Let's cut to the chase here...if you're a DIY bride looking to save, hiring a month of coordinator will be your best bet. MOC are there to tie up those loose ends of your planning and ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly. If you need more assistance and need help with decision making, then hiring a wedding planner is the way to go. A wedding planner is there from start to finish and is more hands on with your planning. Now that you know what the difference is, you might be telling yourself, "Well, it sounds like I can do it myself. I'll just ask my friend to help me."
Repeatedly, I have witnessed brides confidently declaring, "I'm handling everything myself with the help of my trusty binder." "My mom is overseeing all the preparations" or "my best friend is acting as our coordinator while also being a guest at the wedding." When couples choose to have a friend or family member handle their wedding day details, they often overlook the fact that they are actually adding more stress to their plate. Your mom or best friend might have to handle unexpected logistics. What are those, you might ask? Well, let's consider them... Where did the groom misplace his tie? How can we address the wet lawn situation? There's traffic causing delays for your guests - what's the best course of action now? Unexpected circumstances happen, and when you are not anticipating them, they can cause stress. It is not a burden you nor a loved one should have to "deal" with. Let's be honest. Your mom or your friend should be enjoying every moment with you! It is a wedding planners/coordinators job to ensure that your vision comes to life and ensure that your wedding day runs as smoothly as possible without you lifting a finger.
So, do you need a wedding planner/coordinator? No. But, should you have one, though? Absolutely! Why? Because wedding details are not superficial. The more you start planning, the more you will get in the weeds. A professional wedding planner will navigate all the logistics with you so that you don't feel stressed. When your wedding day arrives, you can trust that your wedding planner is handling every moving aspect and all you have to do is live in the moment.