Wedding Coordinator or Planner?

Business, Wedding!

May 11, 2021

Everyone needs a wedding planner of some sort for their big day, I seriously mean everyone. I’m sure you’ve heard different terms and services thrown around and I’m here to clear it up for you as best as possible. A wedding planner and a wedding coordinator tend to be used interchangeably. It’s usually not a big deal, unless you’re hoping for someone to help plan your wedding every step of the way, from small to huge details and you’ve hired a wedding a coordinator instead.

A Wedding Coordinator

A wedding coordinator is typically someone who handles logistics only. They help with the timeline of events leading up to a wedding day and on wedding day but they most likely won’t be at any planning meetings or help you choose the right shade of mauve for your bridesmaids. A wedding coordinator is an amazing option for a couple who knows exactly what and how they want their wedding to look. This couple, or at least one half of it, probably isn’t completely bogged down with work and can spend their weekends nailing down the details. They are excited about the planning process, know exactly how they want their table scapes to look and ultimately don’t need help until wedding day. This couple would hire a wedding coordinator OR a wedding planner who offers a coordination package.

A Wedding Planner

Most wedding planners offer multiple packages for couples to choose from that can range anywhere from Day- Of coordination to Full Planning and everything in between! One of the biggest misconceptions is that a Day of Planner/ Coordinator is someone who just shows up on the wedding day, takes all of the details from the couple and runs with it. This is not the case and if you’ve found someone like this, I’ll be the first to tell you, that person is a unicorn. Typically, if you’ve chosen the option of having some type of Day of Coordination only, it will be called, Partial Planning, Wedding Management, Day of Coordination, Wedding Coordination or something similar. You’ll hire someone with plenty of time before your wedding and they will likely have some tools for you to use until a few months out from your wedding day when they become more active! They’re like your quiet partner, there if you need them via email or quiet as a mouse letting you take control. A few months out from the big day they will attend a venue walk through with you and your venue, create a timeline and make sure that all final details are in order. On wedding day they will be there from start to finish ensuring everything runs smoothly and nothing slips through the cracks so you can relax! Mom, grandmas, aunts, cousins, and any other family/friend will get to enjoy the couple’s day with them instead of doing work!

As for a wedding planner, they are there from start to finish. They help you with picking the right vendors, matching your flowers to your tables, picking the perfect linens and making sure your wedding reflects everything you’ve dreamed of! They become your friend and confidant. Someone you can lean on when you need help making the right decision and a listening ear when your stressed or anxious. They will be at your planning meetings with vendors, cc’d on every email, and truly become a huge part of the process. Every detail that goes into your wedding is discussed with your planner, but don’t worry the couple still takes the lead!

For me personally, I love when I get the chance to be a the full planner for the couple that chooses me. I love being a part of the entire process, from helping find the perfect florist and photographer to capture the details, to picking the best color pallet, and creating the floorpan that will suit the couple and their guests needs the best! Getting the chance to spend so much time with the couple, typically means we become more like friends that just colleagues and if you know anything about me, you’ll know that building lasting relationships is so important to me! Now, it’s your turn to figure out what the best option for you and your partner is, but don’t worry I’ll be here to help you pick the best package for your needs.