Wedding planner, stylist or coordinator: who does what?
One of the first questions couples ask when planning a wedding is: “What’s the difference between a wedding planner, stylist, and coordinator?”
It is easy to feel confused. These roles are often mentioned together, but they do very different jobs. Understanding the difference early can save you time, reduce stress, and help you choose the right level of support.
As a Sydney wedding planner, this is something I explain to couples every week.
When planning begins, especially after getting engaged, there is a lot of information coming at you quickly. Social media makes it look like one person does everything. In reality, each role focuses on a different part of your wedding, how everything looks, how it runs, and who manages the details behind the scenes.
Let’s break it down further between these 3 wedding roles.
What does a wedding planner do?
A wedding planner supports you through the entire planning process and manages how everything comes together.
This usually includes:
Creating a clear planning timeline
Guiding decisions and keeping priorities on track
Sourcing and coordinating vendors
Managing logistics for one or multiple events
Supporting guest experience, including accommodation and transport
Solving problems before they become stressful
Overseeing the flow of the wedding day
A wedding planner looks after the big picture, not just how your wedding looks, but how it feels and runs for you and your guests.
If you are short on time, feeling overwhelmed, or planning a multi-day or cultural wedding, full or partial wedding planning support can make a real difference.
What does a wedding stylist do?
A wedding stylist focuses on the visual design of your wedding.
Their role often includes:
Creating the overall look and feel
Designing styling concepts and mood boards
Selecting décor, florals, and furniture
Styling the ceremony and reception spaces
Setting up and styling on the day
Wedding stylists are experts in aesthetics. Their focus is how your wedding looks, not managing timelines, logistics, or vendors.
Wedding stylist vs wedding planner?
Some wedding stylists also offer planning services, but this is not always the case. Many couples assume these roles are the same, which can cause confusion later.
It is important to ask:
What is included in their service
Who is managing vendors and timelines
Who is responsible for logistics on the day
I am a wedding planner who can also style weddings. I regularly work alongside specialist wedding stylists, and this approach gives couples more flexibility and better outcomes. Because I am planner-led and vendor-neutral, I can collaborate with the right stylist for your wedding, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This creates a smoother planning experience.
What does a wedding coordinator do?
A wedding coordinator usually steps in closer to the wedding day.
Their role typically includes:
Reviewing plans already in place
Confirming details with vendors
Creating or refining the wedding run sheet
Managing the wedding day timeline
Being the main point of contact on the day
Wedding coordinators focus on delivering plans that are already organised. This works well for couples who have planned everything themselves and want someone to run the day smoothly.
Here are common assumptions that cause stress later
Many couples believe:
“I only need a wedding coordinator”
“My venue provides a coordinator, so I’m covered”
“If I book a wedding stylist, everything else will fall into place”
These assumptions often lead to gaps in planning, added stress, or family members stepping in to manage details. Knowing the difference early helps avoid this!
How to choose the right wedding support
Have an honest conversation between yourself and your partner:
How much time and energy do we realistically have?
Are we confident managing vendors and timelines?
Are we planning multiple events or cultural celebrations?
Do we want to relax and be present on the day?
There is no right or wrong choice. The right wedding support is the one that gives you confidence and peace of mind. If you are unsure, starting with a conversation can help you work out what level of support suits you best.
Understanding the difference between a wedding planner, stylist, and coordinator helps you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary stress.
Whether I am styling your wedding myself or working closely with a specialist stylist, my role as your Sydney wedding planner is to bring structure, clarity, and calm to your wedding planning journey.
Planning a wedding in Sydney and not sure where to start? Explore my wedding planning services or book a relaxed First Steps call to talk through your plans.