The Differences Between a Wedding Planner and a Wedding Coordinator (and Why You Might Need Both!)

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So, you just got engaged—cue the confetti and champagne! You're ready to go headfirst into wedding planning… until you Google "help with wedding planning" and suddenly find yourself spiraling into the endless options of wedding pros: planners, coordinators, designers, stylists, officiants, unicorn tamers (okay, maybe not that last one—but who knows these days).

Let’s clear up one of the most common sources of confusion: what’s the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator? Are they the same person with a fancy title? Do you need both? And how do you choose?

The Wedding Planner: Your Big-Picture BFF

Think of a wedding planner as your personal project manager, wedding whisperer, and logistics queen/king all rolled into one. They're with you from (almost) day one, helping you piece together every part of the puzzle.

What They Do:

• Help define your vision, budget, and overall wedding vibe

• Recommend vendors that match your style and price point

• Attend vendor meetings, review contracts, and help negotiate

• Create timelines, layouts, and checklists

• Keep you from eloping out of stress (joking… kinda)

  
  

When to Hire One:

-You're overwhelmed by all the things

-You have a busy schedule and need a pro to handle the heavy lifting

-You want help from beginning to “I do”.

Wedding planners are ideal for couples who want full support and someone to guide the process every step of the way—especially if Pinterest is starting to look more like a pressure cooker than inspiration.

The Wedding Coordinator: Your Day-Of MVP

Now enter the wedding coordinator, your behind-the-scenes hero who makes sure all your beautiful plans actually happen without a hitch. They're not typically involved in planning the wedding itself, but they swoop in during the final stretch (usually a month or so before the big day) to make sure everything runs smoothly.

What They Do:

• Confirm logistics with vendors

• Create and manage a day-of timeline

• Handle the rehearsal

• Solve last-minute issues (like when Aunt Susan sits in the wrong row)

• Keep the day running on time so you can actually enjoy it

  
  

When to Hire One:

- You’ve planned everything but need someone to execute it

- You don’t want your mom or maid of honor running around with a clipboard

- You want peace of mind on your wedding day

Coordinators are lifesavers if you're a hands-on couple who’s already done the planning but needs a pro to tie it all together and troubleshoot on the day of.

So… Do You Need Both?

Honestly? It depends on your needs, budget, and sanity level. Here's a quick cheat sheet:

Scenario	Who You Need
You want a stress-free, start-to-finish guide	Planner
You’ve got it planned, but need help on the day	Coordinator
You want total support from start to finish	Both!

Pro TIP: Some planners also offer coordination as part of their package, so if you’re hiring a planner, make sure to ask!

Final Thoughts (From Someone Who’s Seen a Cake Meltdown or Two)

Whether you go with a planner, a coordinator, or both, one thing’s for sure: having a professional in your corner makes all the difference. Weddings are magical, but they’re also full of moving parts—and the last thing you want on your big day is to be chasing down the DJ or fixing a flower snafu.

So go ahead and delegate like a boss. Your future married self will thank you.

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