When it comes to planning your wedding, it can be confusing to figure out who does what. Two roles that often get mixed up are the wedding planner and the day-of coordinator. While both professionals play key roles in making your big day stress-free, they serve very different purposes. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which is right for you.
What Does a Wedding Planner Do?
A wedding planner is like the architect of your wedding. They’re with you from the very beginning, helping you design, organize, and execute your vision.
Key Responsibilities of a Wedding Planner:
Helping you choose your venue and vendors.
Creating and managing your wedding budget.
Developing a cohesive wedding design and theme.
Scheduling appointments and managing contracts.
Keeping track of deadlines, RSVP's and all the moving parts.
Being your go-to person for every decision, big or small, leading up to the wedding.
Ideal for Couples Who:
-Want hands-on, full-service help from start to finish.
-Are planning a large or complex wedding.
-Feel overwhelmed by the thought of organizing everything themselves.
What Does a Day-of Coordinator Do?
A day-of coordinator (also called a wedding day coordinator) is your wedding day hero. They step in closer to your wedding date to handle logistics and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Key Responsibilities of a Day-of Coordinator:
Reviewing your timeline and vendor contracts ahead of the wedding.
Managing the rehearsal and ensuring everyone knows their role.
Coordinating with vendors to confirm arrival times and setups.
Overseeing the wedding day timeline and troubleshooting any issues.
Ensuring your personal touches and vision are executed exactly as planned.
Letting you relax and enjoy your day without worrying about the details.
Ideal for Couples Who:
-Have done most of the planning themselves but need someone to execute their plans.
-Are hosting a smaller or more intimate wedding.
-Want to fully enjoy their day without having to "manage" it.
Why Understanding the Difference Matters
Hiring the right professional depends on your needs, wedding size, and budget. If you need someone to walk with you every step of the way, a wedding planner is your best choice. But if you’re confident in your planning and just need someone to handle the logistics on the day, a day-of coordinator is the perfect solution.
At Simply Grand Events, we specialize in day-of coordination for weddings under 100 guests. We love stepping in to make sure all your hard work comes together seamlessly so you can enjoy your day.
Need Help Deciding?
Whether you’re looking for a wedding planner, day-of coordinator, or aren’t sure which one you need, reach out to us. We’d love to help make your wedding day simply grand!
Ms. Tammy was awesome as our day of coordinator for our 2024 wedding. She pays attention to every detail & even makes valuable suggestions. She made our wedding vision come to light.
Great info! Thank you.
She pays attention to every detail, with over 20 years experience.