There is a lot of confusion in the wedding industry regarding wedding planners. Wedding planner is a broad term that branches out into different categories. There’s full service wedding planners, day of coordinators, and wedding planners and designers. Let’s talk about the differences between these 3 types of planners!
Full Service Wedding Planner: Again, this can be a broad term with many varying descriptions. I will keep it as basic as possible for comprehension purposes. A full service planner is there during the entire planning process (well, as soon as you sign the contract). This type of planner will give you vendor recommendations, schedule meetings and attend them with you, create a day of timeline, communicate with vendors, often give you direct cell phone numbers for 24/7 contact, and offer unlimited planning consultations. They also act as the negotiator between you and your vendors before you sign any contracts with them. They help you find the best vendors for your wedding day.
Day-Of Coordinator: If hired as a day-of coordinator, the planner will typically pick up the planning 4-6 weeks out from your wedding date. They will create a wedding day timeline and attend the rehearsal dinner to ensure that your day runs smoothly. Day-of coordinators do NOT provide vendor recommendations, attend meetings, or negotiate with vendors. They only step in to organize and finalize the details already secured by you, the bride.
Wedding Planners and Designers: This is often called full service wedding planning, but there descriptions are blurry as to what full service includes. Some planners offer a design service, but that just means that they will create an inspiration board and collaborate with you on creating a vision for your wedding day. They don’t actually execute the design themselves. Wedding planners/designers are planners that can do all of the responsibilities listed for a full service wedding planner and day of coordinator while also executing your wedding design and décor. Designers collaborate with you to create your wedding décor, and then they do it themselves…the rentals, decor, floral arrangements (bouquets and centerpieces), lighting and draping are just a few of the services wedding designers can offer!
Regardless of the difference, the main goal for wedding planners is to you’re your planning experience as stress free and enjoyable as possible. They want to make sure your day is exactly how you picture it and everything goes smoothly. Elliott Events can ensure your planning experience is everything you dreamed of…without the headache! Check out more details about our different services!
