What's the Difference Between a Wedding Planner and Coordinator?

Wedding planning comes with a million moving parts—vendor contracts, timelines, design choices, family dynamics—and let’s be honest, it can get overwhelming. That’s where wedding professionals come in to save the day (and hopefully your sanity).

But not all wedding help is the same. Understanding the difference between a wedding planner, month-of coordinator, and day-of coordinator can help you decide what level of support is best for your big day. So, let’s break it down.

Wedding Planner: Full-Service from Start to Finish

A wedding planner is your partner in crime from the very beginning of the process. They help bring your vision to life while managing all the details along the way.

Involvement: Begins 12–18 months before the wedding (or whenever you need).

Responsibilities include:

• Creates a cohesive design and vision

• Builds and managse your wedding budget

• Recommends and secures vendors

• Attends meetings and site visits

• Managse contracts and vendor communication

• Creates detailed timelines and floor plans

• Creates ceremony flow and manages day-of

• Coordinates rehearsal dinner as needed

• Handles any day-of decor set up

• Full coordination on the wedding day

Best for: Couples who want hands-on guidance every step of the way or don’t have the time to plan themselves.

Month-Of Coordinator: Wrapping It Up and Running the Show

A month-of coordinator is perfect for the couple who has done most of the planning but wants a professional to step in and tie up loose ends, finalize logistics, and execute everything on the big day.

Involvement: Typically hired 4–5 months before the wedding.

Responsibilities include:

• Reviews vendor contracts and confirms all details

• Assists with final planning items or booking last-minute vendors

• Creates your detailed wedding day timeline

• Confirms logistics with vendors

• Handles any day-of decor set up

• Manages the ceremony and reception flow day-of

• Full coordination on the wedding day

Best for: Couples who’ve handled the bulk of the planning but want someone to take over as the wedding approaches and ensure the day runs smoothly.

Day-Of Coordinator: Wedding Day Execution Only

A day-of coordinator is there to ensure everything you’ve planned unfolds just as you imagined. While the name suggests they only show up on the day, they typically begin working with you 2–3 weeks before the wedding.

Involvement: Hired closer to the wedding date; active involvement starts 2–3 weeks before.

Responsibilities include:

• Meets with you to understand your vision and details

• Creates a wedding day timeline

• Confirms logistics with vendors

• Handles any day-of decor set up

• Full coordination on the wedding day

Best for: Couples who have fully planned their wedding and just need someone to manage the actual day.

No matter where you are in your planning journey, having the right kind of help can make all the difference. Still unsure which is right for you? Let’s connect—I’d love to hear more about your wedding and help you find the best fit!