Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting chapters in your life. However, let’s be real, it’s also a lot. If you’ve ever typed “Do I really need a wedding planner?” into Google, I feel you. I’m here to help break it down for you…photographer to bride…because the kind of coordination you have on your wedding day? It makes a huge difference. For you, and honestly… for us as photographers too.
That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this post.Let’s talk about the difference between wedding planner vs day-of coordinator, and a venue coordinator. Because truly, yes….they are not the same thing, and yes your photographer notices.
Understanding the wedding planner vs day-of coordinator debate can help you feel more confident in your planning choices.
A full wedding planner is involved from the start. They help with vendor recommendations, budgeting, design ideas, timeline planning, logistics, and literally everything leading up to your wedding day. Think of them as your BFF that keeps everything on track months in advance leading up to your wedding day.
A day-of coordinator, on the other hand, usually steps in last minute before your wedding. They will take over your timeline, confirm with your vendors, and handle everything on the actual day, so you aren’t bombarded with questions about chair placement when you are getting your hair done.
Both are very valuable. But if you are easily overwhelmed or having a larger wedding, a full planner can be a complete game changer.
Here’s the tricky part that gets misunderstood…a venue coordinator is not a wedding planner. They work for the venue, not you. Their priority is making sure the venue runs smoothly. So they make sure tables are where they should be, the kitchen runs on time, lights are working….which is all very important, but they aren’t going to cue your DJ, find your florists when she’s MIA, or making sure your people are where they need to be.
When there’s a wedding planner or coordinator on-site, I can fully step into my role: capturing beautiful, emotional, and unscripted moments throughout your day. That’s my jam.
But when there’s no planner? Wedding photographers end up stepping into roles we were never meant to fill…managing timelines, answering vendor questions, and herding family for portraits while also trying to document it all. It adds stress, steals time from creativity, and honestly, can lead to rushed or missed photo moments that no one wants.
You hired your wedding photographer to capture the magic, not to be the master of ceremonies. That’s why having a planner (even a day-of one) is such a game-changer. They take the pressure off everyone so we can all focus on what we do best.
So, do you need a full-service wedding planner? Maybe. But do you need someone managing the moving parts so you’re not answering last-minute questions in your wedding dress? Absolutely. Whether it’s a full Arizona wedding planner or a solid day-of coordinator, having a dedicated professional handling the logistics allows you (and your photographer!) to focus on what really matters….which is being present, soaking in the joy, and creating memories without stress. Great wedding coordination leads to smoother timelines, happier vendors, and ultimately, more beautiful, relaxed photos. Trust me…your photographer, your future self, and your whole bridal party will be so grateful you brought in the right help.
