Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator: Which Do You Need?

When you hear people talk about “wedding coordinators” or “wedding planners”, you might think the words can be used interchangeably. Surprisingly, that’s not actually the case. While some of their duties overlap, a planner and coordinator play very different roles in the planning process. So, what does each one do and how do you decide what is best for you?

Wedding Planners

When you choose to hire a wedding planner, you are typically looking for someone to guide you through the entire planning process from beginning to end. A wedding planner is a great option for someone who wants significant help with attending vendor appointments, contract negotiations, budget management, floor plan layout, and more! They will be on-site the day of your wedding to streamline vendors, move the timeline along as scheduled, and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. This is perfect for the bride who doesn’t have much free time to plan or simply wants to take the wedding stress off of their shoulders.

Wedding Coordinators

If you want to play an active role in the wedding planning and design process, but want to hand over the final details for someone else to manage on your special day, a wedding coordinator will be perfect for you! You typically meet with a coordinator a few weeks or months prior to your wedding day to go over your vendor list and create a day-of timeline. They will take care of managing the rehearsal and day-of tasks that need attention. At Darling Don’t Panic, we offer day-of wedding coordination as part of your wedding planning package or as a stand-alone offer. 

How Do You Decide if You Need a Coordinator or a Planner?

There are many factors that go into whether a planner is right for you, including your budget, whether you are hosting a destination wedding or elopement, and how involved you want to be in the process. Darling Don’t Panic full-service wedding planning, wedding coordination, and more. Visit our Services page to learn more or set up a consultation where we can walk you through which option is best for you!