Wedding Planner Vs. Wedding Coordinator: A Comparison of Their Roles and Responsibilities(Infographics)
“Extraordinary weddings don’t just happen, they are planned”. It is, in fact, a well-planned wedding that brings out the true magic of your priceless moments. Wedding planners and wedding coordinators are the enchanters who will magnificently plan your big day—a day filled with laughter and joy, letting you find time for love.
When two people get married, they make a commitment to spend the rest of their lives together. Planners and organisers are essential for a successful wedding, allowing new couples to fully immerse themselves in the celebration.
Make an informed decision on choosing wedding services in Australia by exploring the duties and responsibilities of wedding planners and wedding coordinators.
Isn’t a Wedding Planner and Wedding Coordinator the Same Thing?!
What makes wedding planners and wedding coordinators different from each other is the way they assist you in making your dream wedding come true. A wedding planner is your go-to person who will be with you right from the beginning until the ceremony draws to a close.
On the other hand, a wedding coordinator is one who will successfully execute the plans made. Each has unique responsibilities, and LuxAus is the perfect resource to help you understand them.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
What is the Difference between a Wedding Coordinator and Wedding Planner?
When discussing or researching weddings, you’ve probably heard the terms “wedding coordinator” or “wedding planner” thrown about quite a bit. Both positions are different from one another, with the exception of a few overlapping responsibilities.
A wedding planner is the first vendor you hire to help you with each and every aspect of planning your big day. The duties of a planner primarily include
- Suggesting the perfect wedding venues
- Making contracts with the wedding suppliers
- Deciding the timelines
- Charting the guest lists, etc.
This way, the newlyweds can enjoy their much-awaited day in harmony.
A wedding coordinator works on a shorter timeline, focusing mostly on the logistics of your wedding and, hence, making sure the event goes without a snag. The majority of a coordinator’s job is to carry out the meticulously laid-out plans created by the wedding planner.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
Their long list of responsibilities primarily includes
- Checking out the wedding venue
- Holding rehearsals
- Overseeing the service providers, etc.
When comparing the two positions, a wedding manager or coordinator is typically present at your venue and will collaborate with the personnel at the wedding venue and the vendors. And for the proper execution of the planned events, these wedding coordinators will have extensive knowledge of the venue, suppliers, event schedule, and other pertinent details.
On the other hand, a wedding planner will ensure that the venue, ceremonies, and attire all come together beautifully. The wedding planner will work with the couple to determine the theme of the wedding, the couple’s style, and how everything fits within their specified budget.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
What Are the Responsibilities of a Wedding Planner and a Wedding Coordinator?
When it comes to making sure your wedding goes off perfectly, both a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator have important roles to play. Read on to learn what you should be looking for in a coordinator or planner so you can make the right hiring decision. Responsibilities of a wedding planner and wedding coordinator, in brief, would be as follows:
9 Duties of a Wedding Planner
A wedding planner handles prime tasks such as early planning, design, further advice, and anything else related to the event. They create wedding arrangements with the ultimate goal of creating joyful and unforgettable memories for life. The following is a list of obligations and duties that fall under the purview of a planner.
1. Budget allocation and wedding style
The first and most important step in wedding planning is deciding on the type of wedding and allocating the appropriate budget. An experienced wedding planner will compile a list of various weddings and the budget required for you to make an informed decision.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
2. Choosing the wedding destination/venue
In addition, picking the right destination and venue is a vital decision you must make. When planning a destination wedding, you should be informed of the culture and traditional practices. The wedding planner will take note of these details and make the most of the available funds.
The next step would be to select the ideal wedding themes and concepts. Again, a planner will highlight key designs and allow you to select one that fits your perfect wedding.
3. Making a list of things to be done
A wedding planner may quickly list out things to accomplish, create a checklist, and execute them one by one after setting these basic and significant elements of your wedding. As a result, you will have covered every detail of your D-day.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
4. Keeping an eye out for pricing with the best wedding vendors
Wedding planners are well-versed in the sector, so they will be aware of credible and trustworthy vendors for you to select. You could benefit from their assistance in coordinating with the appropriate vendors, leaving a lasting impact on your loved ones.
To help you make a decision, your wedding planner will gather an exhaustive list of wedding vendors (wedding favours, cuisine, transportation, invitations, and so on) together with their contact information and a description of their services. The wedding planner will then negotiate with suppliers to reach an agreement that is feasible for you.
5. Choosing the right wedding decor and delicacies
Moving on to the next objective, it is critical to select the appropriate wedding theme and enhance the aesthetics of your wedding site. This includes selecting party decorations, wedding table accessories, aesthetic components, the style of cuisine you choose, and other details.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
6. Creating the timeline and overseeing the vendors
After settling on the specifics, your wedding planner will create a timeline for your big day. This includes the new couple’s grant entry, the scheduling of recreational activities, and much more. Wedding planners will also oversee the providers to ensure that festivities go well.
7. Planning and coordinating entertainment and rehearsals
Wedding planners will concentrate on preparing recreational activities such as fun reception wedding games, the first dance, orchestral music, and others to make your marriage full of joy and fulfillment. A wedding planner will organise wedding rehearsals in order to display the events at their best.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
8. Keeping a record of all expenses incurred by you and the wedding planner
The wedding planner will also handle the logistics, so monitoring the cost is on their list of obligations. He or she will ensure that both your and the planner’s expenses are included in this list.
The mentioned is a summary of his or her tasks. Furthermore, they are bound to go over the planned events and devise a plan B. A wedding planner typically puts in their efforts for almost 150 hours, saving couples from hectic schedules and finding perfect solutions within timeframes.
9. Preparing the guest list and lodging arrangements
Wedding planners will then create a list of guests, friends, and family members you would like to invite. Furthermore, they will hunt for guest accommodations and provide hospitable service. This list of tasks also includes their safe transportation and other necessities.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
5 Duties of a Wedding Coordinator
What is the role of a wedding coordinator? A wedding coordinator or wedding manager is an executor who is in charge of coordinating activities and ensuring that everything goes according to plan. He or she will begin arranging events one month before the wedding to guarantee the proper execution of the wedding plan. Among their responsibilities are the following:
1. Getting to know the new couple
A wedding coordinator will meet with the couple one month before the wedding to go over the wedding plans and make sure everything runs smoothly. They will also look for any additional requirements of the bride and groom so as to fit their wedding expectations.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
2. Meeting the vendors and reviewing their contracts
Another major responsibility of a wedding coordinator is to meet with the wedding vendors and review their contracts. This includes verifying their time schedule and checking whether the supplies are available on time.
3. Finalising the run sheet and sending it to vendors
A crucial step in leaving an everlasting experience is finalising the run sheet. This comprehensive list entails the outlines of the sequence of events, timing, and other important details. A wedding coordinator will send the same to vendors so as to ensure the perfect timing of the entertainment planned.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
4. Managing the venue and wedding vendors
Wedding coordinators will manage the whole wedding venue by setting up the tables and chairs, handling the venue’s parking facility, checking the food and beverage, right placing the wedding decor, and more. With their expertise in managing the wedding venues and your vendors for the day, wedding coordinators will ensure that everything goes off on time to create a seamless and unforgettable experience.
5. Making sure everything runs as per the schedule
A wedding coordinator will look over the schedule of upcoming events. The coordinator’s job entails managing events time-to-time from the moment a bride walks down the aisle to the final dance of the night.
Time-tracking the events, a wedding coordinator is bound to check with vendors, anticipate delays, find solutions, etc. By doing so, a wedding coordinator keeps their promise of well-timed celebrations. Unlike wedding planners, coordinators are only active in the last month; therefore, their working hours are limited to 40 hours. Their main focus is on the big day, engaging with the couple and vendors to plan the perfect wedding.
Count on LuxAus for a Perfect Dreamy Wedding
Let’s be honest. Wedding expenses can take a hit on you, and so can hiring the right wedding planner.
The planner conducts the bulk of the planning, while the coordinator is responsible for making sure everything goes off without a hitch.
Wedding planners and coordinators from LuxAus will help you plan your special day and promise to make captivating memories for a lifetime.
Let us ease the pressure and let you save snapshots of your loved one smiling and in happy tears.