Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator: Which one do you actually need?
- Jess Darracott
- May 14
- 2 min read
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through wedding TikTok or Pinterest, you’ve probably noticed that the terms "wedding planner" and "wedding coordinator" are tossed around like confetti. In the US, people often use them interchangeably, which is why the internet makes it feel so confusing.
But here in the UK (and most of Europe), there is a pretty clear line between the two. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don't know who you actually need to hire, let’s strip away the noise and get into the real talk.
The Wedding Planner: The "Before" Person
Think of the wedding planner as your guide for everything leading up to the big day. Their job is the pre-planning phase. We're talking about:
Hunting down and booking the right suppliers.
Sorting your schedule and timelines.
Managing the logistics of dresses, rings, and the registrar.
Handling the "boring but important" admin, like booking your notice.
Depending on the planner, you’ll see different levels of support. Some do "full planning" (where they handle basically everything), while others offer partial or flexible planning.
The Wedding Coordinator: The "On-the-Day" Person
A wedding coordinator is the person who steps in to manage the actual wedding day. They are the boots on the ground, making sure the vision you’ve spent months dreaming about actually happens without you having to stress over it.
While some coordinators might help with a bit of pre-planning in the final few weeks, or help with the setup and takedown, their primary focus is the event itself.
Just to make it more confusing:
Most wedding planners will offer on-the-day coordination as part of their service.
Not all wedding coordinators offer pre-planning.
How I Do Things Differently
I know the labels can feel rigid, but your wedding shouldn't be.
I’m a wedding coordinator, but I also offer flexible pre-planning. Why? Because every couple is different. Some of you have the vision and the suppliers sorted but just need me there to keep the day running smoothly. Others are feeling the heat and need a supportive, experienced voice in the background while they plan.
Instead of forcing you into a generic "Gold, Silver, Bronze" package, I prefer to create something that actually works for your specific needs.
Bottom line: If you’re planning your wedding and starting to feel a bit overwhelmed, let’s chat. No obligation, no pressure, and absolutely no "crazed planner" energy. Just a conversation to see where you’re at and how I can help you bring your day to life.
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