Do You Need a Wedding Planner? A Photographer’s Take on Why They’re Worth It

When you start planning your big day, one of the first questions you might ask is: do you need a wedding planner? Many couples wonder if hiring wedding planners is worth the investment or if they can handle the wedding planning process themselves. While every couple’s needs are different, experienced photographers, real brides, and professional wedding planners all agree—a great planner can transform your wedding from stressful to seamless. So, let’s break it all down—do you need a wedding planner, what do planners actually do, and why are they worth every penny?

What’s the Difference Between a Wedding Planner/Wedding Coordinator and a Venue Coordinator?

Featuring insights from Haley Nyal Events, Savvy Weddings California, and AB Event Co.

First, not all wedding planners offer the same level of service. That’s why it’s important to understand the difference between a full-service wedding planner and a wedding coordinator:

• Haley Nyal, Wedding Planner: “A wedding planner is with you from the very beginning. We help with your wedding vision, budgeting, vendor selection, and timelines. A day of wedding coordinator, on the other hand, steps in closer to the wedding day to ensure everything runs smoothly.”
• Savvy Weddings California: “A wedding planner is involved throughout the pre-wedding process as well as the wedding day itself and helps to plan all aspects or at least some aspects of the wedding. A wedding coordinator by contrast does not come on board until closer to the wedding date, generally about a month beforehand and helps to coordinate the wedding day itself.”
• AB Event Co.: “Many wedding planners offer both partial planning and full-service options, depending on how much help you need.”

Next, the biggest difference you need to understand is the difference between your wedding planner/coordinator and your venue coordinator. This difference is often misunderstood and couple’s think having a venue coordinator is enough for their day…

• Haley Nyal, Wedding Planner: “A venue coordinator works for the venue and ensures everything on their property runs according to their standards and policies. They focus on venue-specific details such as access times, catering setups + logistics if in-house, and compliance with contracts. While they’re an integral part of your day, their priorities lie with the venue, not necessarily the overall wedding or clients vision and/or expectations. A wedding coordinator, by contrast, is hired by the couple and takes on a broader role. They focus on all aspects of the wedding, including vendor communication, timeline management, and guest experience—extending well beyond just the venue.”
• Savvy Weddings California: “I always tell people that the venue coordinator has the venue’s benefit in mind, while a wedding coordinator has the couple’s benefit in mind.”
• AB Event Co.: “The venue coordinator is responsible for ensuring that the items and services the venue is contracted to provide are there. A hired wedding coordinator has your best interest in mind as you are their client.”

So, what does this mean for you? If you want someone by your side throughout the entire wedding planning process, guiding you every step of the way, you’ll want a full-service planner. But if you just need someone to execute all the plans you’ve already made, a day-of coordinator can help ensure everything flows smoothly. Either way, having an expert on board makes a world of difference. So, do you need a wedding planner? If you want a stress-free experience, the answer is yes. Also, we love our venue coordinators, and they are a vital team member in the day. But a wedding planner/coordinator is a must have!

Why Wedding Photographers Recommend Hiring a Planner

Featuring insights from Katelyn Bradley Photography, Soul like the Sun Photography and Rachel C. Photos

Photographers see it all—weddings with planners, weddings without planners, and everything in between. And trust us, the difference is massive.

• Katelyn Bradley Photography: “When a couple hires a wedding planner, everything runs more smoothly. Without one, I often have to step into roles outside of photography, like keeping the wedding party on schedule or answering vendor questions. This means fewer candid and editorial shots.”
• Soul like the Sun Photography: “When you’re shooting a wedding you’re thinking about a million things — is the lighting right, does the couple feel comfortable, which camera/lens to use in specific situations, etc. If I have to take on the roll of a coordinator, your gallery will be affected. It’s a harsh reality but it is a reality that needs to be brought to life.”
• Rachel C. Photos: “A wedding with a full-service planner allows me to focus entirely on capturing the couple’s story rather than managing logistics.”

The truth is, when photographers have to double as unofficial coordinators, something gets lost—whether it’s time for creative shots or capturing spontaneous moments. A planner makes sure every detail is handled so vendors (and you) can focus on what matters most. So, do you need a wedding planner if you want the best photos possible? Absolutely.

What Real Brides Say About Hiring a Wedding Planner

Featuring insights from Willow and Taylor, real brides who hired planners.

Still not sure if hiring a planner is right for you? Here’s what real brides had to say:

• Willow’s Experience: “I thought I could plan everything myself, but my wedding planner saved me in ways I didn’t even anticipate. It’s priceless! My husband wasn’t convinced at first, but at the end of the night, he hugged our planner and said, ‘We couldn’t have done this without you.”
• Taylor’s Experience: “We had a short timeline, and I was overwhelmed. Hiring a wedding planner took away so much stress. I was able to enjoy my wedding day instead of worrying about last-minute details. What I tell people was the most valuable thing was the day of magic, I got to be as present as possible.”

From creating a seamless schedule to handling last-minute issues, wedding planners make sure you get to fully experience your day. So, if you’re asking yourself, do you need a wedding planner, take it from past brides—yes, and it’s worth every penny.

Three Reasons You Should Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner

1. Your Planner Keeps Everything on Schedule

Featuring insights from AB Event Co.

A well-planned wedding day timeline is key to making sure everything runs smoothly. But that’s not all they do! AB Event Co. explains: “Wedding planners wear MANY different hats (creative director, logistics, therapist, mediator, communications, body guard, etc). On the wedding day, I’m there to ensure that you get to have the best day possible. I’m coordinating with vendors and fielding their questions so you don’t have to. My team & I are setting up all of your personal decor so no one from your inner circle has to work on your special day. I’m there to lend a listening ear if there’s something that’s bothering you that needs to be remedied. I’m there to step in and provide a distraction if family drama gets too overwhelming. I’m also there with my giant emergency kit to provide you with anything you might need on wedding day. (Got blisters? Here’s a band-aid. Seam ripped? Let’s stitch it. Stained your dress? Here’s stain remover. Need deodorant? Got that too!). We handle all the chaos that inevitably happens on a wedding day so that you don’t have to worry about it!”

Without one, photographers, family members, or even the couple end up scrambling to handle logistics. Imagine trying to enjoy your first dance while someone is asking where the cake should go. A planner eliminates those headaches. Do you need a wedding planner to avoid chaos? If you want a relaxed day, the answer is yes.

2. You Get to Actually Enjoy Your Wedding Day

Featuring insights from Savvy Weddings CA, Haley Nyal Events & Katelyn Bradley Photography

• Savvy Weddings CA: “Being able to assist our couple’s in being fully present in their days, putting their trust in our team and ultimately saying “you made our dream day happen” is the best feeling in the world.”
• Haley Nyal Events: “On the wedding day, the wedding planner becomes the conductor of the orchestra. Our role is to ensure that every element of their carefully planned day comes together seamlessly. We make the complex, manageable and the ordinary, extraordinary.”
• Katelyn Bradley Photography: “This actually comes from my own personal experience – I was the type A bride who sat in my hair and makeup chair with my wedding planning binder in my lap the entire time. By the time we had our first look, I fully let go and trust my wedding planner (Haley Nyal Events) and was able to be fully present throughout my day. Without her, I couldn’t have had those moments that I had always dreamed about and let the wedding vendor side of me go.”
• Planners handle wedding details, family drama, and any last-minute surprises behind the scenes, ensuring a smooth and relaxed day.

 3. You’ll Have More Time for Photos and Guests

Featuring insights from Katelyn Bradley Photography

• A planner ensures you have enough time for wedding portraits, wedding party photos, and family photos before the ceremony.
• Katelyn Bradley Photography: “When a planner is involved, my couples get more time for romantic and editorial shots because the timeline is actually followed.”

And more time for photos means more memories captured. You don’t want to rush through your wedding day—you want to enjoy every second of it. Do you need a wedding planner to make sure you get the best photos? If photos are a priority, the answer is yes.

Recommended Wedding Planners Who Will Make Your Life Easier

Looking for a planner who can bring your vision to life? Here are some incredible wedding planners that photographers and past brides highly recommend:

• Haley Nyal Events – Enhancing Natural Beauty with Modern Elegance.
• Savvy Weddings California – for Your One-of-a-Kind Love Story.
• AB Event Co. – You deserve the Best Damn Day ever.

Ask me for my Preferred Vendors list for even more amazing Wedding Planner recommendations!

Final Thoughts: Do You Need a Wedding Planner?

The answer is almost always yes. Whether you’re planning a local or destination wedding, a wedding planner will help bring your vision to life while making sure you can actually enjoy the day. If you’re still wondering, do you need a wedding planner, the real question might be: can you afford not to have one?

If you’re looking for a photographer who can work seamlessly with your planner and capture every moment, let’s chat! Learn more about wedding photography services or reach out here.