What’s the difference between a Wedding Coordinator and a Wedding Planner?

Hiring a wedding planner can be seen as ‘so American’ but Wedding Planners always have and always will be a popular addition to your planning process. So join me as I talk about the difference between a coordinator and a planner and the benefits both bring to you.

Now, some of you may question the need for a wedding planner, if the venue is providing a coordinator in the cost of the package.

Wedding coordinators based at the venue are amazing, they know their venue inside out and have fantastic relationships with the venue team. They will have run numerous weddings at the venue and have a wealth of knowledge about what things do and don’t work well there. They will get in touch with you a few months before your wedding day and go through all of the details to do with the wedding day to ensure everything runs smoothly.

The following is in no way meant to take away from what a coordinator does (I’ve been one myself so I speak first hand) but I am simply pointing out the facts of the things they don’t do, that a Wedding Planner can*.

*Make sure you discuss exactly what’s included in your package with your planner/coordinator

Wedding Planners:

• Can get involved from the very start of your planning process (the minute you are engaged)

• Dedicates around 300 hours + to you and your day with the full coordination service

• Helps create your whole vision, not just the wedding day itself

• Creates mood boards and themes

• Creates a budget plan and controls your finances

• Vetting and liaising with all of your suppliers

• Schedules all your meetings

• Initiates difficult family conversations

• Sets up your wedding website

• Send, monitor and chase responses from your invitations

• After being with you every step of the way, ensuring nothing gets missed on the day itself and that it all comes to fruition

• So much more!

There are a lot of companies that advertise as wedding planners when in fact they are wedding stylists (the likes of companies that you hire accessories for your day from) but, some do offer a planning service also so make sure you check before committing if it is an actual wedding planner/coordinator that you are seeking .

Similarly, wedding planners offer coordination services. This is great if you are the sort of couple that wants to organise your wedding yourselves, but you want someone experienced there on the day itself to ensure everything runs smoothly and to make sure you and your hubby/wife are fully taken care of.

Wedding Planners are an invaluable investment to your planning process and take a considerable amount of pressure away from you. Your planning process should be fun, not stressful (hate that word!). So before you decide if a wedding planner is right for you, consider these 3 things:

1. Can you afford a planner? (most planners will actually save you money)

2. Do you have the time to invest into planning your wedding?

3. Will you need support with the logistics and formalities of wedding planning?

Don’t forget, I offer a complimentary consultation so will be more than happy to have an honest and frank discussion with you and if I feel you would not benefit from having a planner, I will recommend an alternative option.

Can’t wait to speak with you!

Contact Hayley.