Wedding Planner vs Designer vs Coordinator: Who Does What?

When planning a wedding—especially a luxury wedding in Toronto—understanding the roles of your vendors is essential. Many couples start their journey unsure of whether they need a wedding planner, designer, or coordinator—or all three.

This guide will clarify the difference between a wedding planner and coordinator, what a wedding designer actually does, and how these roles work together to deliver an effortless and unforgettable celebration.

Whether you're asking yourself “do I need a wedding designer?” or trying to assemble your full Toronto wedding team, here’s what you need to know.

What Does a Wedding Planner Do?

A wedding planner is your logistics lead. From the moment you set a date, they guide you through vendor selection, timelines, and budget management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Booking and managing your venue and vendors

• Creating your wedding day timeline

• Managing guest logistics, seating charts, and RSVPs

• Budget oversight and scheduling

💡 In Toronto, top wedding planners often work alongside luxury designers to build a seamless experience from concept to celebration.

Why Hire a Wedding Designer?

A wedding designer focuses exclusively on the visual and emotional experience of your wedding day. They bring your vision to life through colors, florals, layouts, and aesthetics.

At Ethereal Creators, we specialize in custom wedding design in Toronto—from suspended floral ceilings to sculptural installations and curated color stories.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developing your design concept and color palette

• Styling floral arrangements, candle groupings, table layouts

• Creating mood boards and full design decks

• Managing décor vendors and rentals

• Overseeing on-site setup to ensure design cohesion

💡 If you're dreaming of a wedding that feels like a cinematic experience—not just a pretty room—a designer is essential.

A wedding coordinator typically steps in closer to the date. Their role is to execute your planner’s or designer’s vision on the day of the event.

Wedding Coordinator Duties:

• Creating the final day-of timeline

• Confirming vendor arrival times

• Managing the ceremony and reception flow

• Troubleshooting on-site issues

💡 Some planners include coordination in their package, but many couples hire coordinators separately—especially for complex, multi-day weddings.

Do You Need All Three for a Luxury Wedding in Toronto?

If you're planning a high-touch wedding at venues like Casa Loma, Aga Khan Museum, or the Globe and Mail Centre, the answer is often: yes.

Example Scenario:

• Planner: Books the venue and builds your timeline

• Designer (Ethereal Creators): Creates a breathtaking floral canopy and curated lounge area

• Coordinator: Manages the ceremony flow and ensures everything happens on time

💡 At Ethereal Creators, we collaborate with your planner and coordinator to ensure that every visual element is aligned, elevated, and executed to perfection.

FAQ: Wedding Planning Roles Explained

Q: What’s the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding designer?
A: A wedding planner handles logistics and vendor management, while a designer focuses on visual elements like florals, layout, and decor. For luxury weddings, both roles are essential.

Q: Do I need a wedding coordinator if I have a planner?
A: Not always. Some planners provide day-of coordination, but if they don’t, hiring a coordinator ensures smooth execution.

Q: What does a wedding designer do that a planner doesn’t?
A: Designers bring the aesthetic vision to life—working with color palettes, textures, rentals, and florals to create a cohesive, immersive space.

Final Thoughts: The Power of a Complete Wedding Team

Think of your wedding as a production: the planner is the producer, the coordinator is the stage manager, and the designer is the art director.

At Ethereal Creators, we bring your wedding vision to life with immersive, intentional, luxury design that transforms any space—whether it’s a historic venue like Casa Loma or a modern blank canvas like Globe and Mail Centre.

Ready to collaborate with your full Toronto wedding team and create a truly unforgettable experience?

Let’s design something extraordinary—together.

After finalizing who you want on your wedding team—a planner, designer, or coordinator—the next big question is: should you have an indoor or outdoor wedding?

✨ Read our next blog: Indoor vs. Outdoor Weddings – Pros, Cons & Design Tips