When couples begin searching for support, one of the most common questions is: do I need a wedding planner or just a wedding coordinator? The terms are often used interchangeably, but the services are completely unique. For a celebration of your calibre, it’s important to understand where each role begins and ends.
What a Luxury Wedding Planner Does
A wedding planner is your creative partner and logistical strategist from the very beginning.
Think of us as the architects of your event, shaping every detail with intention and overseeing every moving part.
A planner will:
- Curate venues and suppliers that align with your vision and budget.
- Design the aesthetic concept, tablescapes, entertainment, and flow of the celebration.
- Manage contracts, budgets, schedules, and guest logistics.
- Coordinate every supplier so you don’t have to.
- Guide you through traditions, etiquette, and cultural rituals.
In short: a planner is with you from day one until the last glass of champagne is poured.
What a Wedding Coordinator Does
A wedding coordinator (sometimes called a “day-of coordinator”) enters the picture later, typically six to eight weeks before the wedding. Their role is to refine the plans you’ve already put in place, build a final timeline, and ensure your suppliers arrive and perform on the day.
A coordinator will:
- Confirm all contracts and logistics with your suppliers.
- Build a timeline for your wedding day.
- Oversee the rehearsal.
- Troubleshoot on the day itself, acting as the point of contact for everyone involved.
A coordinator doesn’t create the design concept, manage budgets, or source your suppliers. They specialize in carrying out pre-planned tasks.
Which One Do You Need?
If you want a multi-day, design-led wedding that reflects your lifestyle and entertains guests with seamless experiences, you need a wedding planner.
If you’ve already planned your wedding yourself and simply need someone to ensure it runs smoothly, you may choose a wedding coordinator.
At Roberta Burcheri Events, our clients almost always require comprehensive planning with built-in coordination. That means you benefit from both worlds: a meticulous strategy from the start and flawless delivery at the end.
Wedding Planner vs Wedding Coordinator: at a Glance
| Category | Wedding Planner | Wedding Coordinator |
|---|---|---|
| When They Get Involved | 12–18 months before the wedding, guiding every decision | 6–8 weeks before the wedding, focusing on logistics |
| Core Role | Architect of the entire event: design, planning, supplier management | Logistics overseer: ensures the plans run smoothly on the day |
| Design & Styling | Creates concepts, aesthetics, tablescapes, guest experiences | Works with the existing plans, no design input |
| Supplier Management | Sources, negotiates, contracts, and manages suppliers | Confirms supplier arrival and oversees execution |
| Guest Experience | Plans multi-day schedules, travel, hospitality, and etiquette | Focuses only on wedding-day coordination |
| Best Suited For | Luxury, multi-day, or destination weddings | Couples who have planned everything themselves |
Why It Matters for Luxury Weddings
High-end celebrations demand more than a day-of presence. Private estates, multi-day gatherings, and destination weddings in Italy or the UK require someone who has already been involved in every decision. A last-minute coordinator can’t match the knowledge or control of a planner who has been with you from the start.
That’s why my service is positioned as full-service planning with seamless coordination included. Nothing is left to chance.
From First Decision to Final Toast
Whether you choose a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator depends on the scale, complexity, and intention of your wedding. If your vision is layered, multi-day, or destination-based, a planner is essential. If your plans are already complete and you simply need assurance on the day, a coordinator may suffice.
For couples who entrust me with their celebrations, I bring both: the strategic vision of a planner and the calm authority of a coordinator. Your wedding unfolds with grace, style, and control, from the first decision to the final toast.
