WEDDING PLANNERS & DAY OF COORDINATORS

A professional day-of wedding coordinator or wedding planner can be an invaluable addition to your special day. While not required at our Minneapolis wedding venue, we highly recommend working with one of these experienced professionals to ensure your celebration unfolds exactly as you envision it.

The Luminare does offer a simple, in-house wedding coordination package, and will list details below. Many guests ask, what is the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator, so let us list that here:

Wedding Planners

A wedding coordinator typically provides comprehensive planning services throughout the entire wedding planning process, often starting 12-18 months before the wedding. Their services typically include:

• Initial consultation and vision planning

• Budget development and management

• Venue selection and contract negotiation

• Vendor research, recommendations, and coordination

• Design and decor planning

• Timeline creation and management

• Guest list management

• Wedding party coordination

• Full rehearsal direction

• Complete wedding day management

• Typically costs 15-25% of the total wedding budget

Day-of Coordinator

Despite the name, a day-of coordinator typically begins working with couples 4-8 weeks before the wedding, not just on the wedding day. Their services typically include:

• Review of existing vendor contracts and wedding plans

• Creation of detailed wedding day timeline

• Vendor confirmation and coordination for the wedding day

• Final venue walk-through

• Rehearsal direction

• Wedding day setup and breakdown coordination

• Timeline management on the wedding day

• Emergency situation handling

• Vendor payment distribution

• Personal item collection and organization

• Typically costs 2-5% of the total wedding budget

The main difference is scope and timing: A wedding coordinator is involved in the entire planning process and helps make major decisions, while a day-of coordinator executes your existing plans and manages logistics in the weeks leading up to and during the wedding day.

Think of it this way: A wedding coordinator helps you plan the entire journey, while a day-of coordinator makes sure you reach your destination smoothly.

Finding Your Perfect Match

We encourage you to connect with several coordinators to find the one who best suits your needs and personality. Many of our recommended professionals are already familiar with our venue's layout and requirements, which can streamline your planning process. We do offer a basic day of coordination package for those guests looking for a little extra help, but do not require creative and event design planning.