Do You Need a Wedding Planner or a Day-Of Coordinator?
Planning a wedding, especially a destination wedding in Costa Rica is a beautiful journey filled with excitement, creativity, and emotion. But it can also come with endless logistics, vendor decisions, and unexpected challenges. That’s why having the right type of professional support can make all the difference.
Many couples wonder: Should we hire a full wedding planner or just a day-of coordinator?
Here’s a breakdown of what each role truly means and how it impacts your experience:
The Day-Of Coordinator: A Great Option for Local Weddings
A day-of coordinator is ideal for couples who love the planning process and prefer to organize most details themselves, but need professional support on the wedding day.
They step in about 1 month before your wedding to:
Review your timeline and vendor list
Confirm all arrangements
Handle communication on the day of your wedding
Ensure the event runs smoothly from start to finish on your wedding day
They don’t typically assist with design, vendor booking, travel coordination, or budget planning but they ensure your plans are executed beautifully.
A day-of coordinator is like the conductor who makes sure the music plays in harmony but the composition is already written by you.
The Wedding Planner: Your Partner From Start to Finish
A wedding planner is your creative guide, logistic expert, and emotional support system all in one. From the moment you say “yes,” your planner walks beside you through every decision, helping you transform ideas into reality while keeping the process stress-free and enjoyable.
With a full-service wedding planner, you get:
Personalized guidance: Someone who listens to your vision and helps design your dream celebration.
Vendor management: They research, contact, and negotiate with trusted vendors who match your style and budget.
Budget + timeline control: Keep everything organized and on track so you don’t have to.
Creative direction: From color palettes to floral design, every aesthetic detail is curated to reflect your love story.
Day-of execution: When the big day arrives, they handle everything so you can be fully present, calm, and glowing.
Travel coordination: Especially for destination weddings, they manage guest logistics, transfers, and local experiences.
Think of your wedding planner as your companion through the entire process. Someone who knows what you want even before you ask.
In other words, we handle everything. From your first email to the last dance, we make sure your day feels effortless, elegant, and exactly how you envisioned it.
The True Benefit: Companionship, Calm, and Confidence
When you work with a full-service wedding planner, you’re not just hiring someone to organize logistics. You’re gaining a trusted partner, a problem-solver, and a friend who deeply cares about your love story.
We’re there for you through the emotional moments, the excitement, and even the small worries. We make sure every decision feels easy and every moment feels intentional.
So while both roles have their purpose, a planner’s companionship transforms the process from something overwhelming into something joyful, inspiring, and beautifully human.
Let’s talk about your vision and find the perfect way to bring your dream wedding in Costa Rica to life together. Explore my portfolio and let’s design a wedding that feels effortless, intimate and 100% you.
With love,
Jen

