Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator: What’s the Difference?

When couples start planning their big day, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Do I need a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator?” While the terms sometimes get used interchangeably, the roles are actually very different, and knowing the difference can help you decide what kind of support is right for your wedding.

At Love and Life Events, we’ve worked with couples at every stage of the process, from full-service planning to day-of coordination. Here’s a breakdown to help clear up the confusion.

What Does a Wedding Coordinator Do?

A wedding coordinator steps in closer to the wedding, usually a few months before the big day. Their job is to take all of the details you’ve already planned and bring them to life.

A coordinator’s role includes:

• Reviewing your contracts and timelines

• Creating a detailed wedding day timeline & layout

• Communicating with vendors to confirm logistics

• Running your rehearsal

• Overseeing the wedding day so you (& your loved ones) can relax and be present

In short: if you’ve done all the planning but don’t want to stress about managing the day itself, a coordinator is your best friend.

What Does a Wedding Planner Do?

A wedding planner takes on a larger role in the planning process. Unlike a coordinator, a planner doesn’t just step in at the end. They’re involved throughout the journey to provide guidance, design expertise, and logistical support.

Depending on the package, this can look like partial planning (where you’ve already booked some vendors or have a vision in mind, but want ongoing professional support) or full-service planning (where your planner is with you from the very beginning, handling everything from budgeting and vendor sourcing, to execution).

• Scouting venues and scheduling tours

• Creating your wedding budget and helping you stick to it

• Recommending and booking trusted vendors

• Designing the overall look and feel of your day

• Handling contracts, timelines, and logistics

• Providing guidance and support through every decision

If you’re a couple with a busy lifestyle, planning from out of town, or dreaming of a high-end luxury wedding with lots of details, a planner ensures that nothing slips through the cracks. They’re the vision builders and the problem solvers who keep the entire process stress-free. The best part is that your planner naturally transitions into your coordinator on the wedding day. That means that the person who’s been guiding you through the process is also right there managing every detail and taking care of you from start to finish.

Which One Do You Need?

Here’s the easiest way to think about it:

• Hire a planner if you want hands-on guidance from start to finish and prefer a professional to handle the design, logistics, and vendor communication.

• Hire a coordinator if you love the planning process yourself, but want a pro to execute your vision so you can be fully present on your wedding day.

Here's another important thing to keep in mind!

A wedding coordinator and a venue coordinator are not the same thing.

A venue coordinator works for the venue. Their job is to make sure everything on the venue’s side runs smoothly, such as catering, setup of tables and chairs, and supporting the venue staff.

A wedding coordinator (or planner) works for you. They manage your entire vendor team, build and run the timeline, and make sure the big picture of your day flows seamlessly, not limited to just what happens within the venue.

Both are valuable roles, but they are not interchangeable. Having a dedicated wedding coordinator or planner ensures that someone is always looking out for your vision and best interests.

Our Approach at Love and Life Events

At Love and Life Events, we offer both full-service planning and wedding coordination packages. No matter what, our goal is the same: to make sure you actually enjoy your engagement season and your wedding day, without being overwhelmed by logistics.

Whether you’re a Type A bride who needs to let go of the reins (we see you!) or a laid-back couple who just wants to show up and celebrate, having the right level of support makes all the difference.

So, planner or coordinator? The answer really depends on your planning style and how much help you want along the way. Either way, we will take care of you.

Ready to figure out the best fit for you?

Let’s chat about how we can bring your dream wedding to life!

With Love & Life,

Makayla

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Featuring Kris & Sandy's Wedding

Photography: @mirandatatephotography

Beauty: @luonglastingteam

Catering: @fullertonbrewco

Videography: @verthemakers

DJ: @mybridaldj

Rentals: @yennispartyrentals