What Does a Wedding Planner Actually Do?
(Spoiler: It’s a lot more than you think.)
Wedding planning is one of those things you don’t really understand until you’re in the thick of it. Suddenly, you’re juggling vendor emails, seating charts, budget spreadsheets, rain plans, and that one uncle who won’t RSVP.
So you start Googling.
You come across the term “wedding planner” and wonder…
Do I really need one? What do they even do?
Let’s clear that up.
We’re Not Just Making Timelines – We’re Holding the Whole Thing Together
Yes, we make timelines. And floor plans. And checklists.
But what we really do? We help you make decisions, stay calm, and feel supported through the entire planning process.
Think of us as your guide, your hype team, your sounding board, your logistics ninja, and sometimes, your therapist.
One of my clients said it best: “Nicole was super organized, professional, understanding, kept everything on schedule… and solved every inevitable minor inconvenience in the blink of an eye.”
We’re there to make the day feel effortless – even when it’s not behind the scenes.
Planner vs. Coordinator vs. Venue Manager: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a quick breakdown (because yes, they’re all different!):
- Venue Coordinator: Manages things specific to the venue (think: meal service, table clearing, venue access). They’re awesome, but they’re not managing your vendors or timeline.
- Day-Of/Month-Of Coordinator (me!): Steps in closer to the wedding date to finalize your plans and run the day smoothly. They don’t plan the wedding, but they help execute what you’ve already organized.
- Wedding Planner (also me!): Works with you from the start (or mid-way), helping shape your vision, source vendors, manage logistics, and guide the entire planning process. Think big-picture and detail work.
At Nicole Anna Events, we offer both coordination and planning/management – but we’ll always tell you honestly what level of support you need (and what you don’t).
Real Talk: The Things You Don’t See Us Do
We’ve…
- Found solutions for a broken bustle 10 minutes before the first dance
- Dried bouquets with paper towel and a hairdryer after a torrential downpour
- Reorganized seating charts the night before when a guest list changed
- Packed up leftovers, personal items, and gifts at 1:00 AM so couples could go home worry-free
- Redirected lost vendors, stalled shuttle buses, and one very confused groom’s uncle
And we do it all without interrupting your dance floor moment.
Why It Matters
Because no couple should have to answer questions about tablecloths during cocktail hour.
Because you should be soaking in the moment, not worrying about setup or rain plans or whether your speech notes made it to the podium.
And because your wedding should feel like a celebration – not a second job.
The Bottom Line?
A wedding planner isn’t just for the rich or the fancy.
We’re for the busy. The thoughtful. The detail-oriented-but-overwhelmed. The couples who want to actually enjoy their day.
If you want someone who will fight for your vision, anticipate the “what ifs,” and help you navigate this beautiful, chaotic ride – I’d be honoured to be that person.
Let’s make the magic happen.
Coordinator vs. Planner: Which One Do I Need?
Not sure what kind of help you actually need? Here’s a quick guide:
You might need a Day-Of Coordinator if…
- You love planning but want someone to take over the reins on the wedding day
- You’ve already booked your vendors and set your timeline
- You don’t want to be the one answering questions or solving problems during the event
- You need someone to execute your vision so you can enjoy it
You might need a Planner or Management Package if…
- You’re overwhelmed with where to start (or just too busy to do it all)
- You want help building a vendor team you trust
- You need advice throughout the process – not just at the end
- You want a professional to guide the timeline, logistics, and design from the beginning
- You know your wedding isn’t happening at a traditional venue and need full-day support (looking at you, backyard weddings)
Not sure where you land? That’s what discovery calls are for. Let’s talk through your vision and figure out what kind of support makes the most sense for you.
