Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator: Differences and Similarities Between Event Planner Terms

Photo by Natasha Fernandez from Pexels

Wedding planners, wedding coordinators, event planners, event coordinators, event designers... there are a lot of terms for wedding and event professionals and they may sound one in the same. The roles of each are similar but there are distinct differences between them all. If that isn't already confusing enough, most wedding and event planners also offer coordination services.

We're here to help you make sense of it all! Keep on reading to learn more about each and the roles they play when it comes to your big wedding or event day.

Photo from Canva.com

Wedding or Event Coordinator
A coordinator, whether it's for your event or wedding, is in charge of coordinating your event on the day-of. They often help with managing the logistics of your timelines, load-in and load-out time of any vendors, and ensuring the overall success of the event. Most coordinators will start working with you about 4 weeks out from your wedding/event date to learn more about you and the overall goals for the event.

Photo by Christina Morillo from Pexels

Wedding or Event Planner
A wedding or event planner helps you plan aspects of your event, with the the level of service usually differing amongst package options. Most planning packages will also include coordination services from the planner or someone on the planner's team. Planners help you in many ways, from recommending vendors and venues, to scheduling appointments, to managing RSVP's, to developing the event theme & concept, to floor plans and more.

Wedding Planners often focus their services on weddings but some may also offer event services. For Event Planners, some may offer services for all events, but others may specialize in a certain type of event planning. These categories include but are not limited to:
-Non Profit Event Planners: Plans non profit and charity events such as galas, fundraisers, auctions, and more.
-Corporate Event Planners: Plans corporate events such as company launch parties, dinners, luncheons, seminars, company parties and retreats, company conferences, and more.
-Meeting and Conference Planners: This planner specializes in planning meetings and conferences that are usually on the larger scale.
-Social Event Planners: Plans social events such as birthday parties, baby showers, engagement parties, graduation parties, wedding showers, holiday parties, themed parties, and more.
-Virtual Event Planners: Specialize in planning and gaining awareness for online events.

Photo by Craig Adderley from Pexels

Wedding or Event Designer
Wedding or event designers specialize in design and decor, being experts at making your event visions come to life. Event designers may offer their own planning & coordination services or work closely with other planners, allowing them to focus solely on design.

Event Production
​Event production focuses on behind-the-scenes tasks such as lighting, audio-visual, video, stages, and more. Event production works closely with the planner to assure the production is on par with the planning.

Photo from Canva.com

Despite the similarities, the biggest difference between most event planners are their specializations. When choosing an event planner that specializes in a certain kind of event, rest assured that your planner has experience and will do their best in making your event the best that it can be.

​Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together!
​
#austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #multiculturalweddingplanner #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #engaged #weddingplanning #plannerterms #virtualeventplanner #corporateventplanner #eventplannerterms #eventplanner #weddingplanner #adviceforengagedcouples  #weddingplanningadvice #weddingplanning #weddingtipsandadvice

​Post written by Kaley M. for Events Unleashed.