Planning a wedding is fun, overwhelming, and time-consuming for couples. Around 90% of couples use the Internet to make the work easier. Of course, the Internet makes it easier, but it’s still a lot of work.
Are you planning a wedding and feeling overwhelmed?
The solution is to hire someone to help you. You can choose between a wedding planner vs. wedding coordinator. But you should know the differences before selecting one.
Here are some of the top differences in the roles of wedding planners and coordinators.
Timing of Hiring a Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator
A wedding planner and coordinator both assist couples with weddings. One of the key differences is the timing in which you hire each type of assistant.
A wedding planner handles more duties than a coordinator. As a result, couples typically hire wedding planners from the start.
You’ll need to hire a wedding planner now, even if your wedding date is 6 to 12 months away. You can also hire one to plan a quick wedding.
For example, you may want to rush and plan a wedding in three months. A wedding planner can help you in this situation, too.
Learning a wedding planner’s role is vital. It helps you understand why hiring one sooner rather than later is crucial. It also helps you understand the benefits of hiring of hiring one.
While you can also hire a wedding coordinator early, you don’t have to. A wedding coordinator’s role occurs closer to the wedding date. Thus, you won’t need one right away for all the planning stages.
Usually, couples only need a wedding coordinator for the last month before the wedding date. Conversely, a wedding planner is helpful from the start of the planning.
Preliminary Duties
The timing of hiring a planner or coordinator will make more sense as you learn the duties.
First, understand the primary similarity. Wedding planners and coordinators both assist with various wedding plans. In fact, some roles even overlap.
There are many steps for planning a wedding, and some are preliminary. A wedding coordinator does not assist with these steps, but a wedding planner does.
The first preliminary step is setting a wedding budget. The average couple spent nearly $30,000 in 2022 on their weddings. You can set a budget below or above this, depending on the amount you’re comfortable spending.
Next, you must plan your wedding date and choose the locations. For example, where will your ceremony be held? What location will you choose for your reception?
Additionally, you’ll need a wedding planning checklist. This list tells you what steps you must complete and gives you ideas for planning.
A wedding planner can assist with setting your budget. They’ll also help with setting your date and choosing locations. Your wedding planner will also give you a checklist and help you complete the steps.
Wedding coordinators do not assist with these steps. Instead, their services come into play later in wedding planning.
Primary Roles and Responsibilities
In addition to the preliminary duties, wedding planner duties include many other things.
Wedding Planner Duties
Day of Wedding Checklist
A wedding planner helps with everything. They’ll begin the job by creating a wedding checklist to follow. Then, they’ll assist with every aspect of the wedding day plan.
They also help you create a timeline for decisions. This timeline guides the entire planning process.
Decorations and Theme
Wedding planners are creative and innovative. They can help you select the best theme for your special day.
Next, they’ll help you find the appropriate decorations. Then, they can make the theme a reality for your wedding day.
Assisting With Vendors
Wedding planners work with you to find vendors for your wedding. You’ll need venues for the event, food, and flowers. You must hire a vendor for each thing.
Finding vendors takes time. A wedding planner can look for them for you, alleviating your time constraints.
Guest Tasks
You can also expect the planner to tackle all the activities relating to your guests. This includes helping you create a guest list and gathering addresses and information.
It includes ordering and addressing the invitations. It also involves creating a seating chart for the event.
Wedding Coordinator Duties
Verifying All the Wedding Plans
A wedding coordinator’s role begins a few weeks before the wedding day. One of the major duties of the coordinator is to verify all the wedding plans.
The coordinator scours through your plans and double checks everything. They consult the vendors and check every plan to reduce any potential problems on your wedding day.
Managing the Wedding Day
The coordinator also assists on your wedding day. They begin early in the morning and work all day until the event ends. The goal is to ensure a smooth wedding day.
Resolving Wedding Day Problems
If any problems arise on your wedding day, you’ll have someone there to address them. The coordinator handles every problem, finding effective resolutions.
You won’t have to worry about anything if you have a coordinator there.
How to Choose the Right Professional
Understanding the differences in these roles can help you know which to hire. If you’re still wondering, consider a few things.
First, how much money do you have to spend? A wedding planner costs more but also provides more assistance.
Secondly, do you have the time and ability to plan your wedding? Some people are great at planning parties and events. You might not need a wedding planner if you’re good at these things.
However, having one could be helpful if you need assistance with the planning. A coordinator is often the best option if you want to ensure a smooth wedding day that’s free of problems.
Let Us Help You!
As you consider the differences between a wedding planner vs. wedding coordinator, you’ll know which to hire.
We can help if you live a busy life but want a fairytale wedding. We can help with every step, turning your dreams into a reality.
Our skills, knowledge, and experience can help you plan your Dallas/Fort Worth wedding. Ready to learn more? Call us to find out more about our services.