WEDDING PLANNER VS. WEDDING COORDINATOR
We hear a lot of different terms used to describe similar but different roles within the wedding that relate to the wedding planner role. I want to shed some light on the differences that these roles have to help you make the best choice for your needs. It is worth noting that some vendors may provide these individual services or a combination of them. You will want to request clarification when interviewing vendors to make sure that your bases are covered.
Wedding Decorator
This vendor specializes in decor installation. You will provide the decor & the design. They may also provide tear down services post event as well. In most cases, their service is labor only and does not include any product. This service does not include coordination or organizational services in most cases.
Wedding Designer
As the name suggests, this vendor works with you during the planning process to create the design aesthetic. This encompasses colors & motif, table settings, fonts, stationery & signage, floral selections, linens, lighting etc. It is important to clarify installation services with this vendor such as how they coordinate with venue/rental companies/and florists as needed.
Wedding Coordinator/Day of Coordinator/Day of Management
I find a range of services that vendors provide under these terms. Frequently the working relationship with this vendor begins somewhere around one month prior to the wedding. At this point most of the planning will be completed but all of the plans down to minute detail will need to be communicated to the wedding coordinator. They will likely help you create or refine the day of timeline, help you submit final numbers to the caterer, venue & rental companies. Sometimes this service will include a walkthrough of the venue prior to the rehearsal. Otherwise, they will provide coordination services at the rehearsal, working with the officiant. On the wedding day, typically they will assist vendors as they arrive onsite to get settled in. This service may also include some decor set up & tear down as well. Their main focus will be to coordinate between you, the bridal party, family, and vendors. This coordination is communicating in real time between all of the involved parties to make sure that everyone is kept current with schedule and plans. The role of an independent coordinator is different from a venue coordinator. A venue coordinator’s role first and foremost is as an employee of the venue. They are responsible to oversee venue staff and the service that you are receiving from the venue. An independent coordinator’s first responsibility is to oversee your day and the service that you are receiving from all of your vendors. A venue coordinator and an independent coordinator’s roles are complimentary to each other, not opposed.
Wedding Planner
This is the most involved of all roles here. A wedding planner becomes involved as soon as you hire them. You will get the most benefit from their services if you hire them at the very beginning of your planning process prior to hiring any of your other vendors. However, if you have already started planning and realized later that you desire to have that role filled by a pro, you will still gain benefit from hiring one in your current stage. A wedding planner’s role is to assist you with defining your desires, vision, and budget for the wedding day. They will be able to help you set expectations and create the steps to achieve the vision. Their role throughout the planning and on the wedding day is to act as the agent of the couple. They will advocate for you with vendors & other involved parties. It’s their responsibility to learn the individual workings of each of your vendor’s services to ensure that the roles are coordinated in sync with each other. This allows you to receive the best outcomes from each vendor and cohesive organization of the wedding day.
In conclusion
The wedding planner & coordinator roles are the most alike of the services that I’ve listed. However, a wedding planner typically includes the day of coordination but a coordinator does not include planning. In either case though, the planner or coordinator’s role is to work as your agent, communicate your needs, and hold the big picture in mind as the planning and wedding occur. As a wedding planner, I completely understand the desire to plan & design your own wedding. I understand that there may be multiple motivations to DIY-the exercise of creativity, concern that your vision may not be achieved by someone else, or budget. However, I would like to bring up just a couple of considerations for you. First, you will need to be very intentional about ensuring that wedding planning doesn’t take away from these precious moments of your life. Second, create a plan for boundaries with volunteer wedding planners that pop up in your life-family members or friends. Whatever direction you take, make sure that your relationship and marriage are kept front and center!
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