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Event Planner v. Coordinator v. Designer

  • Writer: Juyné Clements, IEWP
    Juyné Clements, IEWP
  • Aug 7, 2020
  • 3 min read

The event/ wedding service is a billion-dollar industry. Within this industry there are terms that are used interchangeably but, have very different meanings. Let me discuss the industries three most misused terms: Planner, Coordinator and Designer.


Planner

When you look at pictures of a well-executed event, it may give the impression that this profession is nothing more than creating fabulous parties and events. Let me be the first to say that event planning is much, much more than that. Professional planners are well organized, detailed-oriented, and self-motivated. A professional event planner will be able to create an event that conveys the concept or theme you want to portray. Planners are involved fully or partially, throughout the entire planning process and will be your strongest advocate in executing your vision, while keeping the process moving forward in a timely and organized manner.


A Professional Planner will keep track of your budget, deadlines, vendor contracts, mediate conflicts when they arise, solve problems if any arise and will assists you with anything that pertains to your event.


Additionally, event planners must keep in mind is the guest experience when executing the event. The event can be designed and decorated with all the bells and whistles, but if the guests have a bad time…ahhhhhh well, let’s just say you won’t get many referrals!


Coordinator

Unlike a planner, event coordinators are hired later in the planning process and are not involved in the overall designing of an event. Instead, coordinators are hired to oversee event scheduling and management. Coordinators are logical thinkers and their time with you will be shorter. Coordinators will make final contact with vendors and create a detailed final deadline, make sure vendors are paid (if you want), coordinate gift registries and guest attendance(RSVP's). They will be your person of contact leading up to the event. The value of having an event coordinator is to ensure everything is on schedule, and to make sure everything is running smoothly. Usually this person will be there the day of the event to tend to detail, resolve issues that may arise and take control so you can enjoy your time with your guests.


That is not to say coordinators cannot be creative! They are typically hired after most of the designing has been done. Coordinator's, are often times hired to acquire the remaining vendors for the event you are hosting. It is the job of the coordinator to ensure the visual aspect of the event is appealing. They will direct and manage all volunteers as well as schedule staff for set-up and take-down. During the event itself, the coordinator will still be dutifully overseeing all event logistics. After all, coordinators are expected to manage a seamless event(s)!


Designer

An event designer is often referred to as an event stylist and is the visionary behind the final look for the overall theme of the event. The main job of an event designer is to create or design a look for the event. Then transform that design into the executed final vision that ties all the ideas together. The design process will include creating an event floor plan, lighting, furniture, color scheme, table setting, floral and event attire if needed.


So, when you are interviewing event professionals, keep in mind that planners, coordinators, and designers have very different set of skills, they will overlap in some areas, but there is a distinction between the work performed.


There are full-service event professionals however, not every event professional will be all inclusive. Be sure to ask and not assume that a planner/ coordinator will be a designer as well. Also, be prepared to pay a little extra for the planner that can also offer event designing.

 
 
 

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