Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator: What’s the Difference?
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.
What Does a Wedding Planner Do?
A wedding planner is with you from the very beginning of your wedding planning process. Planners handle everything from setting your budget to finding vendors, managing contracts, and creating design concepts.
Here are some typical services a wedding planner provides:
Budget management
Vendor research and booking
Venue selection assistance
Event design and décor planning
Contract negotiation
Monthly check-ins and meetings
Full-scale timeline creation and logistics
Wedding planners are ideal for couples who:
Are short on time
Feel overwhelmed by the process
Want professional help with budgeting, design, and logistics
Prefer an expert to manage all vendor communication
What Does a Wedding Coordinator Do?
A wedding coordinator steps in closer to the wedding date—typically 4 to 8 weeks before your event. Our role is to take all the plans you’ve made and make sure everything comes together smoothly on your wedding day.
Here’s what a wedding coordinator typically handles:
Final timeline creation
Vendor confirmations
Rehearsal coordination
Ceremony and reception management
Décor setup and teardown
On-site problem-solving
Being the point of contact for all vendors
Wedding coordinators are best for couples who:
Have planned most of the wedding themselves
Want a stress-free wedding day
Need someone to handle the details and vendor communication on the big day
Want family and friends to enjoy the wedding, not work it
So, Which One Do You Need?
Here’s the simplest way to decide:
If you want full planning support from start to finish—including design, budgeting, and vendor sourcing—you’ll want a wedding planner.
If you’ve already done the planning yourself but need someone to manage the logistics, timeline, and vendors on your wedding day, a wedding coordinator is likely the best fit.
Bonus Tip: Some Wedding Pros Offer Both!
Many professionals (myself included!) offer both wedding planning and wedding coordination services—sometimes even customizable packages depending on how much help you need. Get more information on our package options on our Pricing page.
Still Not Sure? Let’s Chat!
Whether you’re newly engaged or just weeks away from walking down the aisle, I’d love to help you figure out exactly what type of support you need. As an experienced North Carolina wedding planner and coordinator, I specialize in helping couples feel calm, confident, and completely present on their wedding day.