The 8 Types of Wedding Planners (& What They Do)

Planning a wedding is exciting, but handling every detail alone can feel overwhelming. There are many types of wedding planners, each offering different levels of support depending on how much help you want. Some take care of everything from start to finish, while others step in closer to the big day to make sure things go smoothly.

Each planner brings a unique skill set to the wedding industry, so choosing the right one can make all the difference. Let’s break down the eight main options so you can find the best match for your wedding.

When hiring a planner for your special day, it’s important to choose one that fits your needs and budget. The list of wedding planners below covers different levels of service, from full-scale planning to specialized assistance.

Whether you need someone to manage every detail or just coordinate the big day, understanding these options will help you find the perfect fit. Below, we break down each role so you can choose the one that best fits your vision, budget, and expectations.

A full-service wedding planner is the most hands-on option, assisting with every aspect of your wedding from start to finish. These wedding planning professionals handle everything from vendor selection, contract negotiations, and budget management to styling, setup, and day-of coordination. They work with couples for months—or even years—before the wedding, ensuring all the details come together smoothly.

This is a great option for busy couples or those who want a stress-free experience. If you hire a wedding planner for full service, expect them to be involved in curating the palette, selecting wedding florists, coordinating rentals, and planning monthly check-ins. Their responsibility extends to every part of the planning process, ensuring your wedding day is memorable.

A partial wedding planner provides a more flexible approach. Unlike a full-service wedding planner, they assist with select aspects of the wedding while leaving other elements in your hands. This is ideal for couples who want to be involved in the planning but need assistance with certain things like logistics, contract reviews, or final vendor bookings.

This option for couples allows for personalized packages, such as help with finding a wedding venue, securing vendors, or designing the tablescapes and decor. They might also provide timeline assistance and recommendations while you handle other planning tasks.

A month-of wedding coordinator steps in about weeks before your wedding to finalize all the details. Their responsibility is to ensure that everything you've planned is ready to be executed smoothly. They organize final vendor confirmations, oversee the timeline, and help with the rehearsal to ensure that everything goes as planned on the day of your wedding.

This type of planner is perfect for couples who need help pulling all their plans together but still want to do most of the planning process themselves. They act as your on-site expert to manage any last-minute issues that arise.

For couples who want a stress-free, fully organized wedding weekend, a wedding weekend coordinator is a must. They handle multiple days of events, including welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, and post-wedding brunches.

Their responsibility includes managing guest arrivals, booking venues to offer add-ons like late-night receptions, and making sure the entire weekend stays on schedule. They may help with travel accommodations, rental management, and handling unexpected changes.

A day-of coordinator ensures everything runs smoothly on the actual wedding day. They don’t handle planning weddings but instead execute the timeline, assist with setup, and direct vendors. Their responsibility is ensuring all the moving parts are in place, resolving any last-minute hiccups, and making sure you and your partner can relax and enjoy the day.

Many couples hire a day-of coordinator as a safety net, knowing they have an expert to oversee the logistics and make real-time decisions if unexpected challenges arise.

Some wedding venue packages include a venue coordinator, but it’s important to understand the difference between wedding planner and wedding coordinator roles. A venue coordinator is employed by the venue and is primarily focused on on-site logistics, such as setup, catering timelines, and venue policies. They won’t assist with external vendors, guest accommodations, or personal touches, which is why many couples still hire a wedding planner even when their venue provides a coordinator.

An event designer (or event stylist) is responsible for the decor and visual palette of the wedding. Unlike planners, they don’t handle logistics but instead focus on creating a cohesive look and feel for the event. They might also oversee tablescapes, floral arrangements, and customized installations. If you have a strong vision but need help bringing it to life, an event designer can be an excellent addition to your planning team.

A destination wedding coordinator specializes in planning weddings in remote locations. They help you figure out the logistics of hosting a wedding in another city or country, handling everything from vendor selection to travel coordination. They are experts in planning a wedding from afar, ensuring all the details are finalized before you arrive at the destination. Because of their expertise, they often charge a percentage of the total wedding cost or work on a contract basis.

What does a wedding planner do exactly? Well, the answer depends on the level of service you need. Before booking a planner, run through our list of questions to ask your wedding planner to ensure you find a trustworthy, experienced professional who aligns with your vision.

If you’re still unsure, ask yourself, do I need a wedding planner? The right choice will depend on how involved you want to be in the planning and whether you need full-service support or just day-of coordination to bring your wedding together.

Finding the right planner comes down to your needs, budget, and how much assistance you want throughout the wedding planning process. Whether you’re looking for a full-service planner to handle every detail, a month-of coordinator to pull everything together in the final stretch, or a day-of professional to ensure everything runs smoothly, there’s an option for every couple.

As you make your decision, consider your wedding day priorities, the level of coordination required, and the value of having an expert to guide you. No matter which route you take, a skilled planner can make your special day seamless and stress-free.

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