Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and choosing between a wedding planner vs. wedding coordinator is a key decision. While both play important roles, their responsibilities differ. In this post, we’ll explain the key differences between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator, and help you decide which one is the best fit for your special day.
What is a Wedding Planner?
A wedding planner is your partner from start to finish! A wedding planner takes care of all the details—venue scouting, vendor selection, timelines, and everything in between. They’re here to help you design your perfect day while handling logistics so you can enjoy the journey stress-free.
Key Responsibilities of a Wedding Planner:
- Helping you define the wedding vision and style.
- Managing your budget, schedules, and logistics.
- Selecting and negotiating with vendors (venue, caterer, florist, etc.).
- Overseeing the entire planning process and ensuring everything stays on track.
- Coordinating and attending pre-wedding events like rehearsals or bridal showers.
- Ensuring the wedding day runs smoothly and all logistics are taken care of.
What is a Wedding Coordinator?
Think of a wedding coordinator as your day-of hero! Our coordinators at Celebrations by Brandi step in 6 to 12 weeks before the big day to create timelines, confirm with vendors, walk through your venue and learn every detail of your wedding day to ensure everything runs smoothly. A coordinator’s job is to make sure nothing was forgotten in the planning process and all your hard work comes to life seamlessly.
Key Responsibilities of a Wedding Coordinator:
- Finalizing all wedding details and creating a comprehensive timeline.
- Confirming contracts and arrangements with vendors.
- Conducting a venue walkthrough and learning the event layout.
- Overseeing the wedding rehearsal.
- Managing the flow of events on the wedding day to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Troubleshooting any issues that arise on the big day.
Which One Do You Need?
Choosing between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator depends on how much help you need throughout the planning process. If you want full support from the start, a wedding planner is your best choice. If you’ve already done most of the planning but need someone to manage the final details and the day itself, a wedding coordinator will be ideal.
- Choose a Wedding Planner if you need help with the entire planning process, from picking a venue to vendor selection and managing logistics.
- Choose a Wedding Coordinator if you’ve done most of the planning but want someone to take over and ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of your wedding.
The Cost Factor: Planner or Coordinator?
A wedding planner typically charges a higher fee because they are involved throughout the entire planning process, managing every detail. Wedding coordinators, on the other hand, charge less since they step in closer to the event date and focus solely on execution. Pricing will vary depending on the level of service and location.
FAQs
1. Can a wedding planner also serve as a wedding coordinator?
Yes, many wedding planners offer day-of coordination as part of their full-service packages, but their primary role is to handle the entire planning process.
2. When should I hire a wedding coordinator?
Even though wedding coordinators usually step in about 6 to 12 weeks before the wedding day, you should be hiring them 6 to 12 months in advance from your wedding date.
3. How much does a wedding planner cost?
Wedding planners typically charge 10-15% of the total wedding budget, or a flat fee depending on the scope of work and their involvement.
4. What’s the main benefit of hiring a wedding planner?
Planners are experts in the industry and can guide you to quality vendors, lesser known venues and give insight to maximizing your budget and bringing your vision to life. A wedding planner helps you manage the entire process from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy the journey without the stress of organizing every detail yourself.
5. Do I need both a wedding planner and a coordinator?
The short answer is no. Wedding planning packages typically include the coordination needs as well, so if you have a planner you are covered for coordination. If you feel that you don’t need the support from day one, then hiring a coordinator will suffice. You will just need to hire one or the other depending on the level of service you want.
