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Writer's pictureMichelle

Behind the Scenes: Understanding the Distinctions between Wedding Planner, Coordinators, and Decorator - Who Does What?

Updated: Feb 6

When it comes to organizing a wedding, assembling a team of experts is essential for a seamless and memorable experience. Among these professionals, the wedding planner, coordinator, and decorator each play a unique and vital role. When you start planning your wedding, we can definitely understand that the different vendors and titles might make it a bit confusing! At oso events, we proudly serve the SF Bay Area as wedding planners, bringing our expertise and passion for creating unforgettable moments to the forefront. Our team is dedicated to turning your vision into a reality, handling everything from selecting the perfect venue to coordinating with top-tier vendors. With our extensive experience, we take pride in crafting celebrations that reflect your unique style and preferences.


The Wedding Planner: Turning Ideas into Plans and Coordinating the Day-of

A wedding planner is your go-to guide throughout the entire planning process. Their primary responsibility is to transform your vision into a practical, executable plan. This comprehensive role includes making critical decisions such as selecting the venue, managing the budget, and coordinating with various vendors. Wedding planners actively participate in the vendor selection process, offering recommendations based on your preferences. Wedding planners are integral to the entire journey, from conceptualization to the execution of plans, ensuring a seamless and memorable wedding day. Their involvement extends to coordinating the day-of events, overseeing the wedding day's timeline, and guaranteeing a smooth execution. It's crucial to discuss and confirm the extent of day-of coordination services with your chosen wedding planner.


The Wedding Coordinator: Keeping Things on Track on the Big Day

On the actual wedding day, the spotlight shifts to the wedding coordinator. This professional takes charge of ensuring that everything runs like clockwork. From managing timelines to troubleshooting any last-minute hiccups, coordinators are the behind-the-scenes maestros. They work closely with vendors, oversee the setup, and handle any unforeseen challenges that may arise during the event. It's crucial to ask coordinators about their specific services, as their roles can vary widely.

While coordinators are responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of events on the wedding day, they are not typically be involved in selecting vendors ahead of time. Additionally, whether they come with staff for setup may vary, so it's essential to clarify these details with your chosen coordinator. For example, in addition to day-of coordination, our concierge package includes services such as decor set-up and break-down, vendor recommendations, and regular check-ins to ensure a seamless and stress-free wedding day.


The Venue Coordinator: Bridging the Gap Between Venue and Vendors

Venue coordinators are often employed by the chosen wedding venue, and their primary focus is on ensuring the seamless execution of events within their space. Unlike wedding coordinators who manage the overall flow of the wedding day, venue coordinators concentrate specifically on venue-related details. These professionals play a crucial role in liaising between the couple, their chosen vendors, and the venue itself. Venue coordinators facilitate communication, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding logistics, setup requirements, and any venue-specific regulations. They may assist in coordinating the arrival and setup of vendors, as well as addressing any venue-specific questions that arise during the planning process. It's important to note that while venue coordinators are integral to the successful functioning of the venue, their scope of responsibilities may not extend to managing the entire wedding day's timeline or troubleshooting issues unrelated to the venue itself. As part of our comprehensive wedding planning services at oso events, we collaborate closely with venue coordinators to synchronize efforts, guaranteeing a harmonious and well-coordinated celebration.


The Decorator: Adding Visual Appeal
When it comes to the visual aesthetics of the wedding, the decorator takes center stage. Their focus is on transforming the chosen venue into a visually stunning space that aligns with your vision. This includes everything from crafting beautiful floral arrangements to strategically planning lighting setups. Decorators bring creativity and a keen eye for design, playing a crucial role in making the venue aesthetically pleasing and reflective of the chosen theme or style.

It's important to note that decorators typically do not handle coordination tasks or assist in running the timeline of the event. Their primary expertise lies in making everything picture-perfect, enhancing the overall ambiance of the venue. This may involve providing drapery, arranging floral displays, and curating the visual elements that contribute to the atmosphere of your wedding. While decorators contribute significantly to the visual appeal of the event, coordinating and managing the event timeline are roles usually undertaken by wedding planners and coordinators.


In summary, each professional involved in the wedding planning process plays a vital and distinct role. The wedding planner, coordinator, and decorator work collaboratively to create a harmonious and memorable celebration. Whether you're seeking someone to handle logistical details, ensure a smooth wedding day, or bring your visual ideas to life, understanding these roles empowers you to assemble the right team to turn your wedding dreams into reality. It's essential to communicate openly with your chosen professionals about their specific services to ensure your expectations align with their offerings.

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