F.A.Q
What's the Difference Between a Wedding Planner, a Wedding Coordinator, and a Day-Of Wedding Coordinator?
The terms wedding planner, wedding coordinator, and day-of wedding coordinator are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different roles in the wedding planning process. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
1. Wedding Planner
Role: A wedding planner is involved from the very beginning of the planning process and oversees every detail of the wedding. They work with the couple to establish a budget, recommend vendors, design the wedding aesthetic, and manage all logistical aspects throughout the planning period. They handle everything from contracts to timelines, making sure all details are taken care of in advance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage the wedding budget.
- Source and hire vendors (caterers, photographers, florists, etc.).
- Help with wedding design and theme.
- Create a detailed timeline for the entire wedding process.
- Coordinate all logistical aspects leading up to the wedding day.
- Provide advice and guidance throughout the planning process.
- Often available for pre-wedding events like bridal showers and rehearsal dinners.
When to Hire: A wedding planner is ideal for couples who want full-service assistance and need help with all aspects of the wedding planning, especially those who are planning a larger or more complex wedding. - Think J.Lo in the rom-com movie aptly named, "The Wedding Planner". Hire at least 12 months prior to the wedding.
2. Wedding Coordinator
Role: A wedding coordinator typically steps in a 1-6 months before the wedding (or earlier if the clients think it necessary), working with the couple to finalize details, confirm vendors, and make sure everything is on track for the big day. The key difference between a coordinator and a planner is that coordinators may not have as much involvement in the early stages of planning but are deeply involved as the wedding approaches.
Key Responsibilities:
- Finalize details with vendors and the venue.
- Develop a comprehensive timeline for the wedding day.
- Ensure that all logistics are in place and that vendors are confirmed.
- Oversee the rehearsal and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the wedding.
- Act as the main point of contact for vendors on the wedding day.
- Manage the flow of the wedding ceremony and reception.
- Ensure that the couple, wedding party, and guests have a seamless experience.
When to Hire: A wedding coordinator is best for couples who have already done the bulk of the planning or know what they will be doing and just need someone to manage the details and logistics leading up to and on the day of the wedding. A coordinator can also act as an neutral party and sounding board for couples, who just can't make that tough decision. Hire at least 3-6 months before the wedding.
3. Day-of Wedding Coordinator
Role: A day-of wedding coordinator is a very specific role that involves overseeing only the events of the wedding day itself. This person typically steps in the week or day before the wedding, ensuring that all logistics, timelines, and vendor coordination go off without a hitch. A day-of coordinator *does not* plan or manage anything before the wedding, but they make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.
Key Responsibilities:
- Meet with the couple (often a final consultation) to review the wedding timeline.
- Coordinate with all vendors to ensure they’re on schedule.
- Oversee the ceremony and reception setup, ensuring everything is in place.
- Direct the wedding party, including ensuring the bride and groom are in the right place at the right time.
- Handle any unexpected issues or emergencies on the wedding day.
- Manage the timing of events (e.g., first dances, cake cutting, etc.).
- Ensure the couple can relax and enjoy the day without worrying about logistics.
When to Hire: A day-of wedding coordinator is ideal for couples who have already planned everything themselves or with the help of a planner and just need someone to take charge on the actual wedding day. Hire at least 30-45 days prior to the wedding.
In Summary:
Wedding Planner: Ideal for couples who want comprehensive planning assistance from start to finish.
Wedding Coordinator: Best for couples who have already planned most of their wedding and need someone to finalize and manage the details.
Day-of Wedding Coordinator: Perfect for couples who want to handle all the planning themselves but need someone to ensure the wedding day goes smoothly.
Choosing the right role depends on how much help you want during the planning process versus how much you want to manage yourself.
1. Wedding Planner
Role: A wedding planner is involved from the very beginning of the planning process and oversees every detail of the wedding. They work with the couple to establish a budget, recommend vendors, design the wedding aesthetic, and manage all logistical aspects throughout the planning period. They handle everything from contracts to timelines, making sure all details are taken care of in advance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage the wedding budget.
- Source and hire vendors (caterers, photographers, florists, etc.).
- Help with wedding design and theme.
- Create a detailed timeline for the entire wedding process.
- Coordinate all logistical aspects leading up to the wedding day.
- Provide advice and guidance throughout the planning process.
- Often available for pre-wedding events like bridal showers and rehearsal dinners.
When to Hire: A wedding planner is ideal for couples who want full-service assistance and need help with all aspects of the wedding planning, especially those who are planning a larger or more complex wedding. - Think J.Lo in the rom-com movie aptly named, "The Wedding Planner". Hire at least 12 months prior to the wedding.
2. Wedding Coordinator
Role: A wedding coordinator typically steps in a 1-6 months before the wedding (or earlier if the clients think it necessary), working with the couple to finalize details, confirm vendors, and make sure everything is on track for the big day. The key difference between a coordinator and a planner is that coordinators may not have as much involvement in the early stages of planning but are deeply involved as the wedding approaches.
Key Responsibilities:
- Finalize details with vendors and the venue.
- Develop a comprehensive timeline for the wedding day.
- Ensure that all logistics are in place and that vendors are confirmed.
- Oversee the rehearsal and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the wedding.
- Act as the main point of contact for vendors on the wedding day.
- Manage the flow of the wedding ceremony and reception.
- Ensure that the couple, wedding party, and guests have a seamless experience.
When to Hire: A wedding coordinator is best for couples who have already done the bulk of the planning or know what they will be doing and just need someone to manage the details and logistics leading up to and on the day of the wedding. A coordinator can also act as an neutral party and sounding board for couples, who just can't make that tough decision. Hire at least 3-6 months before the wedding.
3. Day-of Wedding Coordinator
Role: A day-of wedding coordinator is a very specific role that involves overseeing only the events of the wedding day itself. This person typically steps in the week or day before the wedding, ensuring that all logistics, timelines, and vendor coordination go off without a hitch. A day-of coordinator *does not* plan or manage anything before the wedding, but they make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.
Key Responsibilities:
- Meet with the couple (often a final consultation) to review the wedding timeline.
- Coordinate with all vendors to ensure they’re on schedule.
- Oversee the ceremony and reception setup, ensuring everything is in place.
- Direct the wedding party, including ensuring the bride and groom are in the right place at the right time.
- Handle any unexpected issues or emergencies on the wedding day.
- Manage the timing of events (e.g., first dances, cake cutting, etc.).
- Ensure the couple can relax and enjoy the day without worrying about logistics.
When to Hire: A day-of wedding coordinator is ideal for couples who have already planned everything themselves or with the help of a planner and just need someone to take charge on the actual wedding day. Hire at least 30-45 days prior to the wedding.
In Summary:
Wedding Planner: Ideal for couples who want comprehensive planning assistance from start to finish.
Wedding Coordinator: Best for couples who have already planned most of their wedding and need someone to finalize and manage the details.
Day-of Wedding Coordinator: Perfect for couples who want to handle all the planning themselves but need someone to ensure the wedding day goes smoothly.
Choosing the right role depends on how much help you want during the planning process versus how much you want to manage yourself.
What is included in your wedding coordination package?
We have three packages to choose from: Day-of-Coordination, Full Wedding Coordination, and our largest package, Above and Beyond Wedding Coordination.
Each package comes with its own set of inclusions such as: a pre-wedding consultation, timeline creation, vendor confirmation, and day-of management. We’ll review your wedding details, confirm logistics with your vendors, organize the ceremony and reception flow, and ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of. Additional services, such as extended hours can be added if needed.
Read more about our Wedding Coordination Packages here.
Each package comes with its own set of inclusions such as: a pre-wedding consultation, timeline creation, vendor confirmation, and day-of management. We’ll review your wedding details, confirm logistics with your vendors, organize the ceremony and reception flow, and ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of. Additional services, such as extended hours can be added if needed.
Read more about our Wedding Coordination Packages here.
Do you help with the wedding rehearsal?
Yes! If your package includes rehearsal management, we’ll coordinate your rehearsal, ensuring that your wedding party knows what to do and where to go. We’ll run through the ceremony to make sure everyone is comfortable and confident for the big day.
Can you help with last-minute changes or emergencies on the wedding day?
Absolutely! One of the main reasons to have a wedding coordinator is to handle any last-minute changes or unexpected issues on the day of the wedding. Whether it’s a weather delay, a vendor running behind, or an emergency last-minute adjustment, we’ll take care of it so you can focus on enjoying your day.
Do you work with specific vendors, or can we use our own?
We’re happy to work with your preferred vendors, but if you need recommendations, we have a list of trusted professionals we’ve worked with over the years. We want to make sure the vendors you choose align with your vision and style, so we’re here to help guide you through that process.
How involved will the coordinator be in the planning process?
We can be as involved as you want us to be! Remember, this is your wedding, your way! So you run the show and plan your wedding with your wants, and we’ll work with you to finalize the timeline, make vendor confirmations, and ensure everything is in place. There will likely be plenty of opportunities for us to give input and help make decisions (if you'd like us to!), but we’re here to take care of the logistics and details for the day of. We want to ensure coordination of the planning process is as stress-free as possible for you.
How do we get started with booking you for our wedding?
Getting started is easy! Simply reach out to us via our inquiry form. During the consultation, we’ll discuss your wedding vision, your needs, and how we can help. From there, we’ll provide a customized plan and contract for our services. Once everything’s confirmed, we’ll start working on bringing your dream wedding to life!
Ready to get started? Fill out the Inquiry Form here.
Ready to get started? Fill out the Inquiry Form here.
What if we need extra help with setup or teardown?
We can absolutely assist with setting up "final touches", such as, setting out programs, reserved signs, menu cards, place cards, etc.
We do not currently offer full setup or tear down services as apart of any package. If you need help with decorating, setting up ceremony chairs, or organizing personal items, we can upgrade your service with this add-on for an additional charge to make sure your venue looks perfect! This team can also handle post-event cleanup to make sure everything is taken care of so you can enjoy your celebration.
We do not currently offer full setup or tear down services as apart of any package. If you need help with decorating, setting up ceremony chairs, or organizing personal items, we can upgrade your service with this add-on for an additional charge to make sure your venue looks perfect! This team can also handle post-event cleanup to make sure everything is taken care of so you can enjoy your celebration.
When do you start?
Unlike many coordinators who only swoop in a few weeks before the wedding (usually between 30 to 60 days before), I get started as soon as you sign on with me. I believe in being there for you every step of the way, helping you tie up all the loose ends—no detail is too small, and no question is too silly.
I’ll dive into your wedding plans from the moment we begin working together, offering guidance, suggestions, referrals, and logistical support whenever you need it. I’ll help you refine your vision, solidify timelines, and keep vendors updated, all while ensuring you stay on track mentally (and emotionally!). So when the big day arrives, you’re not just getting a coordinator who’s there to manage things — you’re getting someone who’s been by your side from day one, ensuring everything runs smoothly, exactly how you envisioned.
I’m here to make this planning process as stress-free as possible—and trust me, you’ll feel the difference! :)
I’ll dive into your wedding plans from the moment we begin working together, offering guidance, suggestions, referrals, and logistical support whenever you need it. I’ll help you refine your vision, solidify timelines, and keep vendors updated, all while ensuring you stay on track mentally (and emotionally!). So when the big day arrives, you’re not just getting a coordinator who’s there to manage things — you’re getting someone who’s been by your side from day one, ensuring everything runs smoothly, exactly how you envisioned.
I’m here to make this planning process as stress-free as possible—and trust me, you’ll feel the difference! :)
Does your coordinating fee include travel?
Partially. If I’m traveling more than an hour’s drive outside of the Anne Arundel County area, mileage will be at a billable rate. The fee does not include accommodations for the night before the wedding and the night of the wedding. If I’m hopping on a plane, it also doesn’t include that ticket price.
How do I get a quote or inquire about my event?
Yay! We are so happy you would like to inquire working with us.
Just click BOOK NOW on any page to get started. We've added it here for your convenience.
Just click BOOK NOW on any page to get started. We've added it here for your convenience.