Day-of Wedding Coordinator vs. Full-Service Wedding Planner: What’s the Difference?

Getting married is such an exciting time, and it’s totally natural to want everything to be just perfect. But let’s be real, planning a wedding can be a lot of work! That’s where wedding planners come in to save the day. But what’s the difference between a Day-of Wedding Coordinator and a Full-Service Wedding Planner? Let’s break it down so you can figure out which one fits your needs best!

What is a Day-of Wedding Coordinator?

A Day-of Wedding Coordinator is like your superhero for the big day! They swoop in closer to your wedding to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. While they don’t handle all the planning leading up to the event, their job is crucial for keeping everything on track when the day arrives.

Key Responsibilities:

- Pre-event chit-chat: They’ll have a chat with you a few weeks beforehand to gather all the important stuff—like your timeline, vendor info, and other logistics.

- Timeline management: They create a schedule and make sure things happen right on time.

- Vendor coordination: They’ll talk to your vendors to ensure everything is delivered and set up as planned.

- On-site management: On the day, they manage all the moving parts, ensuring the ceremony and reception flow smoothly.

- Problem-solving: If anything goes sideways, they handle it so you can focus on enjoying your day.

Who is it for?

- Couples who have done most of the planning but want a pro to take over the logistics on the big day.

- Budget-conscious couples looking for help without needing a full-service planner.

What is a Full-Service Wedding Planner?

A Full-Service Wedding Planner is your go-to person for every step of your wedding planning journey. They help with everything from your vision to vendor selection, styling, and making sure all the details are in place well before the actual day.

Key Responsibilities:

- Budgeting and planning:They help you set and manage your budget, and assist with decisions about venues, catering, and decor.

- Vendor recommendations: They’ll suggest trusted vendors, negotiate contracts, and help you hire the perfect team.

- Design and styling: They’ll work with you to create your wedding’s look and feel, from colors to overall aesthetics.

- Timeline creation and coordination: They craft a detailed timeline for the entire event and ensure everything stays on schedule right from the beginning.

- On-site coordination: Just like day-of coordinators, they’re there on the wedding day to manage everything, but they also oversee the prep leading up to it.

Who is it for?

- Couples wanting a hands-off approach to planning.

- Those looking for expert help in making decisions throughout the whole process.

- Couples with a bit more budget who want someone to handle all the logistics and design without much involvement from themselves.

Key Differences

-Scope of Service: A Full-Service Planner works with you throughout the whole wedding planning journey, while a Day-of Coordinator jumps in closer to the date.

-Involvement in Design: Full-service planners help design your wedding’s vibe, whereas day-of coordinators usually don’t get involved in the design.

-Timeline Creation: Both create timelines, but the full-service planner does so from the get-go, while the day-of coordinator will finalize and execute it.

-Vendor Recommendations: Full-service planners help suggest and manage vendors, while day-of coordinators assume you’ve got that sorted out.

-Cost: Full-service planners are usually pricier since they handle everything from the start. Day-of coordinators are a more budget-friendly option, focusing just on the wedding day.

Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between a Day-of Coordinator and a Full-Service Wedding Planner really comes down to a few things:

-Your level of involvement:If you love planning and want to handle most of the details but need help on the day itself, a coordinator is a great option. If you want to relax and let someone else handle it all, go for a full-service planner.

-Your budget: Full-service planners can be a bit of an investment, so if you’re watching your spending, a day-of coordinator can be a lifesaver without breaking the bank.

-Wedding size and complexity: For bigger weddings or more complex events, a full-service planner might be just what you need to ensure all those little details are taken care of.

In the end, it all comes down to what suits you and your wedding style best! 

Let’s bring your dream wedding to life! Contact us today to start planning your perfect day.