Do I Need a Wedding Planner?
If your answers to the above 4 questions on the second slide are “No”, you’ve got your answer.
These were exactly the same questions that I asked myself when we decided to engage an actual day coordinator. Yes, they do count as wedding planners!
Your coordinators typically steps in about 2-3 months before the wedding to review your schedule, offer helpful suggestions and eventually run your event for you. We opted for actual day coordination rather than full planning as I wanted to be as hands on as possible during planning, as I am clear of the things I want, the programme I want to run, as well as the venue I want to go for. Cost was definitely a big factor (and this isn’t exactly cheap), but I’d say it was money well spent. I’ll explain the questions below—save this post if you think it might come in handy later!
🗒️ Are you an easy going bride who is chill about your big day?
A big no from me. I can be easygoing about many things, but not my wedding day. I’m someone who can’t afford for things to go off-plan, especially on such a significant day 🥺. That alone made it clear that I needed a professional to help run things smoothly.
🗒️ Do you have friends that you can comfortably put stress on for the whole duration of wedding planning & eventually running your actual day?
Let’s be real, we’ve all heard stories about friendships falling apart after weddings. Whether it’s the couple or the friends at fault, we didn’t want to risk that happening. Our friends mean the world to us, and we know how stressful it can be to be a bridesmaid or groomsman. Plus, they wouldn’t get to truly enjoy the day as our guests. That’s why we didn’t assign those formal roles. Instead, we called them our “helpers” (yes, I know it doesn’t sound as glamorous, but it helped us keep expectations manageable). We gave them lighter tasks (I hope haha!) such as replicating the reception table, overseeing decor and buffet setup, handling angbao collection, and even being our emcees! As for the more intensive tasks: keeping us on schedule, liaising with vendors, crowd control, programme transitions, and managing AV—they were all handed over to the professionals. Our friends got to enjoy the day with us, and safe to say, we’re still friends 🤣
🗒️ Are my programmes and timeline straightforward?
Again, another big fat no! Ours spanned an entire day with two different ceremonies. Even though our timeline seemed simple on paper, we didn’t want to take any risks—especially with such a long day. Giving that responsibility to a professional also took the pressure off our friends. Given that our coordinator’s package covered 10 hours (excluding the intermission), this allowed them to manage both ceremonies seamlessly.
🗒️ Do I want to be an anxious bride on my big day?
🌚 I already deal with anxiety on a regular basis, so no thank you on the wedding day too! Having a professional in charge allowed me to actually enjoy the day as a guest, and I mean that wholeheartedly. I wasn’t running around stressed or sweaty 🤪
Even when some AV issues cropped up, the team handled it with the venue vendor like pros. I didn’t even bat an eye. In fact, they were so capable that when small hiccups happened, I ended up reassuring them 🤣 That level of chill is just not me on a regular day LOL. As a bonus, the team also acted like bridesmaids—keeping my dress and makeup in check, checking in if I was thirsty or hungry. I truly appreciated all those little gestures!
We engaged Manna Weddings (which is under the same group as our buffet vendor Manna Group), and we even got a discount. We paid $2,700 (as of Sept 2024) for 10 hours of actual day coordination, and honestly? Worth every cent. Their professionalism was top-tier, and we couldn’t have done it without them. (Edit: Our planner and coordinators have moved to themodernmatrimonyco on ig, do check them out instead!)
Of course, this won’t apply to everyone. Some couples may not feel the need to engage one. It really boils down to your comfort level with spending vs managing the day yourself.
Whatever your decision, just remember: you don’t have to do it all alone. Don’t overwork yourself, delegate what you can, and enjoy your big day! 💛
When planning a wedding, deciding whether to hire a wedding planner is a crucial step that can greatly impact your big day experience. The four questions highlighted in the article serve as a practical framework for couples to assess their comfort levels and needs. Hiring a professional wedding planner or day coordinator offers several benefits, especially when dealing with complex programmes and timelines. Unlike full planning services that cover everything from vendor selection to design, a day coordinator focuses on supervising the event onsite, typically 2–3 months before and during the wedding day. This approach suits couples who prefer to be hands-on in the early planning phases but want expert assistance to manage the day itself. The realities of wedding planning often put strain on close friends who might otherwise take on coordination roles. By delegating critical tasks such as vendor liaison, schedule adherence, crowd management, and audio-visual control to professionals, couples can protect friendships and avoid unnecessary stress. This delegation also enables the couple's helpers to focus on lighter, enjoyable tasks that keep them engaged without being overwhelmed. An anxious bride or groom especially benefits from having a skilled coordinator who can swiftly resolve unexpected issues, from AV glitches to timing adjustments. This support not only minimizes stress but also allows the couple to fully enjoy the event as guests in their own celebration. The coordinator’s attention to details such as keeping the dress and makeup in check or ensuring the couple stays hydrated further enhances comfort and confidence. Cost considerations are real; professional day coordination is an investment often ranging in the thousands. However, as reflected in the author's personal experience with Manna Weddings, the value gained from professionalism, reduced anxiety, and smooth execution often outweighs the expense. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal priorities, budget, and how much control and involvement you want in your wedding day operations. In summary, answering whether you are an easy-going bride or groom, if you have reliable friends to support the planning fully, if your timeline is simple, and your desire to avoid anxiety can help you decide if a wedding planner is necessary. For many, a day coordinator provides invaluable peace of mind, letting love and joy take center stage on a perfect wedding day.
hi! thanks for sharing your experience! i'm also really on the fence about having an AD coordinator so this helped me out. may i ask which company did you hire and what is their rate? thank you in advance!!