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Writer's pictureKimberly Jacoby

The Difference Between a Resort Wedding Coordinator & a Wedding Planner for Planning your destination wedding


Image of a laptop, wedding planning to-do list, calendar, and cell phone on a desk, symbolizing organized wedding preparation tasks.
Equip yourself for the ultimate destination wedding with the perfect blend of organization and expert support—your dream day awaits!

Planning a destination wedding? Let’s dive deeper into the differences an distinct roles of a resort wedding coordinator and a wedding planner and help you make the best choice for your big day.


Every all-inclusive resort features a dedicated wedding department, typically made up of a team of 2 to 5 people, depending on how many weddings they manage. These resorts usually offer either a wedding coordinator or a planner, but usually not both. As the couple, it's your responsibility to find out whether the resort is providing just coordination or full planning services. If coordination is all that's available, you may want to consider hiring an external planner to ensure your big day goes seamlessly. Let's explore the differences between these roles.


THE RESORT WEDDING COORDINATOR - These friendly professionals are your on-site guides, ensuring the resort sticks to its promises. Their primary focus includes reserving your wedding date, introducing you to the resort's preferred vendors like their DJ, Photographer, Floral, and Decor companies, and making sure everything fits within the resort’s offerings. They are there to ensure that the terms of your wedding contract are fulfilled, and to ensure every item on your final wedding manifest is accounted for and paid. Here's an important detail to note — most resort wedding coordinators will not typically reach out to you until about 1 to 4 months before your wedding. This timeline can sometimes leave couples feeling a bit rushed as the big day approaches. Furthermore, since they might be juggling multiple weddings on the same day, there's a chance they may not be with you every step of the way, leaving you to ensure all the finer details are covered. This can pose a challenge, so it's crucial for you to stay proactive and consider bringing in additional support if needed to make sure your special day unfolds just as you've envisioned.


THE RESORT WEDDING PLANNER - Your personal wedding superhero. Unlike a resort coordinator, a wedding planner is dedicated solely to you and your vision. These planners are much more than just coordinators; they’re your partners in crime, taking care of everything from budgeting and crafting detailed timelines to wrangling vendors and handling last-minute crises. They work closely with you to ensure every detail is just right, giving you the peace of mind to simply enjoy your wedding day.


A wedding planner's role extends beyond logistics. They're like the ultimate problem solvers, anticipating issues before they arise and keeping everything on track. They know how to turn your Pinterest boards into reality, tailoring each element to reflect your personality and style. Plus, they’re your confidant throughout the journey, providing emotional support and expert advice to keep those pre-wedding jitters at bay.


It's important to note that most resorts will have a wedding coordinator, not a wedding planner, to assist the wedding couple. The distinction is crucial as it can significantly impact the planning process and the day itself.


If you're looking for a seamless, stress-free wedding experience and happen to need a planner, Romantics Travel has got you covered. We do have a dedicated wedding planner on our team who will be there with you from "I will" to "I do." Our planner will be with you onsite to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch, so you can enjoy the most memorable day of your lives.


Ready to plan the wedding of your dreams? Contact us today or visit www.romanticstravel.com/destination-weddings for more information. Let’s make your dream destination wedding a reality!

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