Wedding Planner vs Wedding Coordinator: who to choose?
Planner: Sona Weddings
Italian weddings are on another level when it comes to planning and whilst some people manage without a planner, we believe having a level of support is non-negotiable for a successful wedding. This might look different depending on how much you can and wish to manage yourselves - and your budget…..but a good planner will make your money work hard, so don’t discount this option purely on a ‘we can’t afford it’ basis. From our planning membership, The Club, to paying for a full planning service, having THE RIGHT professional is a must.
So, do you choose a wedding co-ordinator or a full planner and what’s the difference? Jump into our planning membership, The Club and get to understand the 3 options.
What is a Co-ordinator?
Firstly it is important to say, that most wedding planners always prefer to be hired on a full planning basis. It is far more beneficial to you and to them to start and finish this journey with you, as opposed to picking up towards the end.
There are 2 types of co-ordinator:
o On the day. They come and oversee the day and should charge minimally for this. They simply aren’t paid enough or have enough background on your wedding to be able to fully produce the day. Their ideal role would suit a small wedding, with minimal production such as trying to guide set up, the flow of the day and place out minimal decor. They can step in so you can avoid being asked queries by vendors.
o Full service co-ordinator. Their role should really start 3 months before the wedding, taking responsibility for final plans, communications between vendors and getting up-to-speed on your wedding so they can comfortably manage it on the day, with very minimal input from you. They will charge for this time and responsibility.
Question your expectations - are you expecting someone to answer all vendors queries and be fully responsible for producing your day? If you are expecting someone to come and take ownership of the planning leading up to the wedding and on the day, then this will come with greater costs and does require a higher level of expertise.
LL Tip: Co-ordinators should come in 2-3 months out from your wedding date, to fully take-over vendor arrangements and get up to speed on your requirements and plans thus far.
Planner: Elisabetta White
You simply can’t do a large scale production wedding without a planner. You need to consider the wedding you’re planning and what level of support suits. This is not an area to cut back. This is the person that’s responsible for everything you’ve worked so hard for, going to plan.
When interviewing planners they will advise what’s best for your wedding.
We vet ALL planners listed on our TRUSTED Directory.
Top checklist for Picking a Planner
o Experience – it’s everything! Italian weddings have so many nuances; every venue is entirely different in what it offers and the logistics which go with it. Plus, vendor knowledge, expertise and contracts throw in other expertise to be navigated.
o Skills – planners will have specialities: project management, styling & design, regions, elopements. Which do you need?
o The actual service – the exact deliverables and how they do it. This will include how often you will be communicated with, what tools will be used, deadlines they work to. How confident can you be in their service meeting your needs and expectations?
o Price – everyone has a budget, but be wary of shopping on price alone for the most important job of your wedding! Note, planners charge based on a flat fee, a percentage fee and may also charge commission from vendors. Get the full picture clear for true cost before booking. o
LL Tip: Always have a very detailed contract, with your full understanding of the deliverables and cost of the role. In The Club you’ll find contract examples and a full break down of a co-ordinator vs. planner role.
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