Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator: Which Do You Need?
Let’s Clear Up the Confusion
If you’ve started planning your wedding and found yourself Googling “What’s the difference between a wedding planner and coordinator?”—you’re not alone. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they offer very different levels of support.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what each role entails—and how to know which one is right for you.
What Does a Wedding Planner Do?
A wedding planner works with you from the very beginning (or at least months in advance). We help you build a vision, find and manage your vendor team, track your budget, and keep you organized through every stage of the planning process.
Think of a planner as your partner from “Yes!” to “I do.”
We typically help with:
Budget creation and management
Venue scouting and walkthroughs
Vendor referrals and communication
Design planning and decor logistics
Timeline creation and updates
RSVP tracking, rentals, and hotel blocks
Final walkthroughs and full wedding weekend coordination
What Does a Wedding Coordinator Do?
A wedding coordinator (often referred to as a day-of coordinator) steps in closer to your wedding date—usually 4–8 weeks before. Their role is to take over the plans you’ve already made and make sure everything runs smoothly.
They don’t plan the wedding—they manage it.
We typically help with:
Reviewing vendor contracts
Finalizing timelines
Coordinating your rehearsal
Managing the setup and flow of your wedding day
Acting as the main point of contact for vendors
Handling any last-minute issues or questions
So, Which One Do You Need?
Ask yourself these questions:
Do you feel overwhelmed trying to do it all yourself?
Are you planning from a distance or with a busy schedule?
Do you want professional guidance through the entire process?
If you answered yes to any of those, you may be a great fit for full or partial planning.
If you’ve enjoyed the planning process so far and just want someone to take over the reins for the final weeks, wedding coordination is likely all you need.
Our Services Include Both
At Sarah Collins Events, we offer:
Full-Service Wedding Planning
Partial Planning
Wedding Management (Day-Of Coordination)
No matter where you are in the process, we’re here to meet you there.
Let’s talk about your wedding and figure out the best fit for your day.
