Wedding Planner vs Coordinator vs DIY: What You Actually Need

Planning a wedding is basically a part-time job… except your boss is your mom, your fiancé’s aunt, and a group chat that won’t stop buzzing.

We’ve worked hundreds (honestly, 500+ at this point) of weddings across the DC metro area and up and down the East Coast. And the same question keeps popping up, no matter the budget: do I need a wedding planner, or can I DIY this? Closely followed by: “Wait—what’s the difference between a wedding planner vs coordinator?” And right behind that: “Why is wedding planner cost so high?”

Here’s our straight-talk take: most couples don’t need everything, but almost everyone needs something. The trick is matching the level of help to the reality of your schedule, your family dynamics, your venue requirements, and how much stress you’re willing to carry for the next 6–18 months.

This article breaks down what each role actually does, what it costs (with real numbers), how to spot fluff packages, and how to decide what you truly need—without paying for services you won’t use.

Along the way, we’ll reference tools that make planning easier, like our Wedding Budget Guide 2026, Wedding Planning Timeline 2026, and the Vendor Timeline Template we recommend every couple customize.

The roles in plain English (and why the names are confusing)

Before we talk money, we need to talk definitions—because the industry is sloppy with titles.

A “planner” in one market might do what another market calls “coordinator.” Some venues include a “coordinator” who is really just a venue manager. And some people sell “day-of coordination” even though they’re showing up with zero prep (that’s not coordination, that’s vibes).

Here’s the cleanest way to think about it:

• Full-service wedding planner: manages the planning process from early stages through the wedding day
• Partial planner: helps with specific parts of planning (often design + vendor sourcing) and then runs the final stretch
• Month-of coordinator (more accurately: 6–8-week coordinator): takes over logistics near the end and executes the wedding day
• Day-of coordinator: typically a misnomer; if it’s truly day-of with no prep, it’s a risk
• DIY: you’re the planner—plus you’re the admin assistant, contract manager, and problem-solver

We’re going to unpack each one, with real scopes, timeframes, and costs.

Full-service wedding planner: what they actually do (scope + timelines)

A full-service planner is the “from scratch to send-off” option. You’re paying for strategy, project management, vendor relationships, design guidance, and a calm adult in the room for months.

What’s usually included in full planning

Full planning packages vary, but in our experience, strong full planners handle most of this:

• Budget creation + spend tracking (yes, like a CFO)
• Vendor recommendations + outreach + booking support
• Contract review support (not legal advice, but practical redlines)
• Design direction (colors, rentals, florals, lighting, paper goods)
• Venue walk-throughs and logistics planning
• Guest experience planning (transportation, signage, flow)
• Timeline creation and revisions (often 3–6 versions)
• Floor plan guidance and seating chart strategy
• Wedding weekend schedule (welcome party, rehearsal, brunch)
• Vendor confirmations and final payments checklist
• Rehearsal management
• Wedding day management (often with an assistant team)

A solid planner doesn’t just “make it pretty.” They prevent expensive mistakes. We’ve watched planners save couples $2,000–$6,000 simply by catching rental redundancies, negotiating smarter delivery windows, or steering them away from over-ordering.

How far in advance you hire a full planner

Most couples book full planners 10–16 months out for peak season dates (May–June, Sept–Oct in the DC area). For destination or complex cultural weddings, we’ve seen 18–24 months.

And yes—good planners book up early. The best ones aren’t sitting around waiting for your inquiry in April for a June Saturday.

What full planning feels like (the emotional part)

The biggest benefit isn’t just time. It’s decision fatigue relief.

If you’re juggling a demanding job, family expectations, or you’re the type of person who spirals after reading 47 reviews, full planning can be worth every penny.

Hot take: Couples sometimes hire a full planner “for design,” but the real value is having someone who can say, “Nope, that’s a bad idea,” and back it up with experience.

Full planner scope: what’s not always included

Ask directly about:

• RSVP tracking and guest list management (some include, many don’t)
• Seating chart creation (often “guidance” only)
• Invitation assembly/mailing
• Decor setup (some coordinate rentals; fewer physically set decor)
• Cleanup and teardown (usually not—unless you pay for extra staff)
• Bridal styling (dress shopping, fittings) unless it’s luxury-level planning

Full-service wedding planner cost: real numbers (and why it’s not cheap)

Let’s talk wedding planner cost without fluff.

Typical full planner pricing (most US metro areas)

For a full-service wedding planner, we commonly see:

• $6,000–$10,000 for mid-range full planning (100–150 guests)
• $10,000–$18,000 for higher-touch planning + design
• $18,000–$30,000+ for luxury planners, multi-day events, or heavy production

Some planners price as a percentage of your total wedding budget (often 10%–15%). That can make sense at higher budgets, but it can also create weird incentives. We prefer transparent flat fees with clearly defined scope.

Why full planning costs what it costs

A good planner is:

• spending 80–200+ hours on your wedding over the year
• managing 8–15 vendors
• protecting you from timeline failures and contract surprises
• running an event where one mistake can cost thousands (or your sanity)

If you hire a full planner for $3,000 in a major metro area, something’s off. Either they’re brand new, overbooked, or they’re not truly full-service.

Partial wedding planner services: the middle-ground option most couples overlook

Partial planning is the “we want help, but not that much help” package. It’s also the most inconsistently defined.

In our experience, partial planning is best for couples who have started DIY planning, then realize the rabbit hole is deeper than expected.

Common partial planning inclusions

Partial planning often includes:

• Vendor sourcing for a few categories (usually 3–6 vendors)
• Design direction + rental strategy
• Timeline and logistics planning starting around 3–6 months out
• One or two venue walk-throughs
• Final vendor confirmations
• Wedding day coordination (with assistant depending on guest count)

Some partial planners will jump in earlier but with fewer meetings. Others start at the halfway point of your planning timeline.

Check your Wedding Planning Timeline 2026 and be honest about what’s left. If you still need major vendors at the 6-month mark, partial planning might be perfect.

Partial planner cost expectations

Most metro areas:

• $3,500–$7,500 for partial planning
• $7,500–$12,000 for partial planning + design + multiple events

A partial planner should still be spending serious time—often 40–100 hours—especially if they’re providing design direction and coordinating logistics.

Who partial planning fits best

Partial planning makes sense if:

• you’ve booked the venue and maybe 1–3 vendors
• you’re stuck on design and logistics
• your families have opinions (and you need a referee)
• you want a pro to sanity-check your plan and then run the day

Hot take: Partial planning is often the smartest spend for type-A couples. You’ll still feel in control, but you won’t drown.

Month-of coordinator role (aka “the real MVP of sane wedding days”)

Most couples who ask “do I need a wedding planner” actually need a month-of coordinator.

And yes, “month-of” is a misleading name. A good coordinator starts earlier than that.

What a month-of coordinator actually does

A strong month-of coordinator typically begins 4–8 weeks before your wedding and handles:

• collecting vendor contracts + contact lists
• building the master wedding day timeline (and making vendors follow it)
• confirming arrival times and delivery windows
• creating a rain plan and/or indoor flip plan (critical in DC spring/fall)
• final venue walk-through
• cueing ceremony processional (and fixing last-minute chaos)
• managing the wedding day flow (photos, cocktail hour, reception)
• handling small emergencies (bustle breaks, missing boutonniere, late shuttle)
• directing vendors during setup
• keeping you off your phone

This role is logistics-heavy. It’s less “Pinterest vibes” and more “your rental truck is 40 minutes late and we need a Plan B.”

Month-of coordinator cost (real ranges)

In the DC metro area and similar markets, we see:

• $1,800–$3,200 for basic month-of coordination (smaller weddings)
• $3,200–$4,500 for larger guest counts or more complex logistics
• $4,500–$6,500 if it includes design setup, multiple assistants, or wedding weekend events

If your wedding has 150+ guests, a big venue, or lots of moving parts, an assistant is not optional. It’s math.

The biggest value month-of coordinators bring

They protect your time and your relationships.

Without a coordinator, your “point person” becomes:

• your mom (who wants to be a guest)
• your maid of honor (who should be enjoying herself)
• your photographer (who is not your timeline police)
• or you (absolutely not)

Day-of coordinator explained (and why we’re skeptical)

“Day-of coordinator” is one of the most common phrases couples search. It’s also one of the most misunderstood services.

Here’s the honest truth: a true day-of coordinator—someone who shows up on the wedding day with no prior prep—is a gamble.

What people think day-of coordination means

Couples often assume:

• “They’ll run everything so I can relax.”
• “They’ll handle vendors.”
• “They’ll keep us on schedule.”
• “They’ll fix problems.”

But without prep time, they don’t know:

• your vendor contracts
• your venue rules
• your family dynamics
• your ceremony details
• your floor plan
• your photo priorities

So they’re reacting, not coordinating.

What “day-of” usually is in reality

Most reputable professionals who sell “day-of” actually do:

• 1 planning meeting
• timeline creation
• vendor confirmations
• some prep work starting 2–4 weeks out

That’s basically month-of coordination with a nicer name.

When day-of might be enough

Day-of-only support can work if:

• it’s a small wedding (under 50 guests)
• the venue is fully staffed and highly structured
• you have minimal vendors (venue catering, in-house bar, in-house rentals)
• the schedule is simple

Even then, we’d still want at least a couple pre-wedding check-ins.

Hot take: If someone advertises “day-of coordination” for $800 and promises the moon, you’re probably buying stress.

DIY planning reality check (the part nobody wants to hear)

DIY can absolutely work. We’ve seen it. We’ve photographed it. We’ve also watched it go sideways.

DIY doesn’t mean “free.” It means you pay with time, stress, and risk.

The real DIY workload (hours and headspace)

For a typical 100–150 guest wedding, DIY couples usually spend:

• 120–250 hours planning over 9–14 months

(that’s 10–20 hours/month… and it spikes hard near the end)

And that’s if you’re decisive.

If you’re the kind of couple who debates napkin colors for three weeks, double it.

Hidden tasks DIY couples forget

Here’s what DIY couples often underestimate:

• building a vendor timeline that works for everyone
• confirming insurance requirements and COIs
• mapping power needs for bands/DJs (yes, your tent needs electricity)
• planning family photo lists efficiently (or you’ll lose cocktail hour)
• managing deliveries and setup windows (venues can be strict)
• creating a rain plan that doesn’t ruin photos or guest flow
• figuring out who handles cards/gifts at the end of the night

And then there’s the emotional labor: answering texts, managing family opinions, and making a hundred micro-decisions.

DIY weddings can be amazing… with the right structure

DIY works best when:

• you have a simple venue that includes staffing
• you’re comfortable making decisions quickly
• you have a reliable point person (not you)
• your vendor team is experienced and communicative

If you DIY, at least use planning tools that keep you sane. Start with Wedding Budget Guide 2026 to avoid the classic “we’re fine” budget lie, then map your milestones with Wedding Planning Timeline 2026. And please—use a real timeline structure like our Vendor Timeline Template.

Wedding planner vs coordinator: side-by-side comparison (what you’re paying for)

Let’s put it in a clean chart.

And here’s the other comparison couples actually care about—stress and risk.

When each option makes sense (a decision framework we actually use)

Here’s a practical way to decide. We use this logic when couples ask us for honest vendor advice.

Step 1: Rate your complexity level (be brutally honest)

If you check 3+ of these, your wedding is “complex”:

• 150+ guests
• ceremony and reception in different locations
• lots of DIY decor/setup
• cultural or religious ceremony with many cues
• multiple outfit changes
• tented wedding (tents are a whole separate sport)
• destination or weekend-long events
• tight venue restrictions (short setup window, strict noise cutoff)
• family dynamics are tense (divorce, estrangement, big expectations)

Complex weddings benefit from a planner or strong partial planner, not just day-of help.

Step 2: Check your time reality (not your optimism)

Ask yourself:

• Can we realistically spend 5–8 hours/week on planning for the final two months?
• Do we have the mental energy to manage vendor emails after work?
• Are we okay making decisions quickly?

If the answer is “no,” full or partial planning is worth serious consideration.

Step 3: Identify your “weak spot”

Most couples are strong in one area and weak in another:

• Budgeting weak? You need planning support early.
• Design weak? You need a partial planner or planner with design.
• Logistics weak? You need month-of coordination at minimum.
• Family management weak? You need someone experienced and assertive (not your best friend).

Step 4: Pick the smallest package that still protects your wedding day

This is our philosophy: don’t buy more planning than you need, but don’t under-buy execution.

If you only splurge on one thing, choose a coordinator who can run your day. Your wedding isn’t the time for a learning curve.

Average wedding planner costs by region (what we see across the US)

Pricing is regional, and it’s also tied to guest count and complexity. A 60-guest brunch wedding costs less to coordinate than a 220-guest Saturday night ballroom wedding with a 12-person wedding party.

Here are realistic planning/coordinator ranges we see (2025–2026), assuming experienced professionals—not beginners.

Full-service wedding planner cost by region

Month-of coordinator cost by region

These are broad ranges, but they’ll keep you from getting blindsided.

One thing we see over and over: Couples in high-cost markets budget $2,000 for coordination, then realize the coordinators they actually like are $3,500–$5,000. Build it into your plan early using Wedding Budget Guide 2026 so it’s not a last-minute scramble.

Venue coordinators vs independent coordinators (not the same job)

This is especially relevant for the “venue” category, because venues love to say, “We include a coordinator!”

Cool. Ask what that means.

What a venue coordinator usually does

A venue coordinator typically focuses on:

• venue access times
• venue rules (noise, alcohol, load-in)
• venue staff scheduling
• in-house catering timeline
• tables/chairs provided by the venue

They’re protecting the venue’s operations. That’s not a bad thing—it’s just not the same as protecting you.

What an independent coordinator does

An independent coordinator focuses on:

• your entire vendor team (photo/video, DJ/band, florist, rentals, transportation)
• your personal priorities (photo timing, private vows, family dynamics)
• the full timeline, not just dinner service
• your decor plan and setup responsibilities
• problem-solving beyond the venue’s scope

Hot take: If you’re relying on a venue coordinator to bustle your dress, cue your processional, fix a late shuttle, and track down your missing vow book… you’re going to be disappointed.

Questions to ask planners and coordinators (bring this list to consults)

You can learn more in 10 minutes from the right questions than from 10 hours of Instagram scrolling.

Scope + workload questions (the ones that reveal the truth)

Ask:

1. How many weddings do you take on per weekend in peak season?

If they say “2–3,” ask how they staff it. If they say “4+,” proceed carefully.

1. When do you start working with us (exactly)?

“Month-of” should mean at least 4–8 weeks out.

1. What do you produce for us?

Timeline, floor plan, vendor contact sheet, rain plan, decor checklist—get specifics.

1. Do you confirm vendors and build the final timeline with them?

If not, you’re still the project manager.

1. Who’s on-site on the wedding day, and for how many hours?

“Up to 8 hours” can be a problem if your day is 12+ hours.

Experience + problem-solving questions

1. What’s a wedding emergency you handled recently, and what did you do?

Great coordinators have real stories (and calm solutions).

1. Have you worked at our venue before? If not, how do you prep?

A good answer includes a site visit and venue rule review.

1. How do you handle family conflict or a difficult wedding party member?

You want diplomacy and backbone.

Money + contract questions

1. What’s your payment schedule and refund policy?

Know what happens if you postpone.

1. What’s not included (and what costs extra)?

Setup/teardown, rehearsal, extra assistants, additional events.

1. Do you earn referral commissions from vendors?

Some do. It’s not always bad, but transparency matters.

What NOT to do (Red Flags we’ve seen blow up weddings)

We’re not trying to scare you. But we’ve watched these mistakes cause real chaos—and you deserve better.

Red flag #1: Hiring “day-of” help with zero prep

If they won’t do at least:

• timeline planning
• vendor confirmations
• a venue walk-through or call

…you’re buying a warm body, not coordination.

Red flag #2: Assuming your photographer or DJ will “run the day”

We love our fellow vendors. But no.

Photographers can guide portrait timing. DJs can manage reception announcements. Neither should be managing your vendor load-in schedule, ceremony cues, or a rain plan pivot.

And if you force them to? Your photos/music suffer. You paid too much for that.

Red flag #3: Letting a family member be the point person

This is the classic “my aunt is super organized!” plan.

Your aunt wants to be a guest. She also has emotions and relationships in the room. That’s not a neutral professional.

Red flag #4: Booking a coordinator who won’t be there personally

Some companies sell you on the owner, then send an associate you’ve never met.

Associates can be great. But you should:

• meet them in advance
• know their experience level
• have it in the contract

Red flag #5: Not budgeting for help until the last month

We’ve had couples try to hire coordination two weeks out in peak season. Availability is limited, and you’ll pay more for rush help.

Plan early using Wedding Planning Timeline 2026 so you’re not begging strangers to save you in the eleventh hour.

The “hidden” factors that should drive your decision (not just budget)

Budget matters. But it’s not the only thing.

Your venue’s complexity (especially for tented or raw spaces)

Raw spaces (blank warehouses, private homes, farms) require:

• rentals beyond tables/chairs (restrooms, generators, lighting)
• load-in/load-out schedules
• vendor coordination across multiple teams

If you’re doing a backyard wedding in the DC area in July, please hear us: humidity + storms + rentals + neighbors = you want professional coordination.

Your guest count (and how much you care about guest experience)

Guest count isn’t just catering cost. It’s:

• more arrivals to manage
• longer family photo lists
• more seating chart drama
• more shuttle timing issues

Once you’re above 120 guests, coordination needs increase fast.

Your family dynamics (yes, this is a real planning category)

If you’ve got:

• divorced parents who won’t stand together
• a sibling who’s unreliable
• cultural expectations from both sides
• a guest list tug-of-war

A planner/coordinator is part logistics, part therapist, part bouncer.

And sometimes, you need that.

Practical scenarios: what we’d recommend (based on real weddings)

These are generalized, but they’ll help you picture your own situation.

Scenario A: Classic hotel wedding, 150 guests, busy careers

You have:

• hotel ceremony + reception
• in-house catering
• band, florist, photographer, videographer
• minimal DIY

Recommendation: Month-of coordinator (or partial planner if you haven’t started).

Budget: $2,800–$4,800 in DC/NoVA.

Scenario B: Estate/tented wedding, 200 guests, lots of rentals

You have:

• tent, generator, bathrooms, lighting
• multiple vendors with tight load-in
• weather risk
• likely a wedding weekend

Recommendation: Full planner or partial planner with heavy logistics + assistant team.

Budget: $10,000–$25,000+ depending on production.

Scenario C: Restaurant wedding, 50 guests, short timeline

You have:

• one location
• limited decor
• simple timeline

Recommendation: Experienced “day-of” (really 2–4-week) coordination or even a strong venue manager + a paid assistant.

Budget: $1,000–$2,500 depending on market.

Scenario D: DIY venue, 100 guests, you love spreadsheets

You have:

• time and organization
• willingness to manage vendors
• but you want to enjoy the day

Recommendation: DIY planning + month-of coordination.

Budget: $2,200–$4,000 most metros.

Hot take: This is the sweet spot for a lot of couples. You keep control, you keep budget in check, and you still get to feel like a guest at your own wedding.

How to save money on planning without sabotaging your day

If wedding planner cost is stressing you out (we get it), try these smarter moves instead of skipping help entirely.

Pick partial planning instead of full planning

If you mainly need:

• vendor sourcing for 3–5 categories
• design direction
• logistics sanity-check

Partial planning can save you $3,000–$8,000 compared to full planning.

Hire month-of coordination, then add hourly consulting

Some planners offer:

• a 2-hour budget review
• a design consult
• a venue logistics consult

That can be $250–$600/hour depending on market, and it’s often worth it if you’re stuck.

Reduce complexity (the cheapest way to “buy” calm)

Want to spend less on coordination? Make the wedding easier to run:

• One location for everything
• Fewer transitions
• Fewer DIY items
• Skip the sparkler exit (yes, we said it)
• Fewer vendors with separate delivery windows

Coordinators price based on complexity because complexity creates labor.

The photo/video angle: why coordination affects your coverage more than you think

We’re Precious Pics Pro—photo and video is our world. And we’ll say this plainly: planning support directly impacts your photos and film.

Here’s why:

• Late hair/makeup pushes portraits into harsh midday light
• Missing family members kills the family photo schedule
• No buffer time means you’re rushed, and it shows on camera
• A messy ceremony lineup leads to awkward entrances (and awkward footage)
• A chaotic reception timeline can cut dances or speeches short

We’ve filmed weddings that felt calm and cinematic because the timeline was realistic. We’ve also filmed weddings that felt like a sprint because nobody was steering the ship.

If you care about your photos/video, care about your timeline. Start with Vendor Timeline Template and build from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

People also ask: Do I need a wedding planner or just a coordinator?

If you’re booking vendors, tracking a budget, and making design decisions from scratch—and you don’t have time or mental bandwidth—a planner is worth it. If you’ve already booked most vendors and just need someone to take over logistics in the final 4–8 weeks and run the day, a month-of coordinator is usually the right fit. Most couples we work with fall into the coordinator camp, not full planning.

People also ask: What’s the difference between a wedding planner vs coordinator?

A wedding planner helps you plan—budget, vendors, design, and logistics—over months. A coordinator focuses on execution, usually starting 4–8 weeks out, making sure your vendor team and timeline actually work in real life. The confusion comes from inconsistent titles, so always ask for a detailed scope of work.

People also ask: How much is a wedding planner cost in 2026?

In most metro areas, full-service wedding planning typically runs $6,000–$15,000+, with luxury planners often $18,000–$30,000+. Partial planning often lands around $3,500–$7,500, and month-of coordination is commonly $1,800–$4,500. Your region, guest count, and complexity (tents, multiple locations, weekend events) drive pricing.

People also ask: Is a day-of coordinator worth it?

Sometimes, but only if “day-of” includes real prep (timeline work, vendor confirmations, and a planning meeting at minimum). If someone truly shows up with no advance work, they’ll be reacting all day, which can create stress and missed moments. For most weddings, a month-of coordinator is the safer choice.

People also ask: Can I plan my wedding myself?

Yes—especially for smaller or simpler weddings with an all-inclusive venue. But DIY planning usually takes 120–250 hours, and you still need someone to run the wedding day so you can actually enjoy it. Many DIY couples do best with month-of coordination plus a solid planning timeline like Wedding Planning Timeline 2026.

People also ask: How do I choose a wedding planner?

Start by asking to see a sample timeline and asking how they handle vendor confirmations and last-minute issues. Make sure their communication style matches yours (you’ll be talking a lot), and confirm who will be on-site the day-of. Also ask what’s excluded—setup, teardown, assistants, rehearsal—so there are no surprises.

People also ask: What questions should I ask a wedding planner before booking?

Ask when they start, what deliverables you get (timeline, floor plan, rain plan), how many weddings they take per weekend, and whether they bring an assistant for larger guest counts. Ask for a real emergency story and how they solved it. And ask what changes if you postpone—refund and rescheduling policies matter.

Final Thoughts: buy the calm you actually need

If you’re stuck between wedding planner vs coordinator vs DIY, here’s our bottom line after years of watching real weddings unfold:

• If your wedding is complex and your life is busy, full planning can be a sanity-saver.
• If you’re mostly planned but need expert help tying it together, partial planning is often the best value.
• If you’re organized and just want to enjoy your wedding day, month-of coordination is the non-negotiable for most couples.
• If you DIY everything with no pro support… you might pull it off. But you’ll feel every ounce of it.

Planning is emotional. Budgets are stressful. Families are complicated. You’re not “bad at weddings” if you want help—you’re just realistic.

If you want to keep building your plan, start with Wedding Budget Guide 2026 for numbers that actually work, map your milestones with Wedding Planning Timeline 2026, and grab our Vendor Timeline Template so your vendor team isn’t guessing.

And if you’re looking for a photo/video team that’s calm under pressure (and has seen every timeline mistake known to humanity), our team at Precious Pics Pro would love to help you document your day beautifully—without adding stress. Reach out through preciouspicspro.com and tell us what you’re planning.

Other internal link opportunities we’d suggest adding next: Dc Wedding Photography, Wedding Videography Cost, Engagement Photo Outfit Guide, Wedding Day Timeline With First Look, Rain Plan Wedding Photography.