Picture this: You’re standing under the golden light of a Provençal sunset, holding hands with the love of your life, ready to say je t’aime forever. The string quartet is playing softly, the champagne is perfectly chilled, and every little detail—from the flower arrangements to the timing of the first dance—is effortlessly perfect.
Now, let’s be real. This level of perfection doesn’t just happen on its own. Someone has to make sure the florist doesn’t mix up your bouquet, the caterers don’t serve foie gras to your vegetarian guests, and that your great-aunt doesn’t wander off into the vineyards of Bordeaux after one too many glasses of wine.
That someone is either a wedding coordinator or a full-service wedding planner—but which one do you actually need? And how much will it cost you? Grab a glass of French rosé and let’s break it down. 🍷
What’s the Difference Between a Wedding Planner and a Coordinator?
If wedding planning were a movie, a wedding planner would be the director—choosing the cast (vendors), setting the scene (venue & decor), and making sure everything runs smoothly from the first draft to the grand finale.
A wedding coordinator, on the other hand, is like the stage manager—making sure everything happens on cue, stepping in last-minute to bring all your hard work to life.
Still unsure? Let’s go deeper.
The Wedding Coordinator: Your Day-of Lifesaver
A wedding coordinator is your behind-the-scenes hero, stepping in about a month before your wedding to fine-tune all the details and ensure everything goes according to plan.
What They Do:
✅ Finalize vendor contracts and confirm logistics
✅ Create and manage a wedding-day timeline
✅ Oversee your ceremony and reception setup
✅ Handle last-minute hiccups (Forgot the rings? Rain on your garden wedding? They’ve got it covered!)
✅ Keep everything running on schedule
Best For:
✔ Couples who have already planned their wedding but need someone to execute their vision
✔ Destination weddings where vendors need a local point of contact
✔ Smaller weddings where full-service planning isn’t necessary
Where It Works Best in France:
If you’re hosting an intimate wedding at a château in Bordeaux (Explore Bordeaux), an elegant seaside ceremony in Nice (Visit Nice), or a romantic gathering in Provence (Provence Wedding Guide), a wedding coordinator ensures everything runs like clockwork.
💰 Cost: €1,500–€4,000
The Full-Service Wedding Planner: Your Fairy Godmother
Imagine someone taking your vision, refining it into perfection, and handling every single detail while you just sit back, sip champagne, and enjoy the ride. That’s a full-service wedding planner.
What They Do:
✅ Help you find and book your dream venue
✅ Source and manage vendors (florists, caterers, photographers, entertainment—you name it)
✅ Design and style your wedding (from color palettes to tablescapes)
✅ Oversee contracts, negotiations, and logistics
✅ Plan guest experiences, including welcome dinners and excursions
✅ Coordinate everything on the day-of
Best For:
✔ Busy couples who don’t have time to plan
✔ Destination weddings with complex logistics
✔ Couples who want a luxurious, stress-free experience
Where It Works Best in France:
A full-service planner is ideal for glamorous chateau weddings in the Loire Valley (Château Wedding Venues), extravagant affairs in Cannes (Cannes Wedding Guide), or stylish Parisian soirées at an elegant Haussmannian mansion (Paris Tourism).
💰 Cost: €5,000–€15,000+
Which One Should You Choose?
💡 Go for a Wedding Coordinator if:
✔ You’ve already planned everything and just need someone to manage the day
✔ You love DIY-ing but want a professional to handle logistics
✔ You’re having a more intimate wedding
💡 Go for a Full-Service Wedding Planner if:
✔ You want a stress-free, curated experience
✔ You’re planning your wedding from abroad and need local expertise
✔ You want someone to handle every detail so you can just enjoy
How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost in France?
- Wedding Coordinator: €1,500–€4,000
- Full-Service Wedding Planner: €5,000–€15,000+
💰 Pro Tip: While a full-service planner is a bigger investment, they often negotiate exclusive vendor discounts that can save you thousands. So, in the end, it might just be worth it!
Common Questions Couples Ask (FAQ)
💬 “Do I really need a wedding planner?”
If you’re having a simple elopement in Paris with just the two of you, probably not. But if you’re planning a full wedding with 50+ guests, vendors, and logistics—absolutely!
💬 “Can’t my venue coordinator do this?”
Nope! Venue coordinators work for the venue—they ensure their space runs smoothly. A wedding planner or coordinator, on the other hand, works for you—handling everything from vendor arrivals to guest management.
💬 “What if I’m on a budget?”
Consider hiring a partial planner—they help with the bigger picture but don’t charge as much as full-service planning. Or, get a wedding coordinator to ensure your day goes smoothly!
Final Thoughts: Do You Really Need a Planner?
Think of it this way: If your wedding is a Michelin-star meal, a coordinator is the chef who plates and presents it perfectly. A planner? They’re the ones crafting the menu, sourcing the best ingredients, and making sure every bite is unforgettable.
Either way, having a pro by your side lets you focus on what really matters—celebrating your love in the most beautiful country in the world. 🇫🇷✨
And speaking of capturing all that magic…
Your Wedding Deserves the Best Photos, Too!
After all this planning, your love story deserves to be captured beautifully. That’s where I come in! As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing raw emotions, breathtaking locations, and every little je ne sais quoi that makes your day uniquely yours.
📸 See real wedding stories: Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 Check out my photography packages: Investment
📩 Let’s talk about your dream wedding: Contact Me
Whether it’s a sunset ceremony on the French Riviera or an intimate château wedding in Bordeaux, I’ll be there to make sure your memories last forever. Let’s make magic together! ✨
