Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator

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As we all heard before planning a wedding is stressful. It takes time, money, organization, and creativity. This is why it is important to think about hiring a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator. The question is which one should a couple use? Is there really a difference between the two? Some would say that a wedding planner is needed, and others would say a wedding coordinator is best. Some tasks are some for both positions; however I wanted to find more information for myself.

A wedding planner is a “seasoned professional who can confidently guide you through the entire wedding planning process” (Swanson). This is beneficial because having another person to help plan the special day would reduce stress by managing and organizing all the details. Also a wedding planner can help save money for brides and grooms. “Wedding planners can help save money because of their established relationships with vendors” (Gazza). Therefore, brides and grooms can get suggestions for food, a well-known photographer in town, DJ’s, and the list goes on. Having these recommendations for vendors decreases the time for a couple to search for a vendor on their own.  A planner would first listen to the couples ideas of what is expected or envisioned for the wedding then the planner would “pursue options, seek the best deals, and present their ideas and suggestions” (Gazza).  Wedding planners are supposed to be there for the couple and they help with answering any questions along the way. Essentially Dena Gazza describes the role of a wedding planner is to “help create a budget, save money, save time, negotiate with vendors, have a strong base of knowledge, creativity, and experience on current trends in the industry, provide advice on issues such as etiquette, and lastly serve as an advocate, counselor, and friend” (Gazza). My opinion is that if a couple is planning on having a big wedding then a wedding planner can play an essential role for literally everything building up to the big day by fitting a brides and grooms needs, style, and personality. On the other hand if it was a small wedding, close family and a few friends, than maybe a wedding planner is not needed as much.

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A wedding coordinator “is not necessarily deeply involved with the wedding plans” (Swanson).  Wedding coordinators will show on the day of the rehearsal to make sure that the wedding will run smooth. They would gather all of the vendor’s information and create a timeline for the day of the wedding. “The coordinator’s role is to decrease stress and ensure a smooth, seamless process for the bride and the families on this special day. Gazza also refers to a wedding coordinators role is to review the timeline of events and activities for the ceremony and/or reception, maintain open communication between the bride, families, and officiates, serve as the “go-to” person for any issues that may arise, and work with florist, musicians, and officiate, providing details and making sure no detail is forgotten” (Gazza).  

For myself, I have a wedding planner. However I did not know that a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator were two different professions. Through my research I came to the conclusion that both can be valuable to the wedding planning process and importantly, couples should understand what they are getting into. So far my wedding planner Elizabeth is the most helpful, sweetest woman that is helping me avoid hardship, frustration or disappointment. She helps me weigh my options accordingly and considers my needs and concerns mostly because she is very experienced with her profession. 

Works Cited

Gazza, Dena. "Wedding Planners versus Wedding Coordinators: Is There A Difference?"Nittany Weddings. N.p., 2 Feb. 2013. Web. 12 Feb. 2013. <http://www.nittanyweddings.com/wedding-planning-articles/wedding-planners-versus-wedding-coordinators-is-there-a-difference/>.

Swanson, Angel. "Wedding Coordinator vs. Wedding Planner." Weddingbee PRO. N.p., 17 Dec. 2008. Web. 12 Feb. 2013. <http://www.weddingbeepro.com/2008/12/17/wedding-coordinator-vs-wedding-planner/>.