I am a Pennsylvania born girl living in North Carolina and loving all things Southern. I am so close to using y'all on a daily basis. I have been planning events for 10 years and fell head over heels in love with Weddings 5 years ago. I love all things fashion, colorful, design, and of course weddings!

Planning your Wedding: Which Coordinator is Right for You?

November 14

When it comes time to plan your wedding, you will find that there are so many decisions to make. One of the biggest things to keep in mind in those preliminary planning stages is what, and who you need to help you throughout the process.

F8 Photo Studios

Day-Of Coordinator:

A day-of coordinator works for you. This is a great  option for the go-get er’ brides that want to plan their whole wedding, but be able to relax the day-of by handing over the reins to a experienced professional who can ensure everything happens according to plan.

Although a day-of coordinator helps less with the details in the planning stage, they will make sure that all of the details come to fruition in the execution stage. They will give you a personalized timeline for the day to make sure things go smoothly, and they will also be the point-of-contact for the vendors should anything go wrong. A dedicated day-of coordinator will be there long before the event to make sure that everything is getting set up on schedule. At the end of the event, the day-of coordinator will help pack up and make sure that all personal items have been collected.   

Kevin Milz Photography and Whitebox Weddings

Wedding Planner:

A wedding planner also works for you. The difference between a day-of coordinator and a planner is that a planner will help you with every aspect of the wedding. They will help you pick out a venue and suggest vendors based on your budget and your vision.

Planners have one thing that most brides-to-be don’t. Wedding experience! Planners know the potential pitfalls of a wedding from start-to-finish. They will help you avoid them and steer you in a direction that can get you your dream wedding while staying on budget. This personalized one-on-one service means that if there is a question, or a problem arises, your planner can help. From start-to-finish, your planner will help with everything to make sure that your day is perfect.

Jagg Photography 

Venue Coordinator:

A venue coordinator works for the venue that you book. Their job consists of a variety of things including; selling the venue, giving a tour to potential clients and working on the details for the food service  setup, and arranging the menu. One of the most important things they will do for you is to ensure that the venue staff stays is ready to go, that the food service is excellent and that they venue is doing it’s best for you!

Venue coordinators love when the couple has a good wedding planner in place because it allows them to focus on what they need to do, which is oversee the venue staff during the event. 

Story Photographers

Church Coordinator:

A church coordinator is someone whose job consists of making sure that nothing in the wedding ceremony conflicts with the church schedule or belief system. They will schedule and attend the rehearsal, and also orchestrate the ceremony. However, they will not help with the reception after the ceremony. 

Emily Alane Photography

Erin McLean Events offers a variety of options to help you with your special day. We offer full service planning that will assist you with hiring vendors, negotiating contracts; and will also help with the overall design theme of the event. Erin McLean Events also offers day-of coordination.

One very special service that Erin McLean Events offers is Event Design Services. Tune in next Wednesday to see how you can benefit from Event Design Services.

Bay 7 Wedding- Durham Wedding Planner

June 14

Caitlin and Chris were married in March at this stunning Bay 7 wedding! I loved working with Caitlin! Such classic and elegant taste! The couple is based in DC and will be moving to London soon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caitlin and Chris were married under the Lucky Strike Tower. So cool!

 

 

 

 

 

Caitlin wanted it to feel as if it was a dinner party at her home. Because of the large guest count we mixed the table shapes and sizes, hung chandeliers and had a lot of candle light!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris and Caitlin are big foodies. Chris loves Enteman’s donut holes and Caitlin loves the cheese plate after dinner (my kind of girl!) So we brought both out after dinner. As guests left the reception they were greeted by the Only Burger truck. Delish!

 

 

 

 

 

The newlywed’s went on stage at the end of the night while Chris sang “You Shook Me All Night Long.” It was fantastic!! What a great celebration of such a great couple!

 

Vendors:

Wedding Planning and Design: Erin McLean Events

Photography: Kevin Milz Photography

Flowers: Tre Bella

Caterer: Durham Catering

Band: The Dickens

Lighting: Get Lit

Cake: Ashley Cakes

Rentals: CE Rentals

Food Truck: Only Burger

Invitations: EmDotZee

Getting Ready Location: King’s Daughter’s Inn

 

So happy to know you both!! Cheers to a wonderful marriage!!

xoxo,

 

The Differences Between a Wedding Coordinator, a Wedding Planner, and an Event Designer

April 20

What’s the difference between a wedding coordinator, a wedding planner, and an event designer?

The terms “wedding coordinator”, “wedding planner” and “event designer” are often used interchangeably. However, there are distinct services offered by each. Allow us to simplify the process and explain the basic differences between wedding coordinators, wedding planners, and event designers.

Photo Courtesy of Sweet Life Photography

Wedding Coordinator

A wedding coordinator’s main responsibility is to be present the day of the event to make sure all the vendors are in place and that all the logistics run smoothly. Think of the coordinator like a back stage director, she’s there to make sure everything goes according to plan when it’s show time.

Many wedding coordinator services are referred to as “day of coordination”. However, coordination actually begins at least a month before your wedding day. Your wedding coordinator will meet with you to create a day-of timeline, confirm vendors, and go over details of how you want things set-up and orchestrated for your big day. When it comes to making sure everyone and everything is ready and in place on your wedding day, the wedding coordinator is on the job!

Photo Courtesy of Hadar Goren 

Wedding Planner

A wedding planner’s work begins months before your wedding day. She’s the one to contact once the ring is on your finger and you’re ready to make your dream wedding day a reality. Wedding planners are generally responsible for all the planning aspects and preparation for your wedding day. Tasks such as selecting and booking vendors and developing and sticking to a budget are all a part of the wedding planner’s job.  In addition, many wedding planners also act as wedding coordinators since they are highly involved with the planning process and understand your wants and needs for your big day.

Photo Courtesy of Nick Poronio

Event Designer

The event designer is responsible for understanding your wedding day vision and making it a reality. Event designers, like other professionals in the design field, create a “vision” for your wedding day. Much like an interior designer can take a client’s inspiration and create a whole room, an event designer can take your inspiration and create a whole event. Event designers work in close conjunction with floral designers, rental companies, and caterers to craft a truly custom event. In fact, many event designers also offer additional in house design services such as floral design or linen rentals.

While there are differences between the roles and responsibilities of wedding coordinators, wedding planners, and event designers, many wedding professionals offer a mix of these services if not all three. Just remember to ask your wedding consultant exactly which services she offers, don’t just assume.

Here at Erin McLean Events we offer all three services to our brides. Whether you’re looking for someone to coordinate logistics the day of, or you need someone who can transcribe your vision into a breath-taking reality we’re here to help. Give us a call today. We’d simply love to talk about your wedding day!