Planner vs. Coordinator: What’s the Difference?
You’re thinking it’s time to hire a planner! That’s great. You completely and totally deserve a wonderful planning experience, and hiring help is the best way to make this a success!
If you are just starting to look into things, you may have noticed there are lots of different types of planners out there. It can be a bit intimidating to narrow down exactly what it is you need.
Find yourself wondering what the heck the differences are? Here are things broken down.
What is the difference between a wedding planner and wedding coordinator?
To start, both planners and coordinators are typically on-site for your wedding. They are the first to arrive, last to leave, and handle all of the wedding day management.
The biggest difference really comes down to the amount of work leading up to the wedding day.
Most coordinators will handle some aspects of wedding planning prior to your big day. However, you will likely be in charge of the majority of planning. Coordinators tend to connect about a month or two before the day. They assist with ironing out all final details, connecting with vendors, and making sure things are ready to go.Then they take over on the day of the wedding.
Wedding planners on the other hand, tend to handle much more of the planning prior to wedding day. How much they handle completely depends on your individual planner, your contract and the amount of time they put in.
Typically, planners cost more than coordinators. This is due to the fact that they are putting in quite a bit more time and back end work. Rates will depend on a variety of things, such as; location, total hours of planning, inclusions, experience and more.
Your job when deciding between these two options ultimately comes down to how much time and energy you have to spend on wedding planning yourself. If you feel confident to book all your vendors, handle invitations and guest count, stick to your budget, review contracts and stay organized, then a coordinator is probably a great fit for you. If that list feels very daunting, then I would recommend hiring a planner. Reach out to someone you like and have a discussion about your exact needs.
My venue has a “coordinator”. Is that the same as hiring an individual wedding coordinator?
First off, this is a great addition that a lot of venues have recently been adding on. Venues know that wedding day is a big deal with lots of moving pieces, and typically want to be sure things go smoothly.
As someone who managed wedding venues for a long time, I can tell you that wedding venue coordinators are indispensable. However, I can also tell you they are absolutely not the same thing. And definitely not a substitute for an individually hired planner or coordinator.
The main difference is that a venue coordinator typically only handles all things related to the venue. Think; doors, lights, heat/ac, sound, set up of tables and chairs, bathrooms, venue related timeline, etc. They are looking out for the venue. They are making sure the space is running smoothly. They are keeping the venue clean and good to go for you and your guests.
An individually hired coordinator or plan is working for YOU! They are making sure you, your wedding party, family and guests' needs are all set. They are keeping your entire group on track, handling guests, managing decor, etc. They know your wedding inside and out and are heavily invested in you and your overall experience.
Again, these venue coordinators are incredibly valuable, but at the end of the day, they are paid by the venue and not you. They will only do as much as the venue contract states and will likely not have much to do with your day-of timeline, decor, and specific details. Use them as much as you can, as they are incredibly knowledgeable about their space and weddings in general. But I highly recommend hiring someone who has you as their sole focus and attention.
