Wedding Planner vs Wedding Coordinator - what’s the difference and which one do you actually need?
If you're engaged and starting to plan your wedding, chances are you've come across the terms wedding planner and wedding coordinator and you might be wondering, “What’s the difference?” Do you need both? Is one more valuable than the other? And which one is right for our wedding?
Both roles are important, but very different in the levels of support you’ll receive. As a UK planner who offers both full wedding planning and on the day coordination services, I’d love to be the one to share with you the differences between these job titles.
The role of a wedding planner?
A wedding planner is your partner throughout your entire wedding planning process. From the moment you get engaged to your last dance on the day itself, your planner is there to guide, advise, and manage every moving part of the wedding day. From supplier sourcing to keeping on top of your budget, planning guest logistics, bespoke timelines, RSVPs, and more.
But not all wedding planners are the same. Some, like myself, also offer wedding design and styling as part of your planning package, which means you're not only supported logistically, but also creatively.
This means that if you're a design-led couple with an eye for detail (but not necessarily the time or energy to pull it all together), this kind of planning support is invaluable. You get a beautifully cohesive wedding that feels personal, stylish, and intentional without needing to do all the groundwork yourself.
Who does a wedding planning suit?
Working with a wedding planner is for those couples who lead busy, professional or family lives and want to enjoy the lead up to their wedding day. It’s for couples who:
Don’t have time to research dozens of suppliers
Want expert advice and industry insights to make smart decisions
Value having one point of contact to manage communication, planning, and logistics
Care about the style and experience of their wedding
Wants a trusted partner to be there on the day to ensure a seamless celebration
When you work with a wedding planner like me, you’re not just booking someone to tick off to-do lists but rather you’re investing in a creative partner who understands your vision, your values, and how to turn your ideas into an unforgettable event.
What is a wedding coordinator?
A wedding coordinator typically steps in closer to the day, often 2-4 weeks beforehand, to manage the final logistics and run the wedding itself. Their role is to ensure all the moving parts come together, and that your day runs smoothly from start to finish.
As a planner who also offers on the day coordination, I see this role as the ultimate behind the scenes support. It’s about bringing a calm presence on the day, managing timings, logistics, liaising with suppliers, and troubleshooting any issues. Essentially, you’ve done all the planning up until the day itself, when you can then hand everything over to your coordinator who will manage the day so that you can purely focus on enjoying it.
You’ve spent months (or even years!) planning your wedding and a wedding coordinator makes sure it all unfolds as it should, without you having to answer a single question or check a single spreadsheet on your big day.
Which is best for you?
That depends on how much support you need, and how hands on you want to be throughout your planning journey.
If you love the idea of planning your wedding yourself but want someone to execute it all on the day? A wedding coordinator might be all you need.
If you’re busy, unsure where to start, or want a truly considered and design-led experience from start to finish, working with a wedding planner will be your best investment.
Many of the couples I work with are busy professionals with full lives and big ideas. They want their wedding to feel intentional and stylish, but they don’t have the capacity to research, vet, and manage a whole team of suppliers. They want a trusted and experienced planner who can guide them, offer creative solutions and make the whole process feel seamless.
They also want it to look incredible which is where my planning and styling services come in. I offer full wedding planning that includes creative direction, design concepting, styling, and of course, full logistical management from beginning to end.
Can you have both?
Yes - and often I advise that you should. With my full planning service, you get both the long term support of a planner and the peace of mind of on-the-day coordination built in. I’m with you from the early vision setting right through to fluffing your dress, cueing your entrance song, and making sure your mum has a glass of Champagne on the day.
Still unsure which you need? Let’s chat.
Every couple (and every wedding) is different. If you’re not sure what level of support is right for you, I’d love to talk it through. Whether you’re looking for full creative direction and planning support, or someone to step in and manage your day with care and precision, we can work together to find the best approach.
Get in touch with me here to enquire or book a consultation.
Or explore my portfolio of past weddings here and planning advice on the journal.