The Difference Between Day-of, Month-of, and Full-Service Planning

Understanding which type of wedding planning support is right for you

Not all wedding planners offer the same level of service—and not every couple needs the same amount of support. If you’ve started exploring the world of wedding planning packages, you’ve probably seen the terms “day-of,” “month-of,” and “full-service” tossed around. But what do they actually mean? And which one is best for you?

As a certified wedding planner and the owner of Hansen Weddings and Events, I’ve worked with couples at every stage of the planning process. Some want help from day one. Others just need someone to take the reins at the finish line. No matter where you fall, understanding the differences between these packages is key to finding the right fit.

Let’s break it down.

Day-Of Coordination (Also Called “Event Management”)

Best for: Couples who planned everything themselves but want a professional to handle logistics on the big day.

Despite the name, day-of coordination actually starts weeks before the wedding. A true professional doesn’t just show up the morning of your ceremony and hope for the best. Instead, they step in at the end of the planning process to tie up loose ends and ensure everything runs smoothly.

What’s typically included:

• Final walk-through of venue

• Timeline creation and management

• Vendor confirmations

• Ceremony and reception setup supervision

• Problem-solving throughout the day

• Directing the rehearsal

• Point of contact for all vendors

What’s not included:

• Booking vendors

• Budget tracking

• Design help or sourcing rentals

• Attending meetings throughout the planning process

Ideal for you if:
You’ve handled all the planning and vendor booking but want to be fully present on your wedding day without assigning jobs to friends or family.

Month-Of Coordination

Best for: Couples who did most of the planning but want extra support in the final stretch.

Month-of coordination is a more involved version of day-of coordination. It typically begins 4 to 6 weeks before your wedding, giving the planner enough time to learn your vision, contact vendors, and finalize the timeline without rushing.

What’s typically included:

• All day-of services

• A detailed planning meeting (or several)

• Vendor communication handoff

• Review of all contracts

• Help with floor plans, timelines, and ceremony flow

• Rehearsal coordination

• Some limited problem-solving on final details

What’s not included:

• Full vendor selection and management

• Ongoing support throughout the full engagement

• Custom design or creative direction

Ideal for you if:
You feel confident in your planning but want a professional to take over as the day gets closer, ensure nothing is missed, and relieve stress in the final weeks.

Full-Service Planning

Best for: Couples who want comprehensive guidance from beginning to end.

Full-service planning is exactly what it sounds like—a start-to-finish partnership. This package includes everything from vendor selection to creative direction, contract management, timeline development, and wedding-day execution.

What’s typically included:

• Unlimited communication and planning meetings

• Budget development and tracking

• Vendor recommendations, booking, and management

• Venue scouting and walkthroughs

• Event design and aesthetic direction

• Custom floor plans and timelines

• Full coordination on the wedding day

• Rehearsal planning

• Assistance with additional events (bridal shower, welcome party, etc.)

What’s not included:

• Minimal effort on your part (just kidding—you still make the decisions, but we do all the heavy lifting)

Ideal for you if:
You want a professional managing every detail so you can focus on the fun parts and make confident decisions. This is also a great fit for busy professionals, long-distance couples, or those planning a wedding in a different location.

So, Which One Do You Need?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Service Type When It Starts Level of Involvement Best For Day-Of 2–4 weeks before Minimal DIY couples who want day-of execution Month-Of 4–6 weeks before Moderate Couples who want extra support before the wedding Full-Service From the beginning Comprehensive Couples who want a partner from start to finish

Still unsure which package is right for you? At Hansen Weddings and Events, we offer complimentary consultations to help you figure out what level of support makes the most sense for your day, your vision, and your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding should be a celebration—not a stress marathon. Whether you’re just getting started or counting down the final weeks, having the right support in place can make all the difference.

No matter which package you choose, our mission stays the same: to help you feel calm, confident, and completely present on one of the most important days of your life.

Ready to chat about your vision and find the perfect planning package? Let’s connect.