The Difference Between a Wedding Planner and Wedding Coordinator, and How to Decide Which One Is Right for You
- Allyson Brooks
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Your Pinterest boards are full, your inspiration is overflowing, and your vision for your dream wedding is starting to come together. There’s only one problem. You’re starting to stress about who’s going to actually execute on wedding day, and all the tiny decisions you’ll have to make between now and then.
Who handles the timeline?
Who shows the vendors where to set up?
Who times my entrance down the aisle perfectly?
What happens if something goes wrong?
Spoiler alert: it can’t be you.
At The Social Edit, we guide couples through this realization every single week. The truth is simple: you deserve to be fully present and enjoy every moment of your wedding day. You can’t do that if you’re having to set up your own welcome sign or help a DJ find the nearest outlet. What you need is a wedding planner or coordinator. Someone who will support your vision, create and execute your timeline, and lessen your stress.
So, how do you find which one’s right for you? Here’s everything you need to know
Wedding Planner vs Wedding Coordinator: The Core Difference
The simple explanation:
A wedding planner helps you design, plan, and build your wedding from the beginning.
A wedding coordinator steps in toward the end and manages what you have already created.
Both are valuable, but they serve different needs.
What a Wedding Planner Does
If you choose a planner, you are receiving full support from the early stages of your engagement. A planner guides you through each decision, handles the heavy lifting, and helps you bring your vision to life with intention.
What a planner normally handles:
Budget creation and management
Venue research and selection (some will even attend tours with you!)
Vendor sourcing, communication, and booking
Full event design, mood boards, and aesthetic direction
Timeline creation from the earliest planning stages
Contract reviews
RSVP tracking and logistics
Rehearsal management
Full wedding day oversight
Problem solving at every stage
Why couples choose a planner:
You want a stress free planning experience from start to finish
You don’t have time to handle decisions, research, or communication
You want a cohesive, elevated design that feels professionally executed
You want guidance that aligns with your personality and priorities
You want someone who understands the wedding world deeply
You simply want to enjoy being engaged
Planners support you through the entire journey, not just the final month.
What a Wedding Coordinator Does
A coordinator is ideal for couples who enjoy planning but need someone they can trust to take over on wedding day.
What a coordinator handles:
Final timeline creation
Week or month-of communication with all vendors
Final walkthroughs
Rehearsal direction
Minimal set up and breakdown of decor (think guest books, welcome signs, seating charts, etc.)
Managing the wedding day flow
Communicating + coordinating with DJ for flow of events
Solving day of issues
Serving as the main point of contact on wedding day so you can relax
When coordinators step in:
Most often 2 to 4 weeks before the wedding. Month-of services start as early as 6-8 weeks out. By this point, you should already have:
Booked and confirmed vendors
Chosen and planned your floor plan and design
Established and allocated your budget
Created the foundation of your wedding
Coordinators take what you have created and elevate it into a smooth, seamless day.
The How, Where, and Why Behind Choosing the Right Fit
How to choose:
Your choice depends on your personality, your schedule, and your desired level of support.
Ask yourself:
Do I want/need help with every detail, or do I simply want someone to allow me to be fully present on wedding day?”
Why this decision matters:
This choice shapes:
Your stress levels
Your planning experience
The smoothness of your day
Your ability to be fully present
Your family’s ability to relax instead of working
Choosing the right support creates the wedding experience you deserve.
A Helpful List: Signs You Need a Planner vs a Coordinator
You may need a Wedding Planner if:
You feel overwhelmed by decisions
You want support managing your budget
You are planning a destination or large wedding
You want a cohesive design but don’t know how to execute it
You have a busy career/schooling or limited planning time
You want expert guidance on vendors and logistics
You want to enjoy your engagement without constant stress
You may need a Wedding Coordinator if:
You enjoy planning and have already booked major vendors
You have a clear design vision
You want someone to run your day professionally
You need a point person for vendors
You want your family and bridal party to relax
You are confident in your planning skills but know you can’t be two places at once on wedding day
FAQ: Wedding Planner vs Wedding Coordinator
Do I need both?
Some couples choose full planning with wedding day coordination built in. Others choose coordination only. It depends on your needs.
Do venue coordinators replace a planner or day of coordinator?
No. Venue managers focus on the venue. They do not manage your vendors, your timeline, your decor, or your personal details. They are there on behalf of the venue and will protect the venue’s side of the wedding. A planner or coordinator supports and protects YOU..
When should I hire a planner?
As early as possible. Many brides hire planners within the first month of engagement.We highly recommend hiring a planner before you book your first vendor.
When should I hire a coordinator?
Typically six to twelve months before your wedding to ensure availability.
Is a planner worth the investment?
If you value your time, your peace, and your vision, absolutely. A planner protects your experience and often saves you money through smart vendor recommendations.
Why This Decision Shapes Your Entire Wedding Experience
The support you choose determines:
Your stress
Your confidence
Your ability to stay present
The quality of your day
The experience of your guests
The calmness and involvement level of your family and bridal party
Your wedding is not just an event. It’s (ideally) a once in a lifetime moment filled with emotion, meaning, and beauty. You deserve a team who protects that and allows you to soak up every moment.
How The Social Edit Can Help
Whether you need full planning or thoughtful coordination, The Social Edit is here to make your experience calm, elevated, and seamless. We handle the details so you can focus on what truly matters.
If you still have questions on which service would be the right fit for you, we’d love to chat through your wedding day vision and goals.
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