Do i still need a planner and decorator?

Most people who are not celebrities don’t use planners as they book vendors themselves. However what people don’t understand is that a coordinator provided by the venue is not the same as a month/day of coordinator. A coordinator through the venue only work for the venue, not you, so they focus only on whether doors are open/locked, vendors are in or out on time, policies are adhered to. They don’t decorate for you nor do they step in as needed to run interference behind the scenes if another vendor is stuck in traffic or doesn’t show up. Your guests are unable to do this as well. Some coordinators only offer full planning services and choose your vendors, and charge premium pricing.


A day of coordinator at minimum is a must so the day will run smoothly. Couples who had them said they were a godsend and those who didn’t say they wish they had one, but you never hear anyone who did hire one say they were a waste of money. You can find them in your area on Instagram.

Hi Chloe! It sounds like you've got a lot covered so far!!

I agree with Michelle - day of coordinators are a huge help!! If your venue has a dedicated venue coordinator who's really helpful then you could skip on hiring a separate DOC, but if they don't have an active venue coordinator then I'd definitely suggest hiring a day of coordinator!

Here's a helpful guide that breaks down different levels of wedding planning support:

The 7 Different Types of Wedding Planners and What They Do

I would still hire a DOC if I were you. It'll help you and your loved ones actually be guests at your own wedding!

Make sure you've got someone on your vendor list who will set tables for you (set up centerpieces, place linens, lay out place settings, set place cards if needed, all that good stuff) so you aren't worrying if Aunt Jen remembered to get the right box of votives or something. It definitely doesn't sound like you need a full planner or a decorator, but one extra head whose job it is to wrangle all the other vendors will be so beneficial.

I booked everything myself but did hire a day of coordinator that was on the cheaper side price wise ( I have talked to her though and she’s LOVELY). That way day of I won’t have to worry about anything. She’ll be in charge for decorations as I’ll be getting ready, telling guests and vendors where to go etc. I won’t really have to think about much at all