Do You Need a Wedding Planner, Partial Planner, or Day of Coordinator?
- Louisa Ruth
- Dec 13, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Do you need a wedding planner? That's the burning question! Wedding planning can feel like juggling ten flaming batons while blindfolded, it’s exciting but overwhelming at times. Enter wedding planners... But which type of planning service is right for you? Let’s break down the differences between a full planner, partial planner, and day of coordinator to help you decide.
Full Wedding Planner: The All-In-One Solution
If you want someone to handle everything from the moment you get engaged to your grand exit, a full planner is your best bet.
What They Do:
Create and manage your budget.
Help you find and book vendors.
Develop your wedding design and aesthetic.
Oversee timelines, contracts, and logistics.
Be your go-to person for literally anything wedding-related.
Who It’s Perfect For:
Couples with busy schedules who don’t have the time to plan.
Those who want an expert to guide them every step of the way.
Couples planning large, complex, or destination weddings.
Why You’ll Love It: A full planner ensures every detail is thought through, giving you the luxury of simply showing up and enjoying the ride. Their expertise often saves couples time, stress, and even money by negotiating with vendors and avoiding costly mistakes.
Partial Wedding Planner: A Helping Hand Along the Way
Partial planning is like having a co-pilot who steps in when the journey gets tricky.
What They Do:
Assist with specific areas you need help with, like finding vendors or designing your décor.
Step in partway through the planning process.
Help keep you on track with timelines and budgets.
Who It’s Perfect For:
Couples who’ve already started planning but need support in specific areas.
Those who feel confident in handling the basics but want help with logistics or design.
Couples who’ve booked their venue and a few vendors but need help tying it all together.
Why You’ll Love It: A partial planner offers flexibility, letting you focus on the parts you enjoy while leaving the stressful bits to a pro. It’s a happy medium for couples who don’t need full planning but still want expert guidance.
Day of Coordinator: The Day-Saver
A day of coordinator swoops in like a superhero during crunch time, ensuring your carefully laid plans are executed to perfection. Sometimes also know as day-of manager or wedding management package.
What They Do:
Review your plans and vendor contracts a few weeks before the wedding.
Create detailed timelines and manage logistics.
Oversee setup, tear-down, and vendor coordination on the day of the wedding.
Solve any last-minute issues so you don’t have to.
Who It’s Perfect For:
Couples who’ve planned their entire wedding but need someone to take the reins on the big day.
DIY couples who’ve handled everything themselves but want to relax on their wedding day.
Budget-conscious couples who don’t want full-service planning.
Why You’ll Love It: A day-of coordinator ensures you and your family can fully enjoy the celebration without worrying about timelines, vendors, or hiccups.
How to Choose the Right Service for You
Assess Your Needs: Are you a DIY enthusiast, or would you rather hand the reins to a professional? Be honest about how much time and energy you can dedicate to planning.
Consider Your Budget: While full planning is the most comprehensive, it’s also the most expensive. Partial planning and day of coordination offer affordable alternatives based on your needs, budget and willingness to get stuck into planning by yourself!
Think About Your Vision: If you’re dreaming of a lavish, intricately designed event, you might need full or partial planning. For smaller, more classic wedding, a day-of coordinator may suffice.
Final Thoughts: Do you need a wedding planner?
Every couple’s needs are different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you want a full planner to guide you every step of the way, a partial planner to lend a hand, or a day-of coordinator to ensure your day runs smoothly, there’s an option out there for you. Regardless of your needs, we can't recommend investing in a wedding planner more - consider it investing in peace of mind.
Still unsure which service is right for you? Let’s chat! I’d love to help you figure out the best fit for your dream wedding.
Southern Ontario Wedding Planner
Nice to meet you! I'm Louisa Molloy, wedding planner and owner of Always Golden Strategy.
I specialize in creating stress-free and beautifully organized weddings for couples throughout the GTA, Durham Region, and beyond. Whether it’s a cozy celebration or a grand affair, my mission is to make every wedding as memorable and unique as the love story behind it.
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! From full planning packages to day-of coordination and custom design services, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to turn your vision into reality? Check out my wedding planning services here.
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