Wedding Planner or Wedding Coordinator!
When it comes to planning a wedding, there are a lot of moving parts to consider.
It can be overwhelming to handle all of the details on your own, which is why many couples turn to wedding professionals for help. Two popular options for wedding assistance are wedding planners and on-the-day wedding coordinators.
While these two roles may seem similar, there are actually some key differences between them. In this blog, we’ll explore the distinctions between a wedding planner and an on-the-day wedding coordinator.
What is a wedding planner?
A wedding planner is a professional who assists couples in the planning and execution of their wedding. Wedding planners can be involved in every aspect of the wedding, from venue selection to supplier coordination. They work closely with the couple to understand their vision for their big day and help them bring that vision to life. Some of the services that wedding planners offer include:
Budget management
Venue selection
Supplier recommendations and coordination
Design and décor
Timeline creation and management
RSVP management
Guest accommodations
Rehearsal coordination
On-the-day coordination
Wedding planners typically charge a flat fee or a percentage of the wedding budget, depending on the level of service they provide. The cost can range from a few thousand pounds to tens of thousands of pounds, depending on the location and size of the wedding.
What is an on-the-day wedding coordinator?
An on-the-day wedding coordinator (also known as a day-of coordinator or wedding coordinator) is a professional who oversees the wedding day’s logistics. They ensure that everything runs smoothly, from the arrival of suppliers to the timing of the ceremony and reception. Some of the services that an on-the-day wedding coordinator offers include:
Final supplier confirmation and coordination
Timeline management
Set up and breakdown of décor and rental items
Overseeing the ceremony and reception
Managing any issues that may arise
Unlike a wedding planner, an on-the-day wedding coordinator does not typically provide assistance with pre-wedding planning. Instead, they focus solely on the wedding day itself. On-the-day wedding coordinators may charge a flat fee or an hourly rate for their services, which can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, depending on the location and size of the wedding.
What are the differences between a wedding planner and an on-the-day wedding coordinator?
Scope of services
The main difference between a wedding planner and an on-the-day wedding coordinator is the scope of services they offer. While a wedding planner is involved in every aspect of the wedding planning process, from start to finish, an on-the-day wedding coordinator is only involved in the day-of logistics. A wedding planner will help you select suppliers, create a budget, design your wedding, and manage your timeline, while an on-the-day wedding coordinator will ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of your wedding.
Timing
Another significant difference between a wedding planner and an on-the-day wedding coordinator is the timing of their involvement. A wedding planner typically works with a couple for several months or even years leading up to the wedding, while an on-the-day wedding coordinator is only involved in the final few weeks and then on the wedding day itself. This means that a wedding planner will be able to help you with every aspect of your wedding planning, from start to finish, while an on-the-day wedding coordinator will only be able to help you with the logistics of the day.
Cost
Because of the scope of services they offer, wedding planners are typically more expensive than on-the-day wedding coordinators. Wedding planners charge a flat fee or a percentage of the wedding budget.
Jo Pyman is an award-winning Wedding Coordinator and planner as well as the founder of One Curious Dream Wedding Planning Agency who plan and coordinate weddings throughout the UK.
If you’d like to enquire further about my wedding coordination services, I welcome you to book in a free, no-obligation consultation here.
Alternatively, you can reach me at [email protected] or 0800 772 0765.
Why not keep up with all things behind the scenes at One Curious Dream on Instagram, where you’ll find lots of wedding inspiration and ideas?
