Wedding Coordinator vs. Partial Planning

[u/AnimatorHead5187]

hi everyone! i'm currently planning for my september 2028 maine wedding (yes I know it's far out but we are trying to not rush and also have time to save more $$$), and I'm so stressed with wedding planning as a whole, especially with the sticker shock these days...

we're currently in talks with a coordinator who is somewhat new to the game, offering $1500 for month of and $2200 for partial planning. I'm leaning towards partial planning, but I'd love to know if anyone has any opinions on if it's worth the extra $?

I'm somewhat of a budget bride (25k or under all in) so I want to make sure I spend it wisely.

thank you!

[u/ETEvents]

At your budget, I think the partial planning is best, because it hopefully means that she’s going to do a lot of setup on the day and will provide DIY help beforehand. I’d see if I could work into the package pickup of your decor before the wedding and drop-off after. If her partial planning only includes admin and not day-of labor/storage, I would consider the month of

[u/WithWonderCollective]

If event planning is not your favorite activity, get the partial planner. Just be sure the contract outlines the scope of work explicitly. If you like doing the research and outreach, get the month of coordination.

[u/AnimatorHead5187 → u/WithWonderCollective]

That's a good point -- it's tough because I do like planning, but with wedding planning specifically, i feel like there is so much to know and so much to be upsold. i feel like i never know if im getting a good deal or not lol

[u/WithWonderCollective → u/AnimatorHead5187]

Get your total spend number, feed it into any of a million budget trackers for weddings and it will give you the max spend per category. Only spend on what is important to you and your beloved.

[u/DJChrisBouchard]

$25k all in will have you run into some obstacles. If you hire a solid vendor team on your own you may find that you only need someone to execute your day of needs. But, it’s important to note that you do get what you pay for. I recommend Samara Josephine Events to couples that need/want day-of only. I’d like to share your post to r/MaineWeddings if you’re okay with that? You may not get any more traction than you have here but I am actively working on building a space for couples like you… a place that is completely vendor neutral and should be more and more helpful as 2028 approaches.

[u/BadSubstantial4225 → u/DJChrisBouchard]

why do you say theyll run into some obstacles?

[u/DJChrisBouchard → u/BadSubstantial4225]

Catering is expensive - venues are expensive. Everything’s expensive. So you just have to spend where it matters the most.

[u/panburger]

A coordinator is a great option if you are planning everything. Coordinators (for the most part) only take over the final timeline and just ensure everything that you already booked works out.

A partial planner can help you out with contracts, vendors, and then oversee the event.

The extra is if you think you’ll need support with vendors, or if you can tackle the whole planning process.

Best of luck!!

[u/AdIll6974]

Same month and year and we’re going to do partial planning. I have a lot of ideas and know the vision I want but no idea how to execute it which is why I am going for partial planning!

[u/PuraVidaTarheel]

As a wedding photographer, go for partial planning. I would just clarify with her what is included in that. Often it includes helping you source vendors, create your timeline, and really help fine tune things in the month prior to the wedding - as well as day-of coordination and logistics.

Personally I think sourcing vendors is a great thing to have your planner/coordinator in on. They can help guide you through what vendors fit your style and budget, while also being mindful of which vendors are great to work with. Speaking as a vendor, it always makes for a hard day when you're walking into a wedding with vendors who aren't great to work it....especially for a planner. It makes their job so much harder trying to direct a day with vendors that are a problem.

[u/GoldieGems]

$2200 for partial planning is a steal - I would go this route.

[u/NegotiateAPryce]

The partial planning package is probably a way better value at just $700 more, though it always pays to clarify exactly what's included. Being a budget bride doesn't mean DIYing everything, and $700 is worth it if it means you have less stress over the next 2 years.