Planner's Perspective: Purpose of a Planner and Levels of Planning Services
So you’re thinking about hiring a planner? We think that is a FANTASTIC idea. 11/10 would recommend. But what role is a planner going to play in your wedding? And what services do you ACTUALLY need? Also, what’s with all of the terms? Full Service? Partial Planning Experience? How are you supposed to know what to do? Well, we are sooo glad that you asked, because we’re kind of experts when it comes to wedding planning, if we do say so ourselves! Let’s dive in!
WEDDING PLANNER VS. WEDDING COORDINATOR
What are the differences between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator? The short answer: 12-18 months worth of work. Planning and coordination may sound like interchangeable words, but they really are not. Before we get into that though, one quick thing to note - Neither a wedding planner, nor a wedding coordinator, should be confused with a venue coordinator. Many couples will say that their venue provides a coordinator, so they do not believe that they need to hire a wedding coordinator or wedding planner. What they don't realize is that the venue coordinator is there to be a liaison between the couple/planner and the venue. They are absolutely a fantastic resource and it is so important that you work closely with them and communicate effectively with them. But, it is also important that you have a wedding planner to help bring all of the other vendors and details together!
Wedding Coordinators perform Day of Coordination. This type of service is essentially limited to logistical support on the day of wedding, with very little assistance or guidance prior to the day of. We do not recommend this service for several reasons. The first reason is that so much of what takes place on your wedding day has been planned and curated for and requires an understanding of the details in order to execute the vision. It is very difficult to execute on a plan that you know nothing about. The second reason is that your wedding day timeline is one of the most important pieces of information that you can give to your vendor team, and day-of coordinators are not usually involved in putting timelines together. This means that it is up to you, and usually your photographer, to put together something, without having all of the pieces. One of the most important jobs of a wedding planner is to unify all of the information to create a cohesive timeline! The third reason is that while it might seem like on the actual wedding day is when you need the most assistance, but realistically, you will likely want and/or need support throughout the part of, if not, the entire wedding planning process! The wedding day is when it all comes together, but the real work is put in behind the scenes in order to ensure that the day is flawless.
WHAT DOES A WEDDING PLANNER REALLY DO?
A wedding planner’s role in your wedding is going to be very dynamic. While there are obviously specific services, terms and boundaries that will be outlined in your contract, the level at which you engage with your planner and allow them to support you is going to play a tremendous role as well!
WEDDING PLANNING SERVICES
Each wedding planner’s business is different, and not every planner offers every service listed below. They also might refer to the service by a different name, or include slightly different features in their packages, but there is a general consensus that there are 3 basic service ranges. These services are Event Management (Month of Coordination), Partial Planning Experience, and Full Service Wedding Planning. There are also additional services like planning for the entire wedding weekend and design services, that we will cover too below!
EVENT MANAGEMENT
One of the packages that we offer at MDP Events, and that many other wedding planners offer is Event Management (sometimes referred to as Month of Coordination). We chose the term Event Management, because we begin working with our clients four months out from the wedding. We have found that beginning to work together 30 days out simply does not allow enough time and communication for effectively grasping the scope of your event, and how to best execute on the day of. At MDP Events, Event Management includes: helpful planning documents, floorplan design, a venue walkthrough, timeline creation, a call to chat through the entire flow of the day, logistical guidance, and support throughout the remainder of your planning as you determine your seating chart, day of items, and rental needs. Of COURSE, one of our amazing lead event planners to manage your wedding day and rehearsal is also included.
PARTIAL WEDDING PLANNING
The next tier of planning is our Partial Planning Experience. This package includes everything from the Event Management package, plus some additional support and resources. At MDP Events, there are several additional features when compared to Event Management, but the main inclusion that sets the Partial Planning Experience apart is Design Services. This service starts with creating your mood board and color palette, and carries all the way through vendor introductions and rental selections. We want to make sure that your wedding is solid logistically, AND that your style and aesthetics vision comes to life - the Partial Planning Experience allows us to do that! We also say that when you book Partial Planning, you are getting us from the very start acting as your assistant. You can cc us on emails, have us review proposals, and also ask any questions as you work through all of the wedding details!
FULL SERVICE WEDDING PLANNING
The top tier for wedding planning packages is Full Service Wedding Planning! This package is for the client that wants a true concierge level planning experience. Full Service MDP Events clients receive an unmatched level service and execution that ensures that every detail is accounted for and overseen. This service includes design and styling, vendor recommendations, vendor communications and management, budget management, step by step checklist of what we will work on month by month, logistical guidance and support, and of course, day-of coordination and rehearsal management. Every single MDP Events client is treated to an exceptional experience, no matter what package they select, but our Full Service experience provides the above and beyond management (versus Partial where we are the assistant) that many couples are looking for when they just want to say yes or no and not worry about the correspondence, research, or how to bring their design to life!
ADD ONS
Design Services
While Full Service Planning and Partial Wedding Planning include Design Services, it is important to make sure that you understand exactly what is included in your package. For Event Management/Month of Coordination, Design Services are not included. Not every client needs all of the services included in Partial Wedding Planning, but they still want to have the support for selecting rentals, florals, etc. If this is you, ask about customizing your package and adding on design assistance!
If you are looking for an intro to the world of rentals, you can check out our blog, How to Decide What You Need to Rent for Your Wedding Day!
WEDDING WEEKEND
We love a full on wedding weekend. Honestly, we’re a little bit obsessed! We’re talking Farewell Brunches, Rehearsal Dinners, Welcome Receptions - we love them all. While not included in standard planning packages, even for Full Service Planning, they can be added on. We have found that couples who work with planners for their bonus events get the opportunity to truly soak in every moment of their once-in-a-lifetime wedding weekend experience.
Why worry about transporting 100 welcome bags to the Welcome Reception, or placing menu cards at the Rehearsal Dinner, or setting up the champagne wall at the Farewell Brunch, when your planner can take care of all of that for you? We know what you’re thinking - “Well, my mom (sister/aunt/MOH) can just do those things.” Technically yes, but do you really want them to?? Your friends and family should be able to be fully present with you all weekend. So trust the details to your planner, all of the details! We promise you won’t regret it!
Now that you know how important a wedding planner is in the grand scheme of your wedding, start filling out those inquiry forms! We can’t wait to get yours!
