On this week’s episode of 52 ‘Til I Do we’re joined by Kait Schmidt Thabet, founder of Celebrait by Kait to discuss all things wedding planning and coordinating, as well as why it is so important to have a planner or coordinator by your side as you approach your big day. We’re breaking down the difference between the roles, the steps of the process and why this vendor is a crucial one to have on your team.
You may hear these terms interchangeably, but there really is a distinct difference between the roles. So what exactly is the difference between planning and coordination?
Coordination is everything that happens on the day. A coordinator's job is to help you cross the finish line from planning to big day and execute on all the planning you’ve already completed. A coordinator takes over as your vendor’s main point of contact and catches everyone up to speed on your timeline and vision for the day. By the time your wedding day comes, we know every little detail and are there to make sure everything runs according to your vision. We have your timeline and every set of logistics prepared and ready to go to run the day. The goal is to make sure you and your loved one can focus on your love and celebration for one another (not the logistics!) on your big day.
Planning is everything that happens leading up to your big day. Planning is all about working in partnership with you, maintaining a focus on your preference and priorities for the day. Planning typically starts much earlier, anywhere from six months to eighteen months in advance of your wedding date. Depending on your desired level of planning support (partial vs all-inclusive) your planner helps with your venue, design, vendors, and all the logistics leading up to your big day. We take care of the bigger items, almost like your personal assistant. We're there to make sure your budget is working for you and that everything is going exactly the way you want and need it to be.
Planning lays the foundation, and your coordinator brings the final touches and vision to life!
When you’re ready to start looking for a planner or coordinator, the process usually begins with a get to know you chat, typically over Zoom or in person if you're close by. This initial consultation is a chance for you to get to know each other, learn more about your visions and ideas, talk about your ideal timeline and any known preferences you have for your wedding day.
After a call with Marryment, you will receive a proposed contract, as well as a chance to review our packages and pricing once again. Whether you’re looking for all-inclusive planning or day-of (month-of) coordination, you'll be guided through the choices so you feel ready and informed.
Once you’ve had a chance to go through things and decide what's best for you, it’s time to sign your contract! After signing and sending your deposit, we'll officially kick things off! Depending on the package you choose, we will either go straight into planning or begin prepping for the coordination closer to the big day.
Every wedding planner and coordinator will have their own unique services, but at the core, the goal is the same: to help bring your vision to life while making the process a bit more manageable.
At Marryment, we offer all-inclusive planning, partial planning, and month-of coordination. Similarly, Celebrait By Kait brings a creative, personalized approach with similar planning packages, plus event design and styling to bring your vision to life. Whether you need start to finish support or just someone to tie it all together, your planners and coordinators are here to make sure your day runs as hoped and let’s you fully enjoy every moment!
This is one of the most common misconceptions we see in wedding planning. And yes, while both roles are super important, a venue coordinator and a day-of wedding coordinator have very different responsibilities.
A venue coordinator works for the venue. Their main priority is making sure the venue operates smoothly. Things like unlocking doors, overseeing tables and chairs, and ensuring venue policies are followed. They’re fantastic at handling everything that falls under the venue’s scope, but they are not responsible for managing your timeline, helping with your ceremony or coordinating your vendors.
That’s where a day-of coordinator comes in. Your day-of coordinator works for you. They’re focused on your entire wedding day experience! From making sure your hair and makeup stay on schedule, to lining up your wedding party when ceremony time comes, managing your vendors arrivals, and working on solving any last-minute changes that pop up. They know your vision inside and out and are there solely to make sure your day happens just as you dreamed of it.
At the end of the day, your wedding is a celebration of your love, and the planning process should feel just as joyful! Whether you’re building your wedding from the ground up or just need someone to step in and help out with the finishing touches, having a trusted professional by your side means you don’t have to do all the work on your own.
For more tips and tricks, tune into the full episode of 52 ‘Til I Do on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Have more planning and coordination related questions? Send us a message at hello@marryment.com or get in touch on our social media—we love helping couples navigate this part of wedding planning!
Photo Credit to JNA Visuals
Marryment proudly serves couples all across Chicago and the surrounding Chicago Suburbs including popular areas such as Schaumburg, Elmhurst, Naperville, Evanston, Joliet, Oak Park, Skokie, Barrington, Downers Grove and Northbrook, to name a few. We also love destination weddings. We'd love to be a part of your wedding day! Schedule your free planning call with us today.
Schedule your free planning call with us.
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