Congratulations on your engagement! Now that you've said "yes" to your partner and taken some time to enjoy your engagement, it's time to start thinking about planning your big day. As you begin your wedding planning journey, you may come across the terms "wedding planner" and "day of coordinator." While these two roles may seem interchangeable, they actually have very different responsibilities.
A wedding planner is responsible for designing and executing your entire wedding day. They will work with you from the beginning to help you create a vision for your wedding, and then bring that vision to life. Wedding planners will help you select a venue, choose vendors (such as caterers, florists, and photographers), and manage your budget. They will also help you with the design elements of your wedding, such as selecting colours, creating a theme, and choosing decorations.
On the other hand, a day of coordinator (sometimes called a wedding coordinator or a month of coordinator) is responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly on the day of your wedding. When they start to work with you in weeks leading up to your wedding depends on the company and your contract, but our day of services start with an initial meeting 6 months out from your wedding day. They work to create a timeline for the day, coordinate with vendors, and ensure that everything is set up correctly. On the day of your wedding, they will be on hand to manage the flow of events and troubleshoot any problems that arise.
So, which one do you need? The answer depends on your personal needs and preferences. If you are someone who likes to be very hands-on with your wedding planning, but want someone to take the reins on the day of your wedding, a day of coordinator may be perfect for you. They will take care of all the logistical details on the day of your wedding, leaving you free to enjoy your special day with your loved ones.
However, if you are someone who wants a lot of help with your wedding planning, a wedding planner may be a better fit. They will be with you every step of the way, providing guidance and support as you make decisions about your wedding. They will also be responsible for the design elements of your wedding, ensuring that your vision comes to life on the day of your wedding, and pick out small design factors that will make big impacts. We personally love to get to know you and your partner and prioritize your “big three” things for the day (your most highly prioritized aspects of your wedding day and guest experience) whether that is atmosphere, food, music and dancing, outfits, photography, etc.
No matter which one you choose, it's important to find someone who you feel comfortable working with. This person will be with you throughout the wedding planning process, and will play a critical role in making sure that your wedding day is everything you've dreamed of. Be sure to ask for referrals from friends and family members, and take the time to meet with potential wedding planners or day of coordinators before making a decision. If you need more guidance on the difference between planners and coordinators, please explore our full services page.
In conclusion, a wedding planner and a day of coordinator have different roles in the wedding planning process. A wedding planner will help you design and execute your entire wedding day, while a day of coordinator will ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of your wedding. Both are important roles, and it's up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your personal needs and preferences. With the right person by your side, your wedding day is sure to be a success!