About Sara Lawrence
Congratulations on your engagement!
I began my business after moving to my husband’s family farm in Virginia. The farm grew and quickly became a very popular wedding venue.
While watching these wonderful weddings, I noticed one thing that they all had in common. The couples had pre-planned all the details but were constantly being pulled away to answer questions from vendors and staff DURING THE WEDDING!
I realized my wedding coordinating services could answer all these questions and help them to be present and “attend” their own wedding.
It became my goal to provide the bride and groom with a wedding that they enjoyed, loved and remembered.
After 3 years of coordinating weddings on the farm in Virginia, I moved back to Portland, Oregon with my husband and daughter. I now offer my wedding coordinating services here on the west coast in Multinomah and Washington Counties.
My goal is for you to be "fully present" to enjoy the wedding you dreamed of and worked so hard to create. I pride myself on working behind the scenes to make sure everything goes smoothly and that you and your guests are a part of a effortless event.
Sara Lawrence Wedding Coordinator Service Fee $3,000
1 Month before the wedding:
- Walk through venue with Caterer and Bride to discuss details of the wedding.
- Request and review timeline and review any complex details with Bride and groom.
1 Week before the wedding:
- Remind Bride and groom to pick up the wedding license and bring it to the rehearsal.
- Get a photographer timeline and “must shoot” list.
1 Day before the wedding:
- Coordinate Rehearsal/wedding “run through” on site.
- Call all vendors to make sure they have accurate directions and my contact information.
- Alert wedding party to when and where they are supposed to be on the following day.
Pre-wedding services:
- Oversee that pre-wedding details, such as programs, place cards, guest book, along with other needed items are onsite and in their proper place.
- Contact vendors regarding any missed “day of” deliveries.
- Troubleshoot any unexpected challenges.
Ceremony oversight:
- Let Bride and groom know how much time there is until the ceremony begins.
- Ensure that all of the props are in the correct location for the ceremony.
- Line up the bridal party for ceremony and queue musicians and wedding participants.
Reception coordination:
- Direct guests from cocktail area over to reception area.
- Help guests find their seat/table.
- Keep in contact with photographer and make sure all photos requested by Bride are taken.
- Line up wedding party correctly for dinner introductions.
- Ensure Bride and groom are served food and drink.
- Make sure the food and drink areas, as well as rest of venue, are kept tidy.
- Work with master of ceremonies (usually the DJ) for announcement of the wedding party.
- Coordinate speeches to run on time with the champagne being poured by the caterer.
- Cue the band for the first dance.
- Prevent/fix any problems that arise making sure everything is going as planned.
- Ensure that the correct photos are being taken as outlined in the photographer’s timeline
- Gather gifts, make sure cards are securely attached and deliver them to agreed upon location such as a car.
- Coordinate the departure of the couple (if they are leaving) or guests if Bride and Groom are staying over.
Post-wedding coordination:
- Pack food and cake for Bride to take home if caterer doesn't.
- Tip/pay all vendors that have a balance due.
Sara Lawrence sarazlawrence@gmail.com (410)980-9793
