Wedding Coordinator vs. Wedding Planner: Which One Do You Really Need?

Planning your dream wedding should be exciting—but with so many roles and titles in the industry, it can get confusing fast. One of the most common questions I hear as a luxury wedding planner in Chicago is: "Do I need a wedding coordinator or a full-service planner?"

It’s a great question—and the answer depends on your vision, timeline, and the level of support you desire. Let’s break down the difference between wedding planners and coordinators, so you can confidently choose the right fit for your celebration.

Understanding the Roles: Wedding Coordinator vs Wedding Planner

At first glance, the titles seem interchangeable. But the roles, responsibilities, and scope of service are very different.

What Does a Wedding Coordinator Do?

A day-of wedding coordinator (also sometimes called a month-of coordinator) is your go-to logistics expert in the final weeks before the wedding. Their goal? To execute your vision flawlessly.

Typical day-of wedding coordinator duties include:

• Reviewing all vendor contracts and timelines

• Creating a detailed wedding day schedule

• Coordinating your rehearsal

• Managing setup and breakdown

• Directing vendors and solving last-minute issues

This is a fantastic option for couples who’ve handled most of the planning themselves but want someone they can trust to run the show on the big day.

Key takeaway: A coordinator executes your plan. They don’t typically help you create it.

What Is a Full-Service Wedding Planner?

A full-service wedding planner works with you from the very beginning—helping shape your vision, building your dream vendor team, managing your budget, and handling every detail.

As someone who only takes one client per weekend, I work closely with each couple, immersing myself in your love story to deliver a bespoke celebration with meticulous precision.

Full-service wedding planning includes:

• Venue scouting and selection

• Budget development and tracking

• Vendor recommendations and bookings

• Event design, styling, and decor sourcing

• Timeline creation and management

• Rehearsal, day-of, and post-event coordination

Key takeaway: A planner is your partner from day one. They don’t just make your wedding happen—they make it spectacular.

Which Wedding Planning Service Is Right for You?

Here’s how to decide if you need a wedding coordinator or planner:

Choose a Day-Of Coordinator If:

• You’ve already booked your venue and major vendors

• You enjoy planning and want to be hands-on

• You want peace of mind on the wedding day

Choose a Full-Service Wedding Planner If:

• You have a busy schedule or are planning from out of town

• You’re hosting a luxury wedding with lots of details

• You want guidance from an expert every step of the way

• You value design cohesion and seamless execution

At Frank Event Design, we specialize in high-touch, full-service planning for couples who crave elegance, personalization, and flawless execution. From intimate rooftop affairs to grand ballroom galas, every detail is thoughtfully curated.

Why Hiring the Right Expert Matters

The difference between wedding planner and coordinator isn’t just about timing—it’s about trust, support, and creative direction.

When you choose a full-service wedding planner like myself, you’re not just hiring someone to make phone calls or build spreadsheets. You’re investing in:

• A seasoned expert who knows the industry inside and out

• A creative visionary who transforms your ideas into tangible, breathtaking experiences

• A logistics mastermind who ensures nothing falls through the cracks

And with my one-client-per-weekend policy, you receive undivided attention. Your wedding day is as important to me as it is to you—and it shows.

Let’s Plan Something Extraordinary

Choosing between a coordinator and a planner depends on the support you need. But if you’re dreaming of a luxury wedding experience in Chicago that’s uniquely yours, I invite you to connect.

Let’s craft a celebration that reflects your love story—timeless, elegant, and effortless.

Schedule your personalized consultation with Frank Event Design today.