What makes a Wedding Coordinator different from a Wedding Planner?

 Hiring a wedding planner may appear to be "so American," but they have always been and will continue to be a popular addition to your planning process. So join me as I discuss the differences between a coordinator and a planner, as well as the advantages both provide.

Some of you may be wondering why you need a wedding planner if the venue has a coordinator in the package price.

The venue's wedding organisers are great; they know their venue inside and out and have fantastic relationships with the venue's staff. They'll have organised a number of weddings at the location and will be well-versed in what works and what doesn't. They will contact you a few months prior to your wedding day to go through all of the details related to the wedding day in order to guarantee that everything works properly.

The following is not meant to diminish what a coordinator does (I've worked as one myself), but rather to highlight the facts about the things they don't accomplish that a Wedding Planner can*.

*Confirm with your planner/coordinator exactly what is included in your package.

Planners of weddings:

Can be a part of the planning process from the beginning (the minute you are engaged)

With the full coordinating service, devotes around 300 hours to you and your day.

Not only does it aid in the creation of your overall vision, but it also aids in the creation of your wedding day vision.

• Mood boards and themes are created.

• Creates a budget and keeps track of your finances.

• All of your suppliers will be vetted and liaised with.

• All of your meetings are scheduled.

• Starts uncomfortable family discussions

• Creates a wedding website for you.

• All of your meetings are scheduled.

• Starts uncomfortable family discussions

• Creates a wedding website for you.

• Send, track, and follow up on answers to your invitations.

• After accompanying you every step of the journey and ensuring that nothing is overlooked on the big day, everything comes together.

There's so much more!

There are many companies that advertise as wedding planners when they are actually wedding stylists (companies that rent out accessories for your wedding), but some do offer a planning service as well, so make sure you check before committing if you are looking for an actual wedding planner/coordinator.

Wedding planners, too, provide coordination services. This is ideal if you are the type of couple who wants to plan their own wedding but needs someone on hand on the big day to make sure everything works smoothly and that you and your partner are well taken care of.

Wedding planners are an excellent investment in your planning process because they relieve you of a lot of stress. Your planning process should be enjoyable rather than stressful (oh, how I despise that term!). So, before you determine whether or not a wedding planner is best for you, consider the following three factors:

• Are you able to afford a planner? (Most plans genuinely help you save money)

• Do you have the time to devote to wedding planning?

• Will you require assistance with wedding logistics and formalities?

Remember, I give a free consultation and will be pleased to have an open and honest talk with you, and if I believe you would benefit from having a planner, I will suggest an alternative.

I'm looking forward to speaking with you!