Planning a wedding can be both an exhilarating and overwhelming experience. With so many details to consider, couples often seek professional help to bring their dream day to life. However, the terms “wedding management” and “wedding coordination” are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion. Understanding the difference between these two services is crucial in ensuring you receive the support you need. I’m here to dig deep with you to understand the distinct roles of wedding management and wedding coordination so you know exactly what you are paying for!
Defining Wedding Management
Wedding management is a comprehensive service that involves overseeing all aspects of the wedding planning process. It begins months, before the big day and includes everything from budget management to vendor selection and contract negotiations. A wedding manager acts as a project manager, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned and executed. They work closely with the couple to understand their vision, preferences, and priorities, and then develop a detailed plan to bring that vision to life.
Understanding Wedding Coordination
Wedding coordination, on the other hand, is a service focused on the execution of plans that have already been made. It can begin anywhere from a few weeks, to a month before the wedding day. Ever heard the terms ‘ day of coordination’, or ‘month of coordination’ tossed around? This is where things can get jumbled and you need to make sure you’re asking the right questions before hiring. When does that coordinator step in? How much are they involved?
Key Differences in Scope and Timing
The primary difference between wedding management and wedding coordination lies in the scope of services and timing. Wedding management sets more clear expectations of your planning process and timeline, from start to finish, while ‘day of’ / month of coordination’ focuses on the final stages leading up to the wedding day, making it unclear on what all you are to take care of vs. your coordinator. A wedding manager is involved in decision-making and planning, whereas a wedding coordinator fine tunes the couple’s plans to ensure they are executed flawlessly. Understanding these differences can help couples decide which service best suits their needs and budget.
This is the sole reason I have reworked my packages moving forward with all clients to ‘wedding management’. Allowing couples to really build from the basics for what they want out of their planning process! This podcast is what drove my brain into overdrive, picking apart this verbiage and finally taking the much needed step forward into a whole new vision to planning!
The Role of a Wedding ‘Manager’
A wedding manager’s role is multifaceted and includes tasks such as creating a detailed budget, managing RSVPs, and coordinating with vendors to ensure that all contracts and services are aligned with the couple’s expectations. They also can assist with design elements, such as selecting color schemes, themes, and décor that reflect the couple’s vision. Wedding managers are adept at problem-solving and can handle any unexpected challenges that may arise during the planning process. Their expertise and attention to detail provide peace of mind to couples, allowing them to focus on enjoying their engagement.
Questions You Should Be Asking
Stepping in the clients shoes.. holy smokes is this confusing. To help you ensure you’re getting the best ‘bang for your buck’, you should be asking the necessary questions, making sure the ‘month of coordinator’ your interviewing isn’t actually stepping in just 30 days before your wedding day to pick up all of the pieces to pull together a successful event.
- How many hours do they typically spend on your project?
- How many hours do you have them on wedding day?
- Is rehearsal coverage included in the hour package that you get them for?
- Will they be the ones creating / drafting the timeline, or are they just finetuning yours or your photographers 30 days prior?
- Do they communicate to your vendors? If so, at what timeframe does that communication start?
- What does your planning meeting timeframe look like? How many meetings do you have together between the time of booking and wedding day?
Choosing the Right Service for Your Needs
When deciding between wedding management and wedding coordination, couples should consider their specific needs, budget, and the level of involvement they desire in the planning process. Those who prefer a comprehensive approach with professional guidance throughout may benefit from wedding management. In contrast, couples who have a clear vision and have already made significant progress in planning might find wedding coordination to be the perfect fit. Understanding the differences between these services will empower couples to make informed decisions and ensure a memorable wedding experience.
Still confused, or want to educate yourself more on what is considered the right planner for you? Read my additional resource below:
The Ultimate Guide to Hiring the Right Wedding Planner
Navigating the world of wedding planning can be daunting, but understanding the distinctions between wedding management and wedding coordination can make the process more manageable. Whether you need full-scale planning assistance or simply want someone to coordinate the final details on your big day, knowing what each service offers will help you choose the right support for your special occasion. I’m here to guide you every step of the way to navigate and educate you to the fullest so you can advocate for yourself and all that your wedding day has to offer!
Photo Credit: allison lynn photography
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