Coordinator vs Planner - What’s the Difference?

While the terms "wedding planner" and "wedding coordinator" are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct roles in the wedding industry. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator:

1. Scope of Services:

   • Wedding Planner: A wedding planner is typically involved in the entire wedding planning process from start to finish. They assist with every aspect of the wedding, including budgeting, selecting vendors, choosing the venue, designing the overall theme, and managing all the logistics. They work closely with the couple to bring their vision to life.

   • Wedding Coordinator: A wedding coordinator, on the other hand, is primarily focused on the execution and coordination of the wedding day itself. They step in closer to the wedding date to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Their main responsibility is to manage the timeline, coordinate with vendors, and handle any unexpected issues on the wedding day.

2. Timeline of Involvement:

   • Wedding Planner: Involved from the early stages of planning, often several months or even a year before the wedding day. They help with decisions related to the overall concept and design, and they work with the couple throughout the entire planning process.

   • Wedding Coordinator: Typically becomes involved closer to the wedding date, usually a month or a few weeks in advance. They focus on finalizing details, creating a timeline, and coordinating logistics to ensure a smooth execution on the wedding day.

3. Responsibilities:

   • Wedding Planner: Responsible for a wide range of tasks, including budget management, vendor selection and negotiation, design and theme development, and overall project management of the wedding planning process.

   • Wedding Coordinator: Primarily responsible for managing the logistical details of the wedding day, such as coordinating vendor arrivals, creating & overseeing the timeline, and handling any unexpected challenges that may arise.

4. Client Interaction:

   • Wedding Planner: Works closely with the couple throughout the entire planning process, providing guidance and recommendations. The planner is often deeply involved in decision-making and helps the couple make choices that align with their vision and budget. They are most often found at your venues making sure your vision and plans come to life!

   • Wedding Coordinator: Has a more limited role in client interaction compared to a wedding planner. The coordinator's primary focus is on executing the agreed up on timeline and being the “go to” for all your vendors booked and “captain” of the day. They are most often found with the bride, groom, and bridal party keeping everyone on track early in the day. And, at the venue ensuring that all contractual obligations are being met by the vendors the client booked.

In summary, while a wedding planner is involved in the comprehensive planning of the wedding from the early stages, a wedding coordinator comes into play closer to the wedding date to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the event. Some professionals may offer both planning and coordination services, but it's important to clarify their specific role and scope of services when hiring them for your wedding.

For a breakdown of what A Seamless Day Events offers for Coordinating Services, click HERE.