Let’s face it, planning your wedding can be very time consuming and a bit stressful. That’s why hiring a wedding professional to assist you can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Many couples aren’t sure which is right for them: Wedding Planner, Coordinator, or Designer: What's the Difference? We’ve provided a guide to help you determine which one would be beneficial for you when it comes to planning your wedding.
1. The Role of Wedding Planner
If you require someone to assist you with the wedding planning process from start to finish, then you would need to hire a wedding planner. The wedding planner handles all the logistics of the wedding process which includes contract negotiations, vendor referrals, and also delivering the vision you have for your wedding day. Wedding planners also assist couples with establishing a financial comfort zone and keeps track of where all the monies are being allocated. Some other services offered by the wedding planner includes timeline management, designing floor plans, guest list tracking, attending site visits, coordinate rehearsal, and menu/cake tastings.
The role of the wedding planner is very important and can be very useful to couples who don’t have the time to plan a wedding, don’t want the hassle or stress of planning a wedding, or for those who aren't sure where to begin. Many wedding planners begin the wedding planning process anywhere from twelve to eighteen (18) months before your wedding date and spend a great deal of time ensuring all details are in place.
2. The Role of Wedding Coordinator
Wedding coordinators commonly referred to as "Day of Coordination" are usually hired to do just that, coordinate on the wedding day. Wedding Planner, Coordinator or Designer: What’s the Difference? While the wedding planner spends much more time handling the logistics, the role of the wedding coordinator differs in certain aspects. Wedding coordinators begin working with couples anywhere from four to eight weeks before the wedding. On the wedding day, the wedding coordinator is the point of contact or "go-to" person for vendors and everyone who plays a role. Some other duties include providing timelines, conducting the final walk-through of the ceremony and reception sites, and overseeing the rehearsal. You should consider hiring a wedding coordinator if you want to take the time to enjoy the day and let someone else handle the "day of" details or if hiring a full wedding planner does not fit into your financial comfort zone.
3. The Role of Wedding Designer
In our guide, Wedding Planner, Coordinator, or Designer: What’s the Difference?, the role of the Wedding Designer is responsible for creating and implementing the vision for the wedding. When it comes to lighting, floral arrangements, linens, you name it, the wedding designer collaborates all these things. The wedding designer also conducts site visits to ensure that all the design elements are feasible at the desired venue. Couples should consider hiring a wedding designer if you aren’t very creative or would like a specific theme or decor elements. Your wedding photographer can capture the vision that the wedding designer creates for your wedding day.
If you would like to learn more about the role of wedding coordinator, planner, or designer, please contact us to speak with one of our wedding professionals.