What is the difference between a wedding planner and a day-of coordinator?
The Historic Robertson Homestead requires that all of our couples have a “point person” to manage the wedding day. This person can be a wedding planner or a day-of coordinator. By no means are we attempting to impose on our couples. For us, it’s truly about ensuring that your wedding day proceeds as smoothly as possible. There are just so many fine details that go into not only planning a wedding, but executing it— and it’s not easy, no matter how simple your plans may seem.
Let’s have a brief discussion about the differences between planners and coordinators. Simply put, a planner is the best choice for couples that are looking to be either somewhat or completely “hands-off”. A planner is involved in the logistics of the full process. They make suggestions on key vendors such as caterers, DJs, photographers and florists. Many planners will take charge of the conceptualization and execution of the decorations for the reception as well. They maintain communication with the venue, and may perform one or more walk-throughs at the venue prior to the wedding day. They are in charge of the rehearsal. And of course, they are the lead vendor on your wedding day—coordinating the ceremony, managing the other vendors, and facilitating an organized exit at the end of the event.
Day-of coordinators are the ideal choice for those couples that want to take charge of executing their own visions. Couples electing for day-of coordinators should be organized and detail-oriented with a clear vision of their perfect wedding day. Coordinators generally enter the picture somewhere between 7 and 30 days prior to the wedding. They will create a timeline for the wedding day, and a contact list with all of the vendor information. They should reach out to the venue around this time to share any pertinent information about the wedding day. Like a planner, they will also run the rehearsal and act as lead vendor during the wedding day. Usually, the coordinator’s first visit to the venue is the rehearsal (if on-site), or the actual wedding day. The major difference between planners and coordinators is that the coordinators’ exclusive focus and responsibility is the wedding day itself, rather than the intricacies leading up to it. For this reason, coordinators will cost much less than planners.
Regardless of which route you choose, someone—besides you—needs to be in charge of the wedding day. Once the hustle and bustle of the day begins, there are simply too many moving parts for you to manage while also trying to enjoy the most important day of your life. It’s almost impossible for anyone to run a wedding (effectively) while also being in said wedding, so also avoid the temptation to pass this responsibility off to a member of the bridal party, or to your parents (who should be celebrating, not working).
