Wedding Planners vs Wedding Coordinators

Many brides are confused between the difference of a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator. In this post, we will try to explain how to distinguish the two.

A wedding planner is a seasoned professional who can confidently guide you through the entire wedding planning process. From engagement to the grand exit, they are your experienced guides in the world of all things wedding!

Although there are levels of service you can commission with a wedding planner, most will assist you (at least to some degree) with venue selection, vendor referrals, production of a detailed checklist of things to do, production of a detailed day-of timeline and communication with all vendors leading up to the big day. They help you plot the course down the aisle and are there to answer questions all along the way. Often a wedding planner will also have a hand in event design. They will proffer ideas and inspiration for the “look and feel” of your event and help you secure vendors who will contribute to that cohesive vision.

A wedding coordinator, by contrast, is not necessarily deeply involved with the wedding plans. Their primary function is to facilitate a smooth-running event on the wedding day itself. They often jump into the picture a month or so before the wedding to gather key information and create a timeline. They may help you iron out final details and contact your vendors to confirm contract obligations. On the day-of, they run the show and ensure that things go according to plan.

Many times people will use the terms coordinator & planner interchangeably. It is somewhat understandable, as a wedding planner is always a wedding coordinator. BUT, a wedding coordinator is not always a wedding planner. It’s important to determine what your needs and desires are before you begin contacting potential planners/coordinators. 

Hope this post help for couple who are not sure if they are wanting to hire a planner or a coordinator.