What is the difference between a wedding planner and a day of coordinator?

What is the difference between a planner and, say, a DOC (day of coordinator)? Well, a DOC is contracted to oversee the day of your wedding. They guide you through your entrances and exits, they tell you when to cut the cake, they make sure you get to your get away vehicle, and they go home. They have vendor phone numbers, and it usually depends on the coordinator and the contracted service you signed on for as to how involved they are with your wedding day. All wedding planners are coordinators. Not all coordinators are wedding planners.

Wedding Planners, on the other hand, are sometimes contracted for services before the actual engagement takes place. Why? Because most people do not have a clue where to start planning a wedding. Most people have not been married before (though we have a super sweet couple that were married but wanted to re-do it right)and sometimes second and third marriages need help too!

A wedding planner is a valuable asset. They, too, when the big day comes, will serve as DOC's and make sure your event is perfect. But they also make your planning as un-stressful as possible. Don't be surprised if you end up being friends by the time your wedding day arrives. Having a wedding planner is like having a second maid of honor and best man all rolled into one! Priceless.

You may choose not to have a wedding planner, but you should always have a Day of Coordinator. Always. It is not the photographers job to line up the wedding party, and no matter what your band leader or DJ says, they really cannot take care of it all. A DOC is not a luxury item, and more and more venues are insisting that you do have one. Choose carefully. Today's economy has led to an influx of "bargain" priced wedding coordinators that helped plan Sally's wedding in 1994 so they know exactly what to do. Most do not even carry safety pins. So choose carefully. Ask for testimonials and references. But DO hire a DOC if you do not have a wedding planner. It is the best thing you can do for your sanity on your wedding day.