Exploring the Various Tiers of Wedding Planning Services

FEATURED PHOTO BY Stepping Stones Photography | PICTURED: Stunning & Brilliant Events

Planning your wedding should be as exciting as saying “yes!” — not a source of stress. Luckily, wedding planning services come in all shapes and sizes, designed to fit any need and budget. Here’s a quick guide to the main options: full-service planner, partial-service planner, month-of coordinator, day-of coordinator and venue coordinator. Each tier offers a different level of support, so you can pick the one that makes your big day feel effortless.

FULL-SERVICE PLANNING

If you dream of a seamless, personalized wedding without lifting a finger, a full-service wedding planner is your best friend. In short, a full-service wedding planner is the most comprehensive tier of planner. They’re your go-to for everything from brainstorming details to packing up after the last dance. This option is perfect for busy couples or those wanting a custom, top-notch wedding experience.

Responsible for:

• Planning: Overseeing every aspect of the wedding, from budgeting and timelines to contracts, vendor sourcing and overall logistics.

• Coordination: Communicating with all vendors and ensuring the entire team stays aligned from planning through to the big day.

• Design & Decor: Crafting a cohesive aesthetic, sourcing decor and, in some cases, creating floral designs.

• Day-of Management: Running the show so you can stay fully present. Any issues that pop up are handled quietly behind the scenes, allowing you and your partner to enjoy a stress-free celebration.

• Rehearsals & Events: Not always, but sometimes planning rehearsal dinners and additional wedding weekend events come with this planning package.

PARTIAL SERVICE PLANNER

A partial-service planner is like a friendly guide who steps in exactly where you need them most. Their support is flexible and tailored, making this option ideal if you’ve already begun planning but need help in specific areas or feel stuck at certain steps. It’s also great for those wanting expert advice and hands-on assistance without committing to the full-service experience.

Responsible for:

• Customizable Planning: Offering support in the areas you need, and letting you hand off select tasks.

• Vendor Recommendations: Sharing trusted, vetted vendor suggestions without fully managing every detail.

• Design Assistance: Helping refine your aesthetic vision and offering guidance for how to bring it to life.

• Logistics Support: Assisting with key organizational elements such as timelines and budget tracking.

MONTH-OF COORDINATOR

A month-of coordinator steps in about a month before the wedding to tie up any loose ends and carry your plans across the finish line. This tier of service is perfect for couples who’ve done most of the planning but want help ensuring everything goes off without a hitch.

Responsible for:

• Preparation: Stepping in about four to six weeks before the wedding to finalize outstanding details.

• Vendor Coordination: Confirming logistics, communicating final information and building a polished day-of timeline.

• Day-of Management: Overseeing the wedding day from start to finish, ensuring everything runs according to the plan you’ve built.

DAY-OF COORDINATOR

For the couple who has handled all the planning but wants to fully relax on the big day, a day-of coordinator is a true lifesaver. They step in to make sure your vision is executed without you having to sweat the details. This option is also great for couples on a tighter budget who still want the comfort of professional support.

Responsible for:

• Pre-Preparation: Connecting with you a few times prior to understand your vision, review your plans and gather essential information.

• Vendor Coordination: Reconfirming details with vendors in the week leading up to the wedding.

• Day-of Management: Running the event on the big day, troubleshooting anything unexpected and keeping the timeline on track.

VENUE COORDINATOR

A venue coordinator is not a wedding planner — though many couples understandably confuse the two. Included as part of many venue packages, their role focuses solely on venue-specific details. They manage logistics tied to the space itself and ensure everything on-site is set up correctly and runs according to plan.

Responsible for:

• Venue Management: Overseeing all aspects directly related to the venue (staffing, load-in, electricity, etc.).

• Logistics: Ensuring the venue setup matches your agreed-upon layout and that policies are adhered to.

• Vendor Coordination: Coordinating with vendors, but solely regarding venue-specific operations.

• Day-of Support: Providing on-site assistance throughout the big day.

With these options in mind, you can choose the level of support that fits your needs, ensuring your wedding day unfolds exactly as you’ve envisioned. Happy planning!