What is the difference between a Coordinator vs. a Planner?

Planners are with you from day 1- they are there with you every step of the way, “holding your hand” so to say, from choosing your venue, your style/theme, creating a budget, choosing vendors and then managing them, and everything in between (there’s usually a lot of in between!!). Planners do all of this IN ADDITION to what the Coordinator does.

Coordinators are there with you one month before your wedding day. So all of the decision making has already been made by the bride and groom, the coordinator ties up any loose ends and presents you your wedding day on a silver platter. Timelines, main contact between you and your vendors, overseeing & beautifying set up, managing the smooth flow of the day and keeping an eye out on all the details is the Coordinators main purpose. They also will line up your bridal party prior to the ceremony, bustle your gown, let you know when the important nightly events are up (first dance, Cake cutting, sparkler sendoff, etc.)

What are the PRO’s of having a coordinator?

Budget

Do you know what cakes, photographers, flowers, dj, or a videographer cost? Planners help to educate you on cost and then distribute your budget based on what is most important to you! It’s hard to know if you are paying too much or what kind of quality you are getting for your money- we’re here to guide you!

Discounts

We keep a good business relationship with our vendors, which means we’re receiving discounts that are then passed on to you! We also help with vendor referrals. One of the hardest parts of planning can be narrowing down a large list of vendors for each necessary category. We help steer you in the right direction based on your style and budget.

TO-DO list

The ever-growing TO-DO list- Planners help bring you back down to earth. We might pop your DREAM WEDDING goals just slightly by telling you that getting Justin Bieber to serenade you and your new husband for your first dance shouldn’t be #1 on the list. We’ll let you know what needs to get done and when, such as mailing invitations, scheduling final fittings and most importantly, scheduling your payments!

Set Up

If your budget doesn’t allow for ALL NEW EVERYTHING- you are not alone. This means you have a decent amount of DIY- and instead of stressing and making sure everything is at its designated spot, your coordinator will make sure table décor, favors, the guestbook, seating charts and the cake knife, etc. are where they are supposed to be and looking fabulous! Coordinators make sure every single detail is picture worthy for lifelong memories.

Contracts

Let’s face it. This is your first time getting married, you have no idea what you need to look for in contracts or what questions need to be asked to make sure you don’t get surprised with any new fees, or that you abide by all the stated criteria. Your planner will point out important info to you and make sure bring any red flags to your attention.

Thinking outside of the box

This isn’t our first rodeo! Planners can help to come up with new trending ideas to help keep your special day different than everyone else’s.

We speak the same language you do! Your bridesmaids may not be as genuinely interested in talking about table runners and which centerpiece set up looks better than the other. We are here for you!

What are the cons to having a coordinator?

You do not want to find out too late that you should have booked a planner/coordinator. If you want the wedding of your dreams it will cost you, and hiring a coordinator to pull it off! Yes it is taking a piece of your budget, but you will truly appreciate having someone on your team and along with you for the ride every step of the way. Depending on what type of bride you are, you can either be very involved with the whole process and be CC’ed on correspondence between your vendors, or you could meet them for the first time on your wedding day.

How much will it cost me?

Planners and Coordination are not just for big budget brides. The price range can vary depending on your budget! Of course, there are coordinators who specialize in $20,000 all the way to $100,000+ weddings! The budget for your planning package should be about 5-10% of your package. Sound like a lot? Keep in mind- your planner/coordinator will be your only vendor that works for you on your wedding day AND the months leading up to it. Not to mention, the discounts and trick to the trade that is really helping your budget.

How do I decide what is best for me?

Your budget can definitely set the tone for what’s possible, but there are other options you should deliberate.

Hire a PLANNER if-

You just want to be participate in the fun part- the actual wedding day.

Destination weddings- find someone local

You are just ultimately too busy to plan your wedding- it happens!

Your guest count is above average

You are bad with money and tend to overspend

You are struggling with bringing your vision to life

You have little support from family and friends and do not know the first thing about wedding.

Hire a COORDINATOR if:

You already have your wedding binder, with dividers, all the vendors and contracts in alphabetical. Basically, you are OCD and already have your T’s crossed and your I’s dotted.

You have some experience with planning or have a relative/ family friend who has SEASONED experience. (I wouldn’t consider throwing a 1^st birthday party experience)

Still not convinced?

“I’ll be able to pull it off with my mom, aunts and sister’s, right? I don’t need a planner!”

Are we saying that every wedding in the world must have a planner or coordinator? No! But you need to know what you are getting yourself into. Wedding planning can be STRESSFUL! I am not trying to scare you! But it is the reality of the big day! The last thing you want is for your family to fall out because there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians. It’s also very TIME CONSUMING. Months and months of planning go into making your dream a reality. And sorry Mom, but today’s weddings are completely different than they were 20+ years ago- the ‘first look’ is something they might not have heard of, let alone Pinterest!