Jane White

Nov 15, 2019

Wedding Planner or Wedding Coordinator?

Updated: Jan 29, 2021

Planning a wedding comes with a unique set of vocabulary. Words you believed you knew suddenly take on an entirely new meaning. One of the most significant distinctions that a bride needs to figure out is what, precisely, is the distinction between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator. Wedding planning businesses can provide services as a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator. Which services you require for your wedding needs. Read on for an analysis of the distinct differences between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator.

What does a wedding planner do?

Wedding planners assist with all the logistics, from vendor referrals, and planning meetings to day-of execution of your vision. Planners take the guesswork out of the planning process. Their experience gives them the know-how of where to begin and making planning a wedding as stress free and smooth as possible. A planner will assist with keeping your budget on track, refer professional vendors, and handle the logistics of bringing everything together. This ability is one that many can learn, but only the best planners have the years of knowledge and experience that set them above the rest. Some planners also provide design or styling advice, helping with the creative specifics of your wedding day.

Wedding Planner Duties:

  1. A wedding planner will put in from 80 to 250 hours from the beginning of the planning process until the end of the reception. process

  2. A wedding planner will provide vendor referrals, schedule, and attend vendor meetings.

  3. A wedding planner will create a detailed wedding day schedule, timeline, and floor plans.

  4. A wedding planner will help manage the budget and offer advice on ways to save.

  5. A wedding planner will attend site meetings and tastings.

  6. A wedding planner will brainstorms style ideas and organizes design details.

  7. A wedding planner will coordinate the wedding rehearsal.

  8. A wedding planner makes sure everyone adheres to the timeline, handles any questions, manages vendors, and executes your vision on-site.

What does a wedding coordinator do?

A wedding coordinator is concentrated logistically but on a more condensed schedule than a planner. They usually begin supporting you prepare a month before the wedding and function as the point person on the wedding day. They will confirm vendor contacts and create a day-of timeline, as well as make sure payments and guest counts are in order. They will not be involved in the initial planning process or keep track of the budget. Their job is to coordinate everything required on the day of the wedding, from vendor set up to ensure that everyone is on schedule.

Coordinators make sure everything you've prepared up until they take over is in great shape. By hiring a wedding coordinator to take over the month before your wedding, gives them time to review the details and follow up on any loose ends. They make sure everything is in order, that nothing is forgotten, and that you are free to enjoy your wedding day.

Wedding Coordinator Duties:

  1. A wedding coordinator puts in between 25 to 60 hours a month before the wedding until the end of the event.

  2. A wedding coordinator meets with you four to eight weeks before the wedding to get a grasp on what you've planned so far.

  3. A wedding coordinator checks in with vendors for their timelines and logistics.

  4. A wedding coordinator creates detailed schedules and floor plans.

  5. A wedding coordinator manages the rehearsal.

  6. A wedding coordinator does a final walk-through at the ceremony and reception sites.A wedding coordinator manages everything on the wedding day.

1. Book Ahead of Time

Whether you're hiring a wedding planner or wedding consultant, it's best to secure your wedding date—even if they are not getting involved until a month before the wedding.

2. Consider the Cost

For the most part, full-service wedding planners run around 15 to 20 percent of the entire wedding cost, depending on the planner's experience, what area of the U.S., and how much time your wedding requires. A wedding coordinator generally will cost at least 25 percent of what a full-service planner would charge.

3. Vet Your Pros

Expertise speaks for itself through photos on the planner's company website or blog. And, of course, as with all the pros you might hire, always read reviews and politely ask for references from other vendors and couples.