I’m Engaged, Now What?

When I was a Bride not too long ago in Spring 2021, I had a million questions throughout the wedding planning process, probably the same ones you’re struggling with now. What time should hair and make-up start? How do I know what order everyone walks into the ceremony? Where should my cake be displayed? If you’re an indecisive person, all this planning can get a little overwhelming. Like many Brides, their go-to’s are Pinterest and google to hopefully find some guidance. While those are helpful, you need a go-to person that can help guide you through the entire wedding planning process. Someone to make sure you’re asking vendors the right questions before booking and make sure your big day runs smoothly.

Let’s clear up one thing that most Brides are confused about, because I know I was confused. What’s the difference between a wedding planner, coordinator, and venue coordinator? Wedding Planners, Day of Coordinators & Venue Coordinators are NOT the same thing. Let me help you understand the difference between them so you can decide which would be the best fit for what you’re looking for.

Wedding Planners are with you every step of the way. They usually have a few different packages like Full planning & design (Handles all communications between the Bride & Groom and Vendors the entire process, goes on venue tours, some track RSVPs, budget tracking, and décor design). Partial planning is usually very similar to the full planning, but just a shorter amount of time communicating with the vendors and couple. There’s usually no RSVP tracking with this, they’re more involved than a day of coordinator and start planning around 6-9 months).

Day of Coordinator is for couples who want to plan their wedding but sit back and enjoy the day! These couples have most if not all their vendors booked. Coordinators usually jump in around the 90 day mark. They start the timeline 6-8 weeks before the wedding day but will reach out to the Bride & Groom for monthly updates leading up to the wedding. They start communicating with vendors about arrival/pick-up times 4-6 weeks prior. They run the rehearsal and make sure they know the logistics for the wedding day. They follow their day-of timeline to ensure that the day goes smoothly and that vendors arrive/ set up on time. They set up and break down the bride’s décor items and of course, check in on the Bride & Groom throughout the day.

The venue Coordinator serves as the main point of contact for the venue and ensures that the venue holds up its end of the contract with couples. They make sure that vendors are not breaking any venue rules on the wedding day. They work with you on the room layout, logistics, prepare invoices and collect payments. They answer your emails regarding questions about the venue, assist and support with event execution. Many times, brides think the Venue coordinator is going to help them get ready, check on them all day, fluff their dress and do all the things a Day of Coordinator does. Brides end up annoyed at the Venue coordinator for “not doing their job”. What you were expecting of them is not part of their job and the day ends up being hectic and not running as smoothly as you envisioned. The best combo is a Venue Coordinator & Day of Coordinator/ Planner to ensure everything, and everyone is taken care of.

I’ve created a wedding planning checklist that will help guide you with what things you should be focusing on at each step of the planning process. All my Brides that book a Wedding Planning or Coordinating package receive this.

Inquire here if you’re interested in a package and I’ll be happy to provide you with more information!