Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator - What's the difference?

Congratulations on your engagement! The excitement has set in, you have announced your engagement, and have decided to set a date and start wedding planning. As you begin your search for vendors, you may see wedding planner and coordinator on your booking to-do list. But aren’t they the same thing? The short answer is no, they are not the same thing. Do not worry though, I am here to explain the difference and help you figure out what you actually need. 

As I tell most of my clients, not every couple needs a wedding planner but every couple NEEDS a coordinator. Wedding planners are specialized event planners who are there to help you plan your wedding. They assist with vendor selection, negotiation, keeping you on track, build out your timeline, plan your rehearsal, and some even do event design and help you map out the aesthetic for your wedding day (among many other tasks). They help you plan your wedding. 

A wedding coordinator is your event manager. They are responsible for executing your or the wedding planner's plans. Some wedding planning companies have a small pool of planners who help plan the big day and then they dispatch local coordination teams to be onsite for management and execution of the event. Wedding coordinators set up personal decor items (table numbers, guest book, card box, memory table, etc), help build/fine tune your timeline (if you do not have a planner), handle any/all problems that may occur on wedding day, and ensure that everything flows according to the plan. 

It is not uncommon for couples to hire a wedding planner who also doubles as a coordinator. They may offer multiple services, allowing you to choose what is right for your planning needs and budget. A common misconception about both wedding planners and coordinators is that they are event decorators. While some professionals do offer event design and decorating services, that is a niche speciality and not all wedding planners/coordinators are also decorators. 

Well which one do you hire? That question relies heavily on what you have room for in your budget. Wedding planning is more expensive than coordination. Some wedding planners charge a percentage of the total budget, while others have a set fee structure; my recommendation is to always look at your budget before hiring any vendors, and that includes a planner and coordinator. As I said before, not everyone needs a planner but a coordinator is a must have vendor. If you choose to skip out on your planner, the responsibility of planning the event falls onto you. If you choose not to hire a coordinator than someone that should be enjoying the wedding, is taking on that massive responsibility. They could be your or your partner’s mom, your sibling, even the maid of honor, or (worst of all) you. No one wants to field endless questions, set up all the rentals and decor, and play event manager on their wedding day; hiring a coordinator eliminates that stress. Choosing to hire a planner helps streamline and destress your planning experience. A good planner will keep you on track and feeling comfortable throughout the process. At the end of the day, listen to your budget and at the very least, hire a coordinator. I promise, you will thank me later.