The Best South Coast Wedding Planners
Wedding Planner, Stylist, or On-the-Day Coordinator: What’s the Difference?
Maybe you’ve just gotten engaged (congrats!) and are starting to plan your wedding, but where on earth do you start searching for South Coast wedding planners? Getting the ball rolling on the wedding planning journey can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, can’t it? As you dive into the details, you might wonder: do I need a wedding planner, a stylist, or an on-the-day coordinator? Are these roles interchangeable, and what does it all actually mean?
So let’s unravel this mystery, because understanding who does what is the key to unlocking a seamless, stress-free wedding experience!
The Wedding Planner: Your Personal Wedding Guru
Picture this: a South Coast wedding planner is like your very own project manager. They’re the mastermind behind every little detail that happens before and during your celebration. Think of them as the ultimate organiser, handling everything from your venue, your celebrant, sorting transport, giving you photographer and videographer recommendations (like us, if you’re still looking!), and even organising hair, makeup, and the cake!
They’re basically your go-to for every logistical part of your wedding.
But it’s not all about spreadsheets and timelines—your wedding planner is also your personal assistant and emotional support. Whether you’re stressing over seating or navigating family dynamics, a fantastic planner is there to lend an ear and offer guidance. They’ll help you refine your vision, keep your spirits high, and ensure things get done and stay on track.
The Wedding Stylist: Visual Magic Makers
While the planner manages logistics, the wedding stylist takes your aesthetic dreams and transforms them into reality. Think of them as your creative visionaries, crafting the ambiance and style that will leave your guests in awe. Whether you’re dreaming of a boho-chic vibe adorned with hanging lanterns on the South Coast or an elegant black-tie affair in the Southern Highlands, your stylist will curate every visual detail to reflect your unique feel of your wedding day.
And let’s not forget the aesthetics of your wedding play a crucial role in the look and feel of your wedding film and photos. Your stylist may develop mood boards, design a comprehensive styling plan, and source the perfect décor—from flowers and candles to linens and signage. On the day of your wedding, they’ll be there, ensuring everything looks breathtakingly beautiful without you lifting a finger. It’s pure magic!
The On-the-Day Wedding Coordinator: Your Wedding Day Ninja
Not everyone knows about this role, but oh boy, is it a lifesaver! A wedding coordinator swoops in around a month before your wedding and helps you pull it all together. You’ve already booked your vendors and sorted the big stuff, but a coordinator is the one who makes sure everything runs like clockwork on the day itself. They’ll confirm timings with suppliers, help you nail down a run sheet, and then be there on the day to make sure everything flows smoothly – from the arrival of your vendors to the timing of your first dance.
So Which One Do You Need?
Some couples hire one, some hire all three! A planner is ideal if you need help from the very beginning, a stylist if you’ve got the planning covered but need that extra flair, and a coordinator if you’ve done most of the work but want someone to take the reins on the day.
In some cases, like with our favourites below, these gals wear all three hats. That way, you get the whole shebang – planning, styling, and coordinating – for a seamless and fabulous wedding experience all in one neat package!
So Who Are The Best South Cost Wedding Planners?
Meet Sally: Upon A Star Events
Sally from Upon A Star Events is a true expert in wedding and event coordination, known for her personalised and comprehensive approach. Based in Jervis Bay and servicing the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands, Sally has earned a reputation for being more than just a planner—she’s described as a “fairy godmother” who transforms the stress of event planning into a smooth, enjoyable process.
Her clients rave about how she goes above and beyond expectations, not only creating detailed run sheets and coordinating with vendors but also solving last-minute issues, ensuring that every detail is perfect. Whether it’s handling timing conflicts or managing DIY setups, Sally’s meticulous organisation helps couples feel supported and relaxed. Many couples express how her calm presence allowed them to immerse themselves fully in their wedding day, knowing everything was in her capable hands.
The Small things Can Make A Big Impact
At one wedding, the couple had organised a phone station where guests could leave audio messages. As guests began entering the reception, Sally, always ensuring everything ran smoothly, checked the voice message phone and realised it wasn’t working. Without hesitation, she jumped into action and quickly resolved the issue. Thanks to Sally’s fast thinking, guests were able to leave their funny, heartfelt, and memorable messages. The couple had no idea anything had gone wrong, allowing them to fully enjoy their day without any unnecessary stress. It’s these small, thoughtful touches that turn an ordinary wedding day into something truly spectacular.
Sally also builds strong relationships with her clients, offering more than just professional services. She’s a confidant and a problem-solver, ready to assist at every step. Her work extends beyond the wedding day, often starting months in advance with regular communication, offering templates and advice, and finalising every detail to ensure the day runs without a hitch.
Her team is known to be an amazing support, handling decorations, props, and setup with precision, and ensuring that everyone stays on schedule. If you’re looking for a planner who will guarantee a flawless event and also make the process stress-free, Sally from Upon A Star Events is an exceptional choice.
Meet Sarah & Brooke: Crafting Stress-Free, Joy-Filled Wedding Days
A wedding day can be a whirlwind, especially for us videographers as we capture all those beautiful moments. Working with Sarah and Brooke is always a treat—not just because of their warmth and positive vibe but because they’re always ready to lend a helping hand to everyone involved in making your day special.
Double the Expertise.
The best part about Events by Sarah and Brooke is that there are two of them! This means double the attention to detail (after all, two heads are better than one), providing you with a dedicated planner and coordinator ensuring every facet of your celebration is meticulously covered.
Their Wedding Packages
Events by Sarah and Brooke offer a variety of packages tailored to your unique needs:
Total Planning Package: Perfect for couples who want to relax and let the magic unfold. Sarah and Brooke will handle everything from vision to execution, ensuring styling, vendor coordination, and overall atmosphere are nothing short of spectacular.
Phone a Friend: Partial Planning: Ideal for those who wish to be involved but seek guidance along the way. This package offers expert advice and support to keep things running smoothly, minus the stress.
On-the-Day Coordination: If you only need assistance managing logistics on your big day, this package covers everything from vendor coordination to troubleshooting unexpected hiccups, allowing you to soak in every precious moment.
Sarah and Brooke are committed to making your wedding day a true reflection of you. With their expertise, you can relax and revel in your celebration, creating cherished memories with your loved ones!
Conclusion
Now that you and your partner have a better understanding of what a wedding planner does and why they’re so valuable, along with our top picks for Wollongong wedding planners and South Coast wedding planners, we hope you’re feeling excited and ready to dive into the next steps!
Here’s to finding that perfect planner who will bring your dream wedding to life. Best of luck – you’ve got this!
