Planning a wedding in Cornwall: Wedding coordinator vs. wedding planner – what’s the difference?
Country House Wedding
When it comes to planning a wedding, couples often hear two terms thrown around: wedding coordinator and wedding planner. While they may sound similar, these roles are quite different in terms of responsibilities, timeline, and involvement in your big day. Understanding the distinction between the two can help you decide which professional you need to bring your dream wedding to life.
What is a Wedding Planner?
A wedding planner is your go-to expert for organising and designing your entire wedding from start to finish. They help with everything from budgeting and vendor selection to event design and logistics. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of planning a wedding, a planner can take the stress off your shoulders and ensure everything runs smoothly.
What a Wedding Planner Does:
• Helps set and manage your budget
• Finds and negotiates with vendors (venues, caterers, photographers, etc.)
• Assists with theme, décor, and overall wedding design
• Creates and manages timelines and checklists
• Coordinates vendor contracts and logistics
• Provides advice and solutions for wedding challenges
• Manages invitations and guest lists
• Oversees the entire planning process, sometimes over a year in advance
When to Hire a Wedding Planner:
If you want full-service support from start to finish or if you’re planning a large, complex wedding, a wedding planner is the best choice. They take on the heavy lifting and allow you to enjoy the process without the stress.
What is a Wedding Coordinator?
A wedding coordinator, sometimes called a “day-of coordinator” or “month-of coordinator,” steps in closer to the wedding date to ensure everything you’ve planned is executed perfectly. While they don’t plan your wedding, they make sure all the moving parts come together seamlessly.
What a Wedding Coordinator Does:
• Reviews contracts and vendor details to confirm everything is on track
• Creates a wedding day timeline and ensures everyone follows it
• Serves as the point of contact for vendors on the wedding day
• Oversees the ceremony and reception setup
• Handles last-minute issues or emergencies
• Ensures guests and the wedding party know where to be and when
• Keeps everything running smoothly on the wedding day
When to Hire a Wedding Coordinator:
If you’ve already planned your wedding but want someone to handle the logistics and ensure a stress-free day, a coordinator is the right choice. They usually start working with you about 4–8 weeks before the wedding.
Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator – Which One Do You Need?
The choice depends on your needs, budget, and how involved you want to be in the planning process. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Feature Wedding Planner Wedding Coordinator
Timeline Plans from start to finish (months or even years in advance) Steps in 4-8 weeks before the wedding
Responsibilities Handles budgeting, vendor selection, design, logistics Focuses on execution, timeline management, and troubleshooting
Stress Level Reduces stress by handling all details Ensures a stress-free wedding day
Best for Couples needing full-service planning Couples who have planned their wedding but need help with execution
Can You Have Both?
Absolutely! Many couples hire a wedding planner for the entire process and a coordinator to manage the final details. Some planners even offer coordination services separately for those who only need last-minute assistance.
Final Thoughts
Whether you hire a wedding planner, a wedding coordinator, or both, having a professional by your side can make your wedding experience smoother and more enjoyable. If you want full-service help, go for a planner. If you just need someone to bring your plans to life on the big day, a coordinator is the way to go.
No matter which route you take, the goal is the same—to create a stress-free and magical wedding day that you’ll remember forever!
Marquee wedding in Cornwall
