at a large winery, a wedding coordinator is a wise choice.