So what is the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator? 

Maybe you've done research for help and found that some call themselves planners while others are coordinators. 

According to dictionary.com, a coordinator is someone whose task is to see that things "work together harmoniously."  A coordinator's job is to make sure that the details come together as smoothly as possible on your special day! 

You should consider talking to a COORDINATOR if:

• You are concerned about having everything happen on time and in a certain order on your wedding day.
• You want to have a stress-free wedding day, and retain control over only those aspects of the wedding day that won't create needless headhaches.
• You want the details of your day in the hands of a professional so you won't have to worry about putting those responsibilities in the hands of your maid of honor or your mother.

Alternatively, a wedding planner would be someone who helps out with the details prior to the wedding day.

Dictionary.com tells us that a planner is "someone who formulates a scheme or program for the accomplishment, enactment or attainment of a certain goal or event." 

Unlike coordinators, planners typically are there from start to finish to, as a resource to help you make decisions along the way.  Some planners will make themselves available to  take over completely if you simply have no time to plan. 

You should consider talking to a PLANNER if:

• You live out of town and need someone who is able and available to make visits and arrangements that you cannot plan into your schedule.
• If you have limited time to plan and research your wedding by yourself.
• You want to be able to trust a professional in the field that knows the vendors and can really help guide you towards hiring the right people. 

I have heard so many brides that tell me in retrospect, that they really wished they had hired a wedding planner and/or coordinator.  It's unfortunate that so many women don't realize this until it is too late.  Most planners and coordinators will provide a free consultation sense of the big picture, since planning a wedding is a one-shot-deal!

Christine Eveleth