If you’ve started planning your wedding, you’ve likely come across two common terms: wedding planner and wedding coordinator. Many couples wonder—are they the same thing? Do I need both? Which one is right for me?

As a North Carolina wedding coordinator and planner, I often help couples figure out exactly what they need based on their wedding vision, budget, and how involved they want to be in the planning process.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator—and how to know which is right for your big day.

The final moments of your wedding ceremony can feel like a blur—but they’re also some of the most meaningful (and most photographed!) parts of your entire day. From your first kiss as newlyweds to that joyful walk back up the aisle, there are a few simple things every bride should remember to make the moment feel magical and look effortless.

As a wedding coordinator, I help guide couples through these exact transitions—ensuring you know what to do, when to do it, and how to enjoy every second. Whether it’s handing off your bouquet or pausing for a photo-worthy kiss, these tips will help you end your ceremony with confidence, style, and a smile.

Planning your wedding processional may seem straightforward—but once you start organizing who walks when (and with whom), it can get a little tricky! The processional is deeply personal. It’s your first step toward marriage, surrounded by the people you love most, and it sets the emotional tone for your entire day.

Keep in mind that your ceremony location may influence your processional order. Many churches, especially those with traditional or religious ceremonies, have set guidelines for the processional—particularly for roles like the officiant, parents, and wedding party. If you're getting married in a church, it’s a good idea to ask your church contact about any specific expectations ahead of time.

However, if your ceremony is taking place at a wedding venue or outdoor location, you’ll likely have much more freedom to personalize the order of your processional. Here’s a breakdown of the most common wedding processional order with things to consider personalizing for your own day.

When planning a wedding, it’s easy to get caught up in the details that matter most to you—the colors, the timeline, the décor—but one of the best ways to ensure a smooth, enjoyable wedding day is to step back and think about it from your guests’ point of view.

As a wedding coordinator, I always encourage couples to imagine walking into their own wedding venue as if they were a guest—someone who doesn’t know where anything is or what’s happening next. This simple exercise can make a huge difference in how your wedding feels to your guests and can help you fine-tune everything from your event flow to your signage.

When it comes to wedding planning, most couples focus on the dress, flowers, and music—but there’s one decision that can have a huge impact on your entire ceremony: choosing your wedding officiant.

Your officiant sets the tone for your ceremony and guides you through one of the most meaningful moments of your life. As someone who’s helped coordinate weddings all across North Carolina, I’ve seen just how important it is to choose the right person for this role.

Here’s what to consider when selecting the perfect officiant for your wedding:

If I could offer just one piece of advice to every couple on their wedding day, it would be this: schedule intentional alone time together.

As a North Carolina wedding coordinator, I’ve seen firsthand how fast a wedding day flies by. Between getting ready, photos, greeting guests, and dancing the night away, it’s easy to go the entire day without a quiet moment together.

That’s why my #1 tip for any couple—whether you’re planning a large celebration or an intimate gathering—is to carve out a little private time, just for the two of you.

No matter how well you plan, unexpected things can happen on your wedding day. That’s why having a wedding emergency kit on hand is a total game-changer!

As a wedding coordinator based in Raleigh-Durham, I never show up to a wedding without my fully stocked emergency kit. From small mishaps to last-minute fixes, this kit has saved the day more times than I can count—quietly, quickly, and without the couple ever having to worry.

Whether you’re hiring a day-of wedding coordinator or planning a DIY wedding, here are the top 10 must-have items I always keep in my wedding emergency kit (and you should too!):

When most couples think of hiring a wedding coordinator, they imagine help with the big-picture tasks—managing the timeline, keeping vendors on track, and ensuring the ceremony starts smoothly.

But what many don’t realize is that some of the most magical parts of my job happen in the smallest moments. As a wedding coordinator based in Raleigh-Durham, I take pride in going beyond logistics to make sure your wedding day feels seamless, personal, and full of joy.

Here’s a peek at the little ways I help make your day extra special:

Planning your wedding can feel like a full-time job—especially if you’re a hands-on or DIY bride. You’ve researched every vendor, pinned hundreds of ideas, and carefully designed every detail of your special day. But when the wedding day finally arrives, the last thing you should be doing is checking your watch or answering vendor questions!

It’s such an honor to stand beside your friend or loved one on their wedding day. But beyond the dresses, flowers, and fun, there are a few important details to keep in mind during the wedding ceremony itself.

As a professional wedding planner and coordinator, I’ve seen countless ceremonies, and I know that when the bridal party feels comfortable and confident, everything flows more smoothly. Whether you’re part of a formal church wedding or a casual outdoor celebration, these tips will help you look and feel your best as you support the couple on their big day.

Here are my top ceremony tips for bridesmaids:

One of the very first things I look at when creating a wedding timeline—whether I’m working with a full-service planning couple or a DIY wedding client—is the sunset time for your specific date and location.

As a North Carolina wedding planner, I know how important natural lighting is for your photos. If you’re dreaming of those soft, glowing golden hour portraits, knowing when the sun sets is essential! Sunset timing impacts not only your photos but also the flow of your entire day, including your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception—especially if you’re having an outdoor wedding or a venue with a scenic view.