As you start to plan your tent wedding, you may hear the terms “wedding planner” and “wedding coordinator” get tossed around. While these roles may seem interchangeable, they have different purposes during the planning process. A wedding planner is involved throughout the entirety of the planning process, whereas a wedding coordinator is generally only involved in the wedding day itself. If you are deciding whether you want a wedding planner or coordinator for your outdoor tent wedding, here are some things to consider.
What Is a Wedding Planner?
Your wedding planner is the person who will be beside you for every step of the planning process. A wedding planner’s job is to make sure that your wedding day is everything you imagined it to be. A general rule of thumb is to hire a wedding planner soon after your engagement. This way, they can be involved from the beginning with planning all the large and small details of the ceremony and reception.
After you hire a wedding planner, you can provide them with a general or detailed vision of what you want your wedding day to look like. Then, they will help you pick the flowers, furniture rentals, and invitations that will match your theme. In addition to helping with the aesthetic details, wedding planners can also help you figure out a budget.
What Is a Wedding Coordinator?
A wedding coordinator is the person behind the curtain on your wedding day, making sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. However, a wedding coordinator has little to do with the planning of the wedding itself and is simply there to help make sure all details you or your wedding planner designed are executed.
For example, wedding coordinators are typically responsible for making sure your guests sit in the right spot, that the tables are set in time for the reception, and that the ceremony starts on time. Usually, you’ll meet with a wedding coordinator several months or weeks before your wedding to go over the timeline of your day and all the small details.
Should I Hire a Wedding Coordinator or Planner?
Whether or not you hire a wedding coordinator or planner will largely depend on your budget and how much available time you have to devote to wedding planning. Usually, a wedding coordinator is a more budget-friendly option than a wedding planner.
If you have the personal time to research venues, choose invitations, and design floral arrangements, you might want to consider choosing a wedding coordinator over a wedding planner. Conversely, if you are very busy and your budget allows, a wedding planner might be the best way to go. When deciding whether you want to go with a wedding planner or coordinator, consider the following:
- Your budget. If you choose to hire a wedding planner, it will probably consume 10–15 percent of your budget. Are you willing to spend this? If not, maybe consider a wedding coordinator instead.
- Your time. How much time do you have to devote to wedding planning? If you only have a couple hours a week available, you might want to consider hiring a wedding planner.
- Your vision. If you have a clear idea of what you want your wedding day to be like but don’t want to plan logistical details—such as creating a seating chart—a wedding coordinator is probably a good option for you.
Asking these questions will help guide you toward the best planning process for your situation.
Contact Windows on the Water to Plan Your Outdoor Tent Wedding
Are you planning the tent wedding of your dreams in Central New Jersey? At Windows on the Water, our wedding experts know how to make your wedding day smooth and special. When you consult with one of our wedding professionals, you can enjoy your special day stress-free knowing all the small details are in trusted hands. Call (609) 208-9475 to talk with our expert tent wedding and event staff, or complete our contact form.