When it comes to navigating wedding planning, one of the most important decisions you'll make early in the process is determining the type of support you’ll need. Whether you’re thinking of a full-service wedding planner to walk you through every step of the way or considering a day-of coordinator to handle the logistics of a wedding you’ve already designed, understanding the difference between these roles is key to choosing the best option for your needs.

In this edition of our Vineyard Bride Guide, we’re breaking down the main difference between a full wedding planner versus a day-of wedding coordinator—with the expert advice of Swish List member Jennie from A Divine Affair—so you can make an informed decision and feel supported throughout your wedding planning process.

One of the most voiced wedding day regrets is a bride wishing she hired a wedding planner. Whether it's because of unanticipated problems that arose on the big day or the simple fact that keeping track of everything while you're also trying to be the bride (and, you know, get married) can cause stress levels to skyrocket. Jennie from A Divine Affair is here to weigh in on the different options available to couples tying the knot and shed some light on how important it is to have a wedding planner involved in such an important day.

There are many reasons to hire a wedding planner for your big day. Depending on your needs, you may be looking for a coordinator to simply keep everything organized on the day-of, assist only with the planning of certain aspects, or design the whole affair from start to finish.

wedding planner or day-of coordinator: which is right for you?

A full-service wedding planner is involved from the very beginning of your engagement right through to the last detail of your big day. Acting as your project manager, creative director, and go-to person, a full wedding planner takes the reins on every aspect of your wedding plans — from sourcing the right vendors, reviewing vendor contracts, creating floor plans, and managing your budget, to developing a detailed timeline and troubleshooting any last-minute challenges.

If you fall into any of the below categories, a full planning package can end up saving you time, money, and frustration:

•   You’re planning your wedding from a distance
•   You’re extremely busy with work, school, or other commitments and are having difficulty switching your focus to the planning of your wedding
•   You have ideas and a general vision, but don’t know how to make them a reality

On the other hand, a day-of wedding coordinator (also commonly referred to as a day-of coordinator) steps in closer to the day of your wedding — typically four to six weeks in advance. Their job is to tie up loose ends, confirm arrangements with your vendor team, finalize your wedding timeline, and ensure everything runs smoothly on the actual wedding day.

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why should you hire a coordinator for your wedding?

There is no predicting the possible situations that could arise on your important day, but hiring a coordinator with experience and the ability to stay calm and think quickly will keep you from worrying about wardrobe malfunctions, late vendors, and wedding crashers (and the list goes on). This not only frees you from stress, but allows you more time with your family, friends, and wedding party. Vendor arrival times are coordinated, floor plans are double checked, seating details are confirmed, lighting is adjusted, and temperature levels are monitored.

Your only job is to sit back and take in every aspect of your wedding day, noticing only how smoothly it all came together and crediting yourself with the brilliance and foresight of hiring a wedding planner.

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Day-Of and Month-Of
wedding Planning

What happens when your budget doesn’t allow you to hire a wedding planner to assist you from engagement to honeymoon? Most planners will offer coordination for the month leading up to the wedding or a package that designates them as the go-to professional on the day of the wedding only. After planning your wedding on your own, hiring a professional to make sure everything runs smoothly and all your plans are carried out as they were intended will give you so much peace of mind.

Although this list will differ from planner to planner, here's a breakdown of day-of vs. full planning package inclusions offered at A Divine Affair.

Create your wedding day agenda
Confirm details with vendors and venue
Attend your final meeting with the venue
Attend/conduct wedding ceremony rehearsal
Instruct and oversee all duties of participants, including set-up
Assist bride & bridesmaids with getting ready
Supervise all vendors and professionals
Handle necessary payments
Supervise and assist with day-of photography
Guidance and assistance with ceremony processional and recessional
Double-check final details and ensure everything runs as planned
Attend to any special needs of your guests
On-site supervision and direction of your wedding ceremony and reception

Full wedding Planning

Working with a full-service planner means you’ll have access to expert advice, personalized guidance, and someone who understands the logistics of a wedding inside and out. They’ll help you refine your creative vision, ensure that each element is in good working order, and even assist with wedding design, décor selections, and wedding logistics. If you’re someone with much time before your wedding date and you want support with the entire planning process, this may be the better fit for you.

Book venue visits
Create your personalized timeline
Research and recommend vendors based on your budget, theme, and personalities
Book all vendor meetings (included but not limited to your photographer, florist, DJ, transportation, decor, and caterers)
Attend all meetings with you and your vendors
Negotiate prices and services with your vendors
Review all vendor contracts (A Divine Affair does not dispense legal advice, but will look over contracts to ensure nothing is missing)
Full development of the wedding theme you have chosen
Assistance with wording of invitations
Vendor follow-up and confirmations
Budget management
Manage all logistics
Create your wedding day agenda
Confirm details with vendors and venue
Attend your final meeting with the venue
Attend/conduct wedding ceremony rehearsal
Instruct and oversee all duties of participants, including set-up
Assist bride & bridesmaids with readying
Supervise all vendors and professionals
Handle necessary payments
Supervise and assist with day-of photography
Guidance and assistance with ceremony processional and recessional
Double-check final details and ensure everything runs as planned
Attend to any special needs of your guests
On-site supervision and direction of your wedding ceremony and reception

Choosing between a full-service wedding planner and a day-of coordinator depends on your specific needs, how much help you want, and how involved you wish to be in the type of work that goes into wedding planning. And remember — the little details are what turn a wedding into a truly unforgettable experience. No matter what level of service you choose, surrounding yourself with a capable, experienced team is the best way to honour your vision and fully enjoy every moment of your special day.