This one trips people up all the time—and understandably so. Both roles help weddings run smoothly, but they’re not interchangeable.
Let’s break it down.
What a wedding coordinator does
Typically brought in 4–6 weeks before the wedding, a coordinator handles the final logistics:
- Confirms vendor details
- Builds your day-of timeline
- Oversees rehearsal and event flow
- Manages the schedule on your wedding day
Think of them as the project closer. Helpful? Absolutely. But they don’t guide the whole planning process.
What a wedding planner does
A planner is with you from the beginning (or close to it). They:
- Help you build your budget and planning timeline
- Recommend and manage vendors
- Support guest logistics, design choices, and contract reviews
- Are there on the wedding day to coordinate and manage the entire event
- Act as your advocate throughout the process
A planner doesn’t just show up to run the day. They help shape it.
So which do you need?
If you’ve already planned your wedding and just need someone to run the show—a coordinator might be the move.
But if you want strategy, support, vendor sourcing, timeline creation, and someone to think 10 steps ahead from day one? You want a planner.
Real example: A NJ couple who thought they needed a coordinator
They reached out 6 months before the wedding thinking they just needed a day-of person. But when we walked them through how many vendor decisions, rentals, logistics, and timeline pieces were still in motion, they realized what they really needed was a planner. We took it from there.
TL;DR: Coordinators manage the day. Planners guide the whole process.
We offer full-service planning, which means you’re never left to piece things together solo.
Well-Dressed Events is based in Jersey City, NJ and serves couples across NJ, NYC, the Hudson Valley, and starting in 2026, North Carolina.
Mini FAQ
Is a coordinator the same as a day-of planner?
Pretty much. Most coordinators begin 4–6 weeks out and focus on execution, not strategy.
Can I upgrade from coordination to planning?
If we have capacity, yes—but most couples realize early on that planning support is a better fit.
Why hire a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Venue coordinators manage the venue. We manage you.
What if I don’t know where to start?
That’s exactly when to bring in a planner. We help you make smart decisions from day one.
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