Full Wedding Planning vs. Day-of Coordination: What’s Right for You?
Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting—and let’s be real—overwhelming times of your life. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand ballroom celebration or an intimate backyard ceremony, it helps to have the right support to bring your vision to life. That’s where wedding planners come in!
But how do you choose between Full Wedding Planning and Day-of Coordination?
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down!
What is Full Wedding Planning?
Full-service wedding planning is like having a bestie (who happens to be a wedding pro) by your side from the moment you say “yes” to the moment you say “I do.” This service starts right after you get engaged, giving you full support from day one! It’s the ultimate all-inclusive planning experience designed to guide you through every step of the process.
What a Full Wedding Planner Does:
Vendor Selection & Management: They’ll recommend trusted vendors, review contracts, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure everyone stays on schedule.
Budgeting & Payment Tracking: From setting a budget to tracking payments, they’ll help you stick to your plan and avoid unexpected surprises.
Design & Styling: Have a Pinterest board full of ideas? Your planner will help you bring your vision to life, from colour palettes to floral arrangements.
Timeline Creation: They’ll map out everything from planning milestones to your wedding day itinerary.
RSVP Management: Handling guest lists and RSVPs can be tedious, but they’ll take it off your plate.
Problem-Solving: Whether it’s a vendor cancellation or a seating chart mix-up, they’ve got your back.
Rehearsals & Wedding Day Coordination: They’ll make sure your rehearsal goes off without a hitch and oversee every detail on the big day.
Best For You If:
You’re super busy and need someone to handle it all.
The thought of spreadsheets, contracts, and timelines makes your head spin.
You’re planning a large or complex wedding (or multiple events).
You want to enjoy the process and have a stress-free planning experience.
What is Day-of Coordination?
Think of a Day-of Coordinator as your wedding-day superhero. You’ve done all the heavy lifting—booked your vendors, finalized your décor, and set your timeline. Now, you just need someone to swoop in and make sure everything runs smoothly on the big day. This service typically starts 4-6 weeks before your wedding, giving your coordinator time to review all your plans and tie up any loose ends.
What a Day-of Coordinator Does:
Vendor Communication: About a month before the wedding, they’ll confirm all the details with your vendors and create a plan to keep everyone on the same page.
Timeline Management: On your wedding day, they’ll make sure everything stays on schedule so you can focus on enjoying every moment.
Overseeing Setup & Takedown: From double-checking table settings to ensuring everything is cleaned up after, they’ll handle it all.
Problem-Solving: Whether it’s a late bouquet delivery or a missing centrepiece, they’ll troubleshoot so you don’t have to.
Guest & Bridal Party Support: Whether it’s making sure the groomsmen are ready for photos or ensuring the bridal party knows their cues, they’ll keep everyone on track.
Final Touches: From fluffing your dress before you walk down the aisle to cueing the DJ for your first dance, they’ll make sure every detail is just right.
Best For You If:
You’ve planned most of the wedding yourself but don’t want to deal with logistics on the big day.
You want to relax and enjoy the celebration while a professional manages the details.
You’re working with a smaller budget but still want professional help for the final stretch.
Which Option is Right for You?
Ask yourself these questions to decide:
Do I have time to plan? Full Wedding Planning is great if your schedule is packed, while Day-of Coordination complements a DIY approach.
Do I enjoy planning? If you love organizing, Day-of Coordination may be all you need.
What’s my budget? Full Wedding Planning is definitely a bigger investment but can save you time and stress.
How complex is my wedding? Larger or multi-event weddings often benefit from full-service planning.
Final Thoughts: Your Wedding, Your Way
At the end of the day, the right choice depends on your needs and personality. Whatever you decide, just remember: your wedding is about celebrating your love, and the right help can make all the difference. If you’re still not sure, I’m always here to help you figure out what’s best for you!
