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

Planning a Wedding? Here’s What You Should Know

Your wedding is one of the most meaningful days of your life — and planning it should be exciting, not stressful! But between choosing vendors, managing timelines, and handling logistics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where wedding professionals like planners and coordinators step in.

At Complete Events, we’re often asked: “What’s the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator?” While both play a vital role in your big day, they each serve a unique purpose. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide which one you need.

What Does a Wedding Planner Do?

A wedding planner is your go-to expert from the moment you say “Yes!” until the moment you say “I do.”

They’re with you every step of the way, helping you design, organize, and manage your wedding from start to finish.

Your wedding planner will:

• Create and manage your overall wedding budget

• Help you find and book trusted vendors (venue, florist, photographer, DJ, etc.)

• Design your theme, colors, and overall style

• Build a detailed planning timeline

• Manage contracts, invoices, and deposits

• Attend vendor meetings and keep communication flowing

• Oversee the wedding day setup and ensure every detail is perfect

In short, your planner is your creative guide, logistics expert, and personal support system — making sure your vision becomes a flawless reality.

What Does a Wedding Coordinator Do?

A wedding coordinator (often called a “day-of coordinator”) steps in closer to your wedding date — typically 4 to 8 weeks before your event.

Their job is to make sure all the plans you’ve made come together seamlessly on the big day.

Your wedding coordinator will:

• Review contracts and confirm all vendor details

• Create and distribute a wedding day timeline

• Run your rehearsal and direct your wedding party

• Communicate with vendors to ensure smooth arrivals and setups

• Handle the flow of events and solve any day-of issues

• Manage the ceremony, reception, and transitions

• Allow you and your loved ones to relax and truly enjoy your day

A coordinator is like the director behind the scenes — making sure every detail unfolds exactly how you envisioned it.

Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator — Which One Do You Need?

Here’s a quick guide:

• Choose a wedding planner if you’re newly engaged and want help designing, budgeting, and managing every detail from the start.

• Choose a wedding coordinator if you’ve already planned your wedding but need a professional to take over and ensure everything goes smoothly.

• Choose both if you want peace of mind from start to finish — and want a completely stress-free experience.

At Complete Events, we offer flexible packages for wedding planning and coordination — so whether you need a little help or full-service support, we’ll make sure every detail feels effortless and complete.

Let’s Bring Your Dream Wedding to Life

Whether you need a full-service wedding planner or a wedding coordinator, Complete Events is here to help make your day seamless and stress-free.

Ready to get started? Contact Complete Events today to schedule your consultation and find the perfect package for your dream wedding.