Here it is. The moment you’ve been waiting for. You’re engaged and you get to *officially* plan to your wedding! One decision you have is whether or not to use a wedding director, coordinator, planner, or designer. What’s the difference?
If you’re not a planner by nature, the process can start to become a little overwhelming. You may go to sleep at night with the cadence of all decisions you need to make ringing in your ears. If you are the administrative type, you may want to fully enjoy being a bride on your wedding day. Have the overall vision? You may desire someone with a little more creative flair to help with the details. Do you need a blueprint for your wedding or someone to help with timelines? If any of these apply to you, read on.
Choosing the right wedding help for your budget and needs is important. Not all wedding assistance is the same. There are several choices in wedding help. Wedding director, coordinator, planner, or designer– what’s right for you? Whether you are on a limited budget or are blessed to have an unlimited budget, you have options so you don’t have to do everything alone.
Enjoy a Facebook Live video describing the roles of a director, coordinator, planner and stylist:
A quick overview of the differences in wedding assistance:
- Directors are often affiliated with a church or venue. They generally meet with you once. Directors give you the information you need as far as what is allowed and not allowed. Sometimes they offer a rehearsal. Since they focus on ceremony direction, that’s often all they cover. Therefore, they often have a limited time frame for their day-of services.
- Coordinators help the month-of or day-of your wedding to flow smoothly. Most offer a rehearsal. On your wedding day they make sure everything is in place. They will check your guest book and pen, ensure your candles are lit, and petals are in place at the ceremony site, etc. Coordinators offer varying services. Make sure you know exactly what you can expect from the person you choose. A professional coordinator will create a timeline with you or implement your timeline. Some take time to personally contact all vendors the week of your wedding. They endeavor to troubleshoot any potential issues before they happen. They collaborate with the other vendors as far as set up and breakdown times. Wedding coordinators do just that- coordinate the day’s efforts to make your day as seamless as possible.
- Planners/consultants help with the actual planning of your wedding. They answer questions you may have. Most planners/consultants are also day-of coordinators. Set up and breakdown supervision are generally included, while complete set up and breakdown of your items may not be part of their services. Generally, you can choose between consultants, partial planning, and full planning. Consulting fees are often paid by the hour. It is a good choice for those who only have a few questions that can be answered with a phone call or short meeting. Partial planning is great for those who generally know what they are doing, but want someone who can occasionally help. Having an experienced person to answer questions, provide ideas and know-how, and give vendor referrals relieves stress and may save money. Creating a budget, setting a planning task timetable, giving etiquette and planning tips, reviewing vendor contracts are often available with a planner. Full planning is a wonderful option for brides who want someone to be there for them throughout their whole planning process. Depending on the planner, they will go to vendor meetings and have knowledge or resources available for almost every situation. They often become a close mentor through the months of planning. Full planning is also a perfect option for those who are super busy or want to have limited involvement in making the logistics of their wedding happen.
- Designers/Stylists take your wedding vision and make it come alive through their ideas and resources. They range from being a designer, planner, and coordinator to a designer consultant. A consultant focuses on capturing the details and making suggestions of how to make one or more aspects of your wedding happen. Many stylists have items you can rent individually or use as part of a package. Stylists generally set up and breakdown at your wedding and a planner/stylist may personally book and oversee all the vendors needed to design your wedding. There are specialty designers who do draping and lighting or floral designs in addition to general stylists who set up your tables and decor. For elaborate, black tie, and celebrity weddings, it usually takes more than one type of stylist to get the look you want.
Based on budget, what’s the best choice?
If you are on a limited budget, a wedding director or a day-of coordinator may be what you can afford. Directors offer assistance primarily for the ceremony, while day-of coordinators can truly help your whole day flow more smoothly. Coordinators give you freedom to enjoy your day and usually offer options for hours you need. While investing in a director or day-of coordinator only may seem to best fit your budget, dollar for dollar, it is the most expensive for what you actually receive for your money.
Partial to full planning gives you much more access to your planner. It is significantly less expensive on a day to day basis. Now, it is true that not everyday a planner will be working specifically on your wedding. It is also true that he or she is available everyday the office is open to answer questions and help guide you. This can drastically decrease your stress during the planning process. Plus, if you bring them on before booking your vendors, most planners can save you money which covers much or all of their investment. By the time you deduct your savings, a planner is usually quite affordable!
Designers/stylists may make capturing your vision less stressful by doing much of the legwork. They can be a huge asset for an elaborate, elegant celebration. Since there is such a wide range in price, we recommend you to reach out to each stylist you’re interested in.
Final tips for choosing the right type of wedding help:
Professional wedding assistance generally are people who have education and experience. There are also vendors who planned their own wedding or a friend’s wedding, and enjoyed it so much they decided to do it as a business. While there are conscientious planners in both of these categories, it is important to know only some deliver quality service. Be aware that not all wedding assistance is the same. Read carefully and understand what specific tasks are offered before you sign. Some vendors have room for some negotiation, while others do not.
Take time to make the right decision for you. Remember, it’s your occasion. Make it Always Yours!
Happy Planning!
Photo credit:
Venue: The Bleak House, Photographer: Derek Halkett Photography , Florist: Melissa Timm Designs, Dress: Wedding Wonderland, Tuxedo: Prestige Tuxedo, Wedding Planner: Always Yours Occasions, Makeup: Roses and Lace Makeup Artistry, Hair: Reflections by Christina, Decor: Unique Settings Rentals, Jewelry: Jewelry Television, Cake Design: Custom Cakes by Gail, Bride model: Rayni Lasley, Groom model: Harrison Harvey