As their title implies, wedding planners assist couples in planning and executing their wedding day smoothly. They handle numerous tasks leading up to the event and on the day itself, alleviating stress for busy couples. Wedding planners are seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and networks, streamlining the process for couples. While hiring a wedding planner incurs costs (averaging $1,700 according to The Knot's Real Wedding Study), it's considered a worthwhile investment by most couples. Ultimately, wedding planners can save money by leveraging their industry connections to secure optimal deals and stay within budget.

Understanding Different Types of Wedding Planners: Full-Service vs. Month- or Day-Of Coordinators
When it comes to wedding planning, there are distinct roles between full-service wedding planners and month- or day-of coordinators. While the terms "wedding planner" and "wedding coordinator" are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes.
According to Dratch-Parker, a wedding planner oversees the entire event planning process, while a wedding coordinator focuses on logistical support specifically on the wedding day. Couples who have already handled most of the planning might opt for a coordinator to assist with final details and ensure a smooth execution.
For comprehensive planning, consider booking a full-service wedding planner well in advance—ideally a year or more before the wedding day. Month- or day-of coordinators can be engaged later in the process to handle last-minute logistics and details.

Although these are common wedding planner responsibilities, it's crucial to thoroughly review your planner's contract and package details to understand their specific duties. Each planner offers unique packages, so clarity on what your planner will and won't handle is essential.