*So, what’s the big difference?*

So, you're all set to tie the knot, and you want everything to be perfect, just like your favorite pup running on a sun-soaked beach. But here's the thing, planning a wedding is no walk in the park, especially for a couple as boat-loving and dog-friendly as you! That's where the magic of wedding coordination and planning comes in. Let's dive into the world of weddings, my friends, and explore the difference between a Day-of Wedding Coordinator and a Wedding Planner, all while keeping that light and airy, joyful, romantic, and whimsical vibe in mind. 🌟💍🐾

Day of Coordinator

A day of coordinator is just like it sounds, a person who handles managing the day of your wedding. This person ensures that everything starts and ends on time. They also make sure that vendors, family members, and the bridal party do what they need to do. They will fix any problems without you knowing about them.

With a day of planner, you and your spouse will have to do more planning and handle contact with all your vendors. You’ll be your own accountant, secretary, and researcher. Day coordinators may provide a list of vendors and resources, but it's ultimately your responsibility to do the research.

Choosing a day of coordinator is smart for couples who want to hand off all the day's tasks to someone else. Also a great choice for couples who are throwing a smaller, less elaborate wedding. Hiring this type of wedding planner costs less because you pay for less work.

Don't think it's just one day of work. There are many emails, meetings, and phone calls to make sure your wedding day is perfect. A day of coordinator in the Seattle area ranges between $1,800-$2000.

A day of wedding planner is probably for you if:

You’re planning a smaller, less elaborate celebration
You’re eloping away from your area or with a small party
You have the time to do your own calling/research/designing
If you have a small budget, hiring a Day-of Wedding Planner is a smaller investment than a Full-Service Wedding Planner. This is a good option for couples who want to save money.
You like doing most of the wedding planning yourself, but you want professional help only on the wedding day.
you've already made significant progress in planning your wedding and only need help with the final details and coordination
you're a couple who values maintaining control over the planning process but wants someone to take the reins on the wedding day

Wedding Coordinators

(interchangeably referred to as wedding planners)

Ready to hand over the reins and let someone else handle the heavy lifting? Enter the world of wedding coordinators. These experts handle everything for your wedding, from the first meeting to making sure all guests leave happy.

Hiring a wedding planner means trusting someone to handle your big day and relieves you of the stress of small tasks. The wedding planner will expertly manage all the details and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

This allows you to enjoy your special day without worrying about the logistics. By delegating these responsibilities to a professional, you can focus on making lasting memories with your loved ones.

A wedding coordinator is similar to a day-of planner. They also serve as a middleman between you and the individuals assisting with your wedding. They understand the industry well and will save you the trouble of sending many emails and making lots of phone calls. You still retain control over the details, but with their assistance, the process becomes smoother and more enjoyable.

Wedding coordinators shine brightest when you're planning a lavish, intricate, and high-stakes celebration. When you've invested a substantial sum in your wedding, it's a wise move to allocate a bit more for professional coordination to ensure your dream day doesn't turn into a nightmare.

Skeptical? Just observe the next big wedding you attend – chances are, the wedding coordinator will be orchestrating the show, issuing directives, and ensuring everything runs on schedule.

Even the most seasoned wedding vendors encounter unforeseen challenges, and your wedding will be no exception. Your wedding coordinator is like a boss and helper, the person vendors go to for help.

From my own experience, I can confirm that I couldn't have fully enjoyed my wedding if I had to manage everything. There might have been hiccups along the way that I'm blissfully unaware of to this day – and that's precisely how it should be. A wedding coordinator truly can be invaluable.

Wedding coordinator pricing varies, with some offering hourly rates. However, most provide a flat rate tailored to your specific needs.

The average cost of a Seattle area wedding planner is 6,000-$15,000. It will vary depending on your preferences and involvement in the planning process. Investing in a wedding planner can turn your dreams into a memorable and flawless reality.

A wedding coordinator is a good choice for you if:

You are planning a large wedding or destination
Your wedding celebrations extend over multiple days
You don’t want to handle contacting vendors
You have the ideas, but not the know-how to put it all together for the big picture
want comprehensive help throughout the entire wedding planning process, from selecting vendors to design and theme development.
You are a busy couple with demanding careers or other commitments who lack the time to manage all the intricate aspects of wedding planning.

How to decide between a day of coordinator & a wedding planner

Here are some key considerations to take into account as you make your decision:

Early Planning: It's advisable to make the choice between a Day-of Planner, Wedding Coordinator, or a DIY approach relatively early in your wedding planning journey. This decision can significantly impact various aspects of your wedding.
Realistic Assessment: Once you've nailed down your wedding location, date, and budget, take a close look at how much you can realistically handle on your own with the available free time. Assess how hiring a planner or coordinator may influence your budget, your overall wedding experience, and your stress levels.
Flexible Options: Remember, it doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Many Day-of Planners are open to extending their services to assist you in the planning process. Be prepared to budget for the additional services they provide if you choose this path.

Ultimately, the choice between these wedding planning options depends on your unique circumstances, preferences, and the vision you have for your special day. It's about finding the balance that allows you to create a wedding experience that's both memorable and manageable.

Average cost for a day of wedding coordinator

So, talking about day of wedding coordinators in the Seattle scene, you're looking at an average cost ranging from $1,000 to $1,700. Keep in mind this is just a ballpark figure, and prices can vary based on factors like the coordinator's experience, the complexity of the wedding, and the specific services included.

Seattle, being the gem that it is, has a vibrant wedding industry, and costs might reflect the demand and the level of expertise your coordinator brings to the table.

Having a day-of coordinator is like having a wedding superhero – they swoop in, manage all the details, and ensure the day unfolds seamlessly. It's a small investment for a big payoff in stress reduction and a smoother celebration.

Hope that helps with your wedding planning!