So, you’ve decided to hire a wedding coordinator—great choice! That’s one major stressor off your plate. But now comes the next big question: Which coordination package should you get?
Let’s be real—many couples base this decision on budget. And that’s totally understandable! Weddings are expensive, and you want to make the most out of every peso. But before you lock in that On-the-Day (OTD) Coordination package just because it’s the most affordable, ask yourself this first:
How much time do you actually have to be hands-on with planning?
How familiar are you with the ins and outs of event coordination?
How organized are you when it comes to tracking suppliers, contracts, and expenses?
Don't get me wrong, OTD coordination isn’t a bad choice at all! It’s ideal for couples who have the time, knowledge, and organization skills to handle most of the planning themselves. The key is knowing what works best for you because while OTD coordination can save you money, it might cost you more in time, effort, and—let’s be honest—sanity, especially if you’re not fully prepared for what needs to be done. We’ve seen couples regret choosing OTD after underestimating the workload, only to end up spending more—whether from booking supplier packages that didn’t align with their actual needs, making last-minute fixes, or taking frequent trips back and forth. In fact, many couples realize too late that they could have saved more by upgrading to Semi or Full Coordination from the start.
So before making a decision, let's break down what each package really offers.
On-the-Day Coordination (OTD): “I Got This… I Think?”
This is for couples who want to do all the planning themselves and just need someone to execute everything smoothly on the big day.
🚨 BUT HERE’S THE CATCH:
If you’re booking OTD, book early! Some coordinators (like us 😉) offer initial consultations to at least guide you on what you should be doing—even if we’re not involved until the final stretch.
You must be organized. Can you juggle emails, track payments, and handle supplier coordination while managing your own work and personal life?
Think about hidden costs. If you’re not from the location of your wedding and you keep traveling for meetings, those trips add up.
If you’re set on OTD, make sure your chosen coordinator offers some level of pre-wedding guidance and that you really have the time to do all the necessary legwork. Otherwise, you’re on your own until the final weeks—and trust us, that’s a risky game to play if it's your first time planning a wedding.
Semi-Coordination: “Let’s Split the Work”
This is the middle ground between full and OTD coordination. You and your coordinator divide tasks—so you still have control over some aspects while getting professional help where you need it.
✅ Best for couples who:
Want regular consultations but still want to handle some planning themselves
Are okay with managing their own suppliers but need help tying everything together
Are hands-on but need a safety net to catch anything they might miss
🔍 Key Reminder: Be very clear about who handles what. A good contract will outline which tasks are yours and which are your coordinator’s. If any issues arise with a supplier you personally booked, your coordinator will do their best to assist, but take note that the responsibility for handling it ultimately rests with you.
Full Coordination: “We've Got This”
This is the dream package (although pricier) for couples who want a smooth, well-planned wedding with minimal stress. It’s perfect for those who, of course, still want to be involved in the planning but are tied up with work or other commitments and need someone to carry more of the weight. Your coordinator handles (almost) everything—from sourcing suppliers and tracking the budget to managing timelines—so all you have to do is make decisions and enjoy the process.
🙌 Why it’s worth it:
You get expert guidance and unlimited consultation from start to finish
Less stress, fewer surprises, and more time to enjoy being engaged
Everything is presented to you neatly by just one person or team, so no messy back-and-forth with multiple suppliers
🚨 But Let’s Be Real: In any package, even with Full Coordination, there are things only you can do — like securing legal papers, attending pre-marriage seminars, and signing contracts. If you expect a completely hands-free experience, you might want to ask yourself: Why don’t I want to be involved at all? (Kind of a red flag if you’re prepping for a lifetime commitment, don't you think? 😅)
Final Thoughts: Your Coordinator is Your Ally
Planning a wedding isn’t just about the big day—it’s a test of your relationship. How you decide, how you compromise, how you acknowledge each other’s preferences—all of this plays a role in your journey to marriage.
Regardless of package, your coordinator isn’t just there to plan the event; we’re here to balance everything, remind you what’s next, and carry the bulk of the stress. However, we can’t do every single thing (even if we want to), and we certainly are bound by the coverage of the package you choose.
A gentle reminder to let those involved in the wedding preparations—perhaps immediate family or close friends—know what type of coordination package you’ve availed. We've seen situations where family and friends wonder why the couple is still handling so many things, assuming the coordinator is responsible for everything. Unfortunately, it's not always easy for us to clarify from our end that the package is Semi or OTD, so a little transparency can help set expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
So, before choosing your coordination package, think beyond the price tag. Consider your time, energy, and the kind of experience you want leading up to your wedding day. Because when it comes down to it, a well-planned wedding is a more enjoyable wedding—and you deserve that. ❤️
Comments