You're Not the Boss of Me!

Ask either of my older sisters what my motto was growing and they'll probably say one of two things: "Don't tell me what to do," or my personal favorite, "You're not the boss of me." I know, I sound like a brat. But you have to understand that I was the youngest of four girls ... and one of my sister's favorite past times happened to be putting me (and my small friend) into the clothes hamper and sitting on the lid. It was traumatic.

Sister: Get out of my room, or I'll put you in the hamper!
Me: You're not the boss of me!

It's a little ironic, then, that I've spent the last few days searching for someone who I actually want to be the boss of me—if only for a day. It's even more ironic that I'm willing to pay someone to be the boss of me. But I think it's necessary. On my wedding day, I'm sure I'll show up (in true bratty little sister form) a complete, emotional wreck.

There's no way I'll be able to see that everyone gets down the aisle in an orderly fashion, the cake gets cut at the appropriate time, and the bouquet gets properly tossed. No way! So, I'm looking for a wedding coordinator/director/consultant to boss me (well, let's me honest, I mostly want her to boss my wedding party) around during the rehearsal, ceremony, and reception.



I've spoken to three very competent-sounding ladies so far. The prices for this service range from $350-$750. (If you're a city bride whose mouth is still hanging open in shock, please remember that my wedding will be in rural, small-town Tennessee.)

For $350, I found someone who will be there for the rehearsal and on the day of. She'd mostly be taking care of scheduling, but if I need additional planning work, setting up, or communication I can pay her an additional $20 an hour.

Another woman I spoke with offered the same service for $500, plus she'd call my vendors a week ahead of time to make sure everything is in order.

The most expensive consultant I found was more like a wedding planner. For $750, she said she'd visit my venue at least three times to make sure the details were perfect. She also writes and mails a detailed itinerary of the ceremony to the wedding party and officiant. Here's the kicker, though. If I wanted her to stick around for the reception (to make sure the first dance is danced and the bouquet tossed), she charges an additional $300.

I think I'll go the cheapest route on this one. After all, I've already chosen and signed contracts for my vendors. I hired my vendors because they're professionals who won't need bossing, and I think I can handle writing out a detailed itinerary myself (I am a Virgo, after all.)