Planner, Designer, Coordinator – Which One Should you Hire for your Wedding in France?
Choosing the right professional support for your wedding can feel like conducting a complex symphony. While most couples know about wedding planners and coordinators, many aren’t familiar with wedding designers, another vital expert in the industry. Understanding these distinct wedding professional roles helps you make the best choice for your celebration needs. Let’s explore what each expert brings to your special day.
What does a wedding planner do?
Think of a destination wedding planner as your personal wedding CEO. These professionals are there from day one, helping you transform your dream wedding into reality. Wedding planners take on the heavy lifting of wedding preparation, managing everything from vendor selection to budget tracking, and timeline creation.
Can a wedding planner do everything?
“For last-minute wedding planning, I highly recommend hiring a wedding planner. As far as I’m concerned, you can contact me up to 4 to 6 months before your wedding, even for full planning. I’ll take the time to discuss and analyze the feasibility of your request. Based on this, we can move forward together and plan your wedding for the current year.”
— Candice, Founder of Quinze heure Quinze Wedding Planning & Design
How do you know if you need a wedding planner?
You need a wedding planner if you have a demanding career, are planning a destination wedding, or want expert guidance through the wedding process. While wedding planners are the most expensive wedding professional, their vendor relationships and expertise can prevent costly mistakes and often lead to savings on your overall wedding budget.
What does a stylist do for a wedding?
A wedding designer is a visual artist who creates the aesthetic elements of your wedding. They specialize in transforming venues through color schemes, floral designs, lighting, and table settings. Wedding designers join your planning team 8-12 months before the wedding to develop a cohesive design concept that matches your personality. Unlike wedding planners who handle logistics, designers focus solely on creating visual elements that make your wedding uniquely beautiful and memorable.
These creative professionals excel at:
- Crafting unique design concepts
- Developing detailed style boards
- Creating floor plans and layouts
- Coordinating with decor vendors
- Overseeing the visual setup on the wedding day
Wedding designers are ideal for couples who have a vision but need help bringing it to life, or those who want their wedding to have a distinct, magazine-worthy aesthetic. While their services represent a significant investment, they’re essential for couples prioritizing the visual impact of their celebration.
What does a wedding coordinator do?
Wedding coordinators are the logistical masters of the wedding day itself. While they may not help you select your flowers or choose your venue, they ensure that all your carefully made plans come together seamlessly on the big day.
Typically entering the picture 4-6 months before the wedding, coordinators review your existing plans, create detailed timelines, and coordinate with your chosen vendors. On the wedding day, they become the point person for everyone involved, handling everything from vendor arrival times to ceremony coordination.
A coordinator’s role is perfect for couples who enjoy planning and have handled most of the preparations themselves but want to ensure smooth execution on their wedding day. They offer peace of mind at a lower price point than full-service planners or designers.
When should you get a wedding coordinator?
Choosing between these professionals – or deciding to hire a combination of them – depends on several factors:
Your budget is naturally a primary consideration. Wedding planners typically charge the highest rates, either as a percentage of your total wedding budget (10-20%) or a flat fee. Designers usually charge based on the scope of your design needs, while coordinators offer the most budget-friendly option with their focused service.
Your time and energy for planning also play a crucial role. If you’re excited about planning but want help with the creative aspects, a designer might be your best choice. If you’re overwhelmed by the entire process, a full-service planner could be worth the investment. And if you’re confident in your planning abilities but want to relax on your wedding day, a coordinator might be all you need.
Many couples find that combining services works best for their needs. Common combinations include:
- A planner and designer for a fully managed, visually stunning celebration
- A designer and coordinator for couples who can handle logistics but want both beautiful aesthetics and smooth execution
- A planner who offers basic design services plus a specialized designer for specific elements
So, how do you choose between a Wedding Planner, Designer or Coordinator?
Whether you choose a planner, designer, coordinator, or some combination of these professionals, the key is understanding what each brings to the table and how their services align with your needs, budget, and vision for your wedding day.
Remember that while these services represent an additional investment in your wedding, they can provide invaluable peace of mind and expertise that allows you to truly enjoy both the planning process and your special day. The right professional support can transform what might be an overwhelming experience into an enjoyable journey toward your perfect wedding celebration.
