Do You Need a Wedding Planner/Coordinator ?

We have some Wedding Planners on our site. Check them out and find out what they can do for you.


What’s the difference between a “coordinator” and a “planner”?

When we’re talking about a “coordinator” and a “planner”, it’s all about the titles. Usually a coordinator will also have the title of “wedding planner”. Often times it’s the same person, just the difference between the two “terms” is the service that you receive.

Wedding coordinators are still “wedding planners” to other brides who have hired them for full service planning. But lucky for you, they also offer coordination services! When you hire a coordinator, they will do just that- coordinate your wedding day. And most of the time they also coordinate the weeks and days leading up to your wedding day.


Is there a difference between “Day-Of” or “Month-Of” services?

“Day-of” coordination is slowly being eliminated from coordinators’ services, and “month-of” is taking the place of it. Not because they’re charging more, but because it’s the truth of what the service is and should be. Everyone handles their coordination differently though, so it really just depends on who you end up with.


But my venue has a coordinator- can’t they take care of everything?

In a nutshell, yes, your venue may have a “coordinator”, but they’re going to be busy coordinating the things going on with the venue. This is why their title is usually “venue coordinator”… not “wedding coordinator”. Also, when you hire a coordinator for your wedding, he or she is working for YOU- not the venue. [Note: the same facts pertain to a catering company’s “coordinator” or “planner”. They are working for that company, not you!]


Can I afford a coordinator?

Ah, the big question. The answer for you is simple: YES you can. All you have to do is plan for it. (Budget before you book!) If you want to enjoy your wedding day, don’t let there be a question of whether or not you’ll be getting a coordinator. Just include it your budget early on in your planning process, and about 6 - 8 months before your wedding, book someone!


When should I hire a coordinator?

You can start your search for a coordinator about 8 months before your wedding. You could even inquire with them early in your planning to ask about their coordination packages so you can plan ahead for what you need to set aside in your budget. We recommend that you hire your coordinator 6-8 months before your wedding date. Planners & coordinators tend to book up fairly quickly, especially during the more popular months. Also know that you won’t begin working extensively with your coordinator right away when you book them at this point in your planning. A few emails may be exchanged here and there, but usually the most time spent will be a month before your wedding.  


When it comes down to it, you deserve to not have to worry about anything on your wedding day- as does your mom, your aunt, your cousin, and your friend from college. There are many horror stories - from both brides AND vendors- about how they wish they had at least hired a coordinator. So remember- if you can’t afford a wedding planner, PLAN on having a wedding coordinator.  All in all, it’s about having someone there for you on your wedding day- someone who can make sure everything goes according to plan. Someone who wants you to have the best wedding day you can have and who knows how to make sure you have it!