What does an events coordinator do?

Answer 1

WEDDING PLANNER/WEDDING COORDINATOR/WEDDING DESIGNER

I often hear couples interchange the terms wedding designer, planner, and coordinator--- understandably so. A planning is almost always a coordinator, but a coordinator is not always a planner. A planner can be a designer as well, but a designer is not always a planner or a coordinator. And some, like Twilight Affairs, are all three. Have I thoroughly confused you?

Although most professionals are a combination of the three, each have specific duties when it comes to what wedding services they provide. Here are the differences between the three:

A wedding designer is responsible for the overall visual aesthetic of the wedding. Designers think in terms of the big picture. They generate the wedding concept and how that concept will be threaded through each visual element with unity and cohesion. Often they will work in conjunction with florists, lighting technicians, and photographers to create the look and feel of the event.

A wedding planner is a responsible for planning the logistical elements that bring your wedding vision to life. Depending on the level of service they are commissioned for, a wedding planner will assist with budget creation and management, venue selection, vendor referrals, wedding day time line, seating arrangements, and so on. They can also act as a trusted adviser on everything wedding related and a shoulder to lean on. More often than not, a wedding planner will also coordinate the day as well, since they are highly involved with the planning.

A wedding coordinator is not deeply involved with planning the wedding. Think of them as an orchestra conductor. Their primary duty is to be there on the day and ensure that it runs smoothly and according to plan. You often hear them referred to as day-of-coordinators. Many jump in a month before the wedding to finalize the last minute details, confirm vendor obligations, create a time line, and oversee the set-up of the décor. But be aware that wedding coordinators/day-of-coordinators are very different from venue coordinators. Venue coordinators or event managers are hired by the venue to ensure your wedding follows the rules and regulations of the space. They may help with your time line but more often than not they will not help you with set-up or troubleshooting. Wedding coordinators and venue coordinators work side-by-side one another to make sure everyone flows smoothly. But if you want someone who will cue your bridal party, bustle your dress, or set-up décor, I suggest hiring a wedding coordinator not associated with your venue.

When thinking about hiring a wedding designer, planner, and coordinator it's important to understand what your needs and desires are and which potential companies provide the type of services you want.