What a Wedding Planner Actually Does (and When You Need One)
What a Wedding Planner Actually Does (and When You Need One)
(From a Nashville Wedding Photographer)
When couples start planning a wedding, one of the most common questions I hear is:
“Do we actually need a wedding planner?”
As a Nashville wedding photographer, I’ve worked weddings with full-service planners, partial planners, month-of coordinators, and weddings with no planner at all. The difference a planner makes isn’t always obvious during planning — but it becomes very clear on the wedding day.
So let’s break it down: what a wedding planner actually does, what they don’t do, and how to know if hiring one is right for your wedding.
What a Wedding Planner Does Before the Wedding Day
A planner’s job starts long before your wedding day arrives.
Depending on the level of service, planners may help with:
Vendor recommendations and booking guidance
Creating and managing your wedding timeline
Floor plans and layout logistics
Communication between vendors
Budget guidance and prioritization
Managing contracts, deadlines, and details
This behind-the-scenes work is what allows wedding days to feel calm and organized rather than rushed or chaotic.
What a Wedding Planner Does On the Wedding Day
This is where planners truly shine.
On the wedding day, a planner:
Manages the timeline so events stay on track
Coordinates vendor arrivals, setup, and breakdown
Handles unexpected issues quietly and efficiently
Keeps family and wedding party informed and organized
Ensures the couple isn’t pulled in ten different directions
From a photography standpoint, planners make a huge difference. When someone else is managing logistics, couples are more present, relaxed, and able to enjoy the day — which shows in photos.
What a Wedding Planner Is Not Responsible For
This part often surprises couples.
A wedding planner:
Is not your photographer or videographer
Is not responsible for styling photos
Is not a DJ or MC
Is not a venue coordinator (unless specifically contracted)
Their role is coordination and oversight — not execution of other vendors’ jobs. Clear expectations are key.
The Different Types of Wedding Planners Explained
Not all planners offer the same level of service. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Full-Service Wedding Planner
Involved from the beginning
Helps with vendor selection, budgeting, and design
Manages logistics from start to finish
Best for: busy couples, destination weddings, or large/complex events.
Partial Wedding Planner
Joins partway through planning
Helps finalize details and timelines
Acts as a bridge between planning and execution
Best for: couples who started planning but want professional support.
Month-Of / Day-Of Coordinator
Steps in close to the wedding date
Focuses on execution, not planning
Runs the wedding day timeline
Best for: couples who planned everything themselves but want a smooth wedding day.
How a Planner Impacts Your Wedding Day Experience
From experience, weddings with planners tend to:
Run more smoothly
Stay closer to schedule
Feel less stressful for couples
Allow vendors to work more efficiently
When everyone knows who’s in charge of logistics, communication improves and the entire day feels more intentional.
When You Should Seriously Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner
You may want a planner if:
You’re hosting a large guest count
Your venue doesn’t include coordination
You’re planning a wedding from out of town
You don’t want to manage logistics on the wedding day
You want to be fully present and enjoy the experience
Planners aren’t just for “big” weddings — they’re for couples who want peace of mind.
From a Photographer’s Perspective
When couples ask me if hiring a planner is worth it, my honest answer is this:
A good planner doesn’t just organize your day — they protect it.
They create space for moments to happen naturally, keep stress off your shoulders, and allow vendors to do their best work. That combination almost always leads to a better experience — and better photos.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a wedding planner isn’t about luxury — it’s about support. Understanding what planners actually do helps couples make an informed decision that fits their needs, priorities, and wedding vision.
Whether you choose full-service planning or day-of coordination, having someone dedicated to managing the flow of your wedding day can make all the difference.