Congratulations on your engagement! As you begin to plan your dream wedding, you may come across the terms “wedding coordinator” and “wedding planner.” While these two roles may seem interchangeable, they actually have distinct differences that can greatly impact your wedding planning experience. In this blog, we’ll explore what a wedding coordinator is versus a wedding planner, and which service may be best suited for your needs.

A wedding coordinator, also known as a day-of or month-of coordinator, is a professional who assists with the logistics and execution of your wedding day. Their main role is to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of your wedding. You typically start working with them on board a few months or weeks before your wedding to cross-check all your hard planning work and be sure that all important details have been covered. A coordinator’s main responsibilities include creating a timeline and layout, being the point of contact for vendors, managing the wedding party and guests, and handling any last-minute issues that may arise on the day. This also usually includes set up and breakdown on the wedding day to allow both you and your family and friends to just sit back and enjoy the day stress-free.

A wedding planner is a professional who assists with the entire wedding planning process, from start to finish. It starts with creating a vision and design for your wedding, recommending vendors, managing your budget, and overseeing all aspects of the wedding. This also includes the logistics and execution on the day. They are involved in every step of the process, from selecting a venue to sending out thank-you cards post event! This type service can start as far as a couple years out!

A wedding coordinator typically comes on board a few weeks or in our case a few months before your wedding. A coordinator’s goal is to take your wedding plans and ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of your wedding. A wedding planner is involved in every step of the process. From start to finish you will have all the help that you need throughout the planning journey.

A wedding coordinator’s main responsibilities include logistics and execution. This also includes creating and executing the timeline, setup and breakdown of the event, managing, guests, vendors, and wedding party and lastly being there to help out and deal with any problems that may come up on the day. A wedding planner’s responsibilities include all of the above as well as curating your wedding vision and design, recommending and booking vendors, attending vendor meetings, site visits and tastings, and budget management. Wedding planners are also sometimes involved in planning and executing of pre and post-wedding events such as rehearsal dinners.

A wedding coordinator is involved in the logistics and overall coordination of your wedding day. They do not take over the planning process however can offer help along the way as needed. A wedding planner is involved from beginning to end. You will have their support and guidance every step of the way.

A wedding coordinator requires less time commitment than a wedding planner, as they are only involved in the final stages leading up to your wedding (last few months). A wedding planner requires a significant time commitment, as they get involved from the very beginning. If using a wedding planner we recommend booking them a minimum of 9- 12 months before your wedding date.

There are different levels of wedding planning services available. Full planning (ELITE PACKAGE) includes everything from start to finish, while partial planning (PREMIUM package) allows you to select which services you need help with. Be sure to discuss your needs, time commitment, and budget with your wedding planner or coordinator to determine which level of service is best for you. A wedding coordinator typically offers day-of or month-of coordination services. These services still usually start at a minimum of a few weeks before the wedding to help tie up loose ends, ensure nothing was overlooked, and that all details are finalized. (check out our BASIC and SIGNATURE packages)

A wedding coordinator is typically less expensive than a wedding planner, as they are only involved in the final weeks or months leading up to your wedding. A wedding planner requires a significant investment, as they are involved in every step of the planning process.

Now that we’ve helped you understand the differences between a wedding coordinator and a wedding planner, it’s time to decide which service is best suited for your needs.

If you’re someone who enjoys planning and organizing, and you have the time and resources to plan your wedding, a wedding coordinator may be the best option for you. A wedding coordinator can help you tie up any loose ends and ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly, without taking over the planning process. This option is best for the independent planner that just needs help wrapping things up and executing on the day!

If you’re someone who is busy with work or other commitments, or you simply don’t enjoy the planning process, a wedding planner will be the best option for you. A wedding planner can take care of all the details, from finding the perfect venue to helping you book vendors. Working with a planner will from the very beginning allows you the time and space to focus on enjoying your engagement and wedding day. It’s also important to note that there are different levels of wedding planning services available.

To sum it up one more time, a wedding coordinator is a professional who assists with the logistics and coordination of your wedding day, while a wedding planner is a professional who assists with the entire wedding planning process. Ultimately, the decision between a wedding coordinator and a wedding planner comes down to your personal preferences, needs, and budget. Consider your level of involvement in the planning process, your time commitment, and your budget when making your decision. No matter which service you choose, the most important thing is to know both options will help relieve stress and allow you to enjoy your wedding day to the fullest!

Photos by: HNL Studios

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