Featured in MunaLuchi Bridal magazine, Issue 33, we delved into the differences between a wedding planner vs a wedding coordinator with insights from two Muna Coterie event planners: Lulu’s Events and Celebrations by Adeola Inc.
After the thrill of saying “Yes!” fades and the reality of planning sets in, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: Do I need a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator?
While some brides may take the reins themselves (major kudos to you!), having a professional by your side can make all the difference in turning your vision into reality—without the stress. Whether you need full-scale planning or just someone to flawlessly execute the big day, knowing the difference between a planner and a coordinator is key.
To help you decide which is right for you, we tapped two of our very own Muna Coterie wedding experts—Lulu of Lulu’s Events and Adeola Damie Fowodu of Celebrations by Adeola & Co. Inc. and Destinations by Adeola & Co.—to break down their roles and how they can ensure your wedding day unfolds seamlessly.
*This article has been lightly edited for online; pre-order a copy of Issue 33 here.
COTERIE SPOTLIGHT
Lulu of Lulu’s Events
Hi, I’m Lulu, owner and lead event designer of Lulu’s Events. I’m also a dedicated wife, proud mom to two incredible humans, and caretaker of two adorable fur babies. With a background as a professional nurse and a military veteran, my attention to detail, discipline, and ability to remain calm under pressure all contribute to designing and producing standout events.
Lulu’s Events was born from a heartfelt desire to create memorable, upscale experiences. What began as a passion for crafting beautiful tablescapes and designing functions for my family and church has blossomed into a thriving business that touches the lives of many. As a family-run company, we pride ourselves on being a passionate team committed to delivering flawless and exemplary events. We provide design and décor-including floral services for all events. Planner and coordination services are available upon request.
Website: www.lulusevents.llc | Email: [email protected] | Instagram: @events_bylulu | Phone: 855-947-5858
How does a wedding planner assist with the overall vision and personalization of a wedding? How do planners help couples choose vendors, manage budgets, and ensure all details align with the couple’s preferences?
A wedding planner guides the bride and groom through the obstacle course of planning their wedding. The planner serves as an expert in vendor selection, best practices in the timeline, and conflict management as it relates to the management of the wedding process and most importantly how to achieve the couple’s vision given the myriad of variables at play.
How does a wedding planner reduce stress compared to a wedding coordinator, especially during the planning process? How do wedding planners and coordinators work together on the day of the wedding?
The wedding planner is on board from the inception of “We are getting married.” He or she helps with identifying and prioritizing the most minute detail to the execution of the most extravagant of details. The tasks can range from venue selection down to the overlay of napkins.
The wedding coordinator can also serve in the same capacity as the wedding planner with regard to the details of the big day however, the coordinator typically comes on board the month before the wedding and ensures that all that was planned is executed to perfection. The coordinator compliments the planner in that they ensure a seamless finish on the grand scheme of the big day.
Can having both create a more seamless experience for the couple?
In all honesty, a planner or the day of the event coordinator are essential components to a beautiful wedding event and are mutually exclusive. I strongly recommend having a planner or a coordinator so that the bride can enjoy her day and leave all worries to someone knowledgeable of the vision and competent in achieving all necessary tasks. Whether to have both or not would be dependent on the makeup of the company providing the management services.
COTERIE SPOTLIGHT
Adeola of Celebration Events
Adeola Damie Fowodu, the Owner, Principal Planner, and Lead Curator of Experience at Celebrations by Adeola & Co. Inc. and Destinations by Adeola & Co. are based in Ontario, Canada, serving North America and the Caribbean. A certified Wedding Planner and Event Coordinator with expertise in multi-cultural weddings, she brings over a decade of expertise in the wedding and event planning industry.
Website: www.celebrationsbyadeola.com| Email: [email protected] | Instagram: @celebrationsbyadeola | Phone: +1(647) 893-1114
What is the key difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator? How do their roles vary in terms of responsibility and involvement?
Many venues and hotels have a Coordinator on staff. Their primary responsibility is to be your main point of contact with the venue. They facilitate and oversee all of the details pertaining to your wedding in regard to all the information the venue requires. They are familiar with room locations, layouts, and venue occupancy numbers.
Along with the culinary team, they plan, organize, and develop the food and beverage services at your venue. They also respond to the many emails and phone calls from prospective couples looking to get married at the venue. Most importantly, they manage a large volume of files pertaining to each of the venue’s scheduled weddings and keeping all of the details organized.
A wedding planner is involved with the overall organization of the wedding, often right from the beginning, and works as an advocate for the couple from start to finish.
He or She works with you to find the best venue and vendors that will help make the couple’s wedding vision become a reality. He or she will also try to be respectful of the budget that the couple has set. It is the wedding planner’s responsibility to ensure that the theme and color palette of the wedding are reflected throughout the celebration, beginning with the style of the invitations, to the ceremony and reception flowers, the place settings at each table, the music, the food, and the overall experience.
Most planners can suggest ideas to customize your wedding and make it uniquely your own, as well as share their expertise on wedding etiquette and advice as needed. They look at the overall logistics, acting as a liaison between you and all vendors and suppliers including the venue, sorting out the details, and helping put together a realistic itinerary for the entire day.
When should couples consider hiring a wedding planner, even if their venue comes with a coordinator? What responsibilities fall under a wedding planner’s role compared to a coordinator?
A professional wedding planner can save you time, extreme aggravation, and lots of money. A wedding planner is experienced in all areas of the wedding, usually working directly with the engaged couple. It is their responsibility to professionally guide the couple through the entire process. The planner gets to know the personal style of the couple, along with their overall vision for the wedding. A good Planner has the knowledge, and expertise that will save you time in the long run. A Planner has a network of vendors. Whatever your needs or vision, he/she is likely to know where to get you the right vendor that fits your needs and theme.
The venue coordinator is expected to maintain details on each wedding, including all of the relevant information for each particular couple such as menu choices, final guest counts, layout, and correspondence with the culinary and planning team. The venue wedding coordinator works for their venue. Their primary responsibility is to manage the details that the venue needs. They may offer some advice along the way, but they are not your personal wedding planner.
Can a wedding planner provide services beyond just the wedding day?
Your wedding planner’s first responsibility is to the two of you. She will be onsite at your wedding day, acting on your behalf to look after everything from start to finish! A venue wedding coordinator is responsible for coordinating details about your actual event at the venue itself, whereas your wedding planner is responsible for managing ALL of the details of your entire wedding.
A wedding planner works specifically for YOU. She is an advocate between you and all of your vendors. Most planners assist with post-event financial account reconciliation, billings, and payments as well as ensure your post-wedding deliverables such as your wedding photos, albums, and videos are delivered by the stipulated agreed time.
The final takeaway? A wedding planner is with you every step of the way—from the moment you say yes to well beyond the wedding day—while a coordinator focuses on executing your vision, ensuring everything runs seamlessly on the big day.
Lulu emphasizes that these roles are “mutually exclusive” yet “essential components to a beautiful wedding event.” Whether you choose one, the other, or both, having professional support can ease stress and allow you to truly enjoy your celebration.
Adeola echoes this sentiment but highlights that a wedding planner “works specifically for YOU.” Unlike a venue coordinator, they are your personal advocate, guiding you through every detail of your wedding journey with your best interests at heart.
At the end of the day, whether you hire a planner, a coordinator, or both—it’s all about ensuring your wedding day is as magical and stress-free as possible.
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