Menu

Elegant Affairs | Seattle Wedding Planner

10116 36th Ave. Ct. SW. Suite #12
Lakewood
253-279-6485
We create awe-inspiring weddings + events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision that is unique to you.
 
 

253.279.6485
info@elegantaffairswa.com

 

HOME about us


featured work BLOG

 
elegant-affairs-seattle-wedding-planner.PNG
 

services portfolio


love notes contact

 

Elegant Affairs | Seattle Wedding Planner

Day-Of Coordinator vs. Full-Service Planner: What’s the Difference?

May 22, 2025 Lori Losee
Tacoma Wedding Planners Lori and Tiphany toasting over a successful wedding.

When you start planning a wedding, one of the first pieces of advice you’ll hear is: “Hire a wedding planner—it’ll save you time and stress.” But, as the industry has grown, the terms of day-of-coordinator and full-service wedding planner get used interchangeably. But, as we offer both at Elegant Affairs, we can tell you that they refer to very different roles. Many couples aren’t sure where to start, or do not know that not all wedding planning services or packages are the same. So, let’s break down the differences between a day-of coordinator and a full-service planner, so you can decide which option makes the most sense for your big day.

So what is a day-of coordinator? 

A day-of typically doesn’t just show up at your event and it’s the first time you’ve communicated. In most cases, you’ve been working with your coordinator for 6 weeks, or so, prior to the wedding. A day-of coordinator comes in once all the details are planned. Their sole purpose is not to create the plans or the details, but to execute the plans you've already made. They basically make it happen, but not plan it. Some of the typical responsibilities that we’ve seen in the industry are: 

  • Reviewing your wedding timeline and floor plan 

  • Confirming logistics with your vendors

  • Overseeing the ceremony and reception set up 

  • Timeline creation 

  • Serving as the point of contact on the day of 

  • Ensuring that the venue is closed down at the end of the night 

  • Making sure everyone and everything is where they need to be on the day of. 

Think of a day-of coordinator like a stage director at a play. They aren’t the director (that’s you), they don’t do the casting, or set the design. They make sure the actors are where they need to be and everything rolls out at the scene change appropriately. They make sure everything is smooth and pulls together. And that readers just want they do. 

Now, what does a Full-Service Wedding Planner do?

Some companies prefer to offer just day-of services. Many companies, including us, offer a wide variety of services, which include a full-service wedding package. This package or person is your complete guide, creative partner, and project manager from the day of hire, to finish. Typically couples select this package if they are just starting out the planning process. Full-Service planners support everything from budget creation, to getting in touch with vendors in the exploratory stages. The typical responsibilities of this position or package are: 

  • Finding vendors that fit your vision and budget

  • Attending vendor meetings 

  • Creating or managing your budget

  • Helping or reviewing vendor contracts 

  • Supporting the guest list

  • Designing the overall theme 

  • Attending vendor meetings and tastings

  • Creating timelines

  • Creating floor plans 

  • Coordinating logistics on the wedding day 

  • Coordinating the clean-up

This type of planner is perfect for couples who are busy, planning a large or complex event, or simply want a stress-free experience from day one. They bring both big-picture vision and on-the-ground execution.

So, what is best for the US?

There are a few things you’ll need to consider before selecting which option is best for you. If you want someone to be with you from start to finish and provide extensive support, the full-service planner is for you. If you are the Pinterest and logistics queen that needs minimal planning help, then we recommend a day-of-coordinator to support the execution. If you plan on booking all your vendors, stick with the day-of, whereas if you need support with the research, vetting vendors, and booking (to include overlooking contracts) move towards hiring the full-service planner. But, most importantly, they will both help with the day of execution. 

As you consider, think about what fits in your budget and which option will give you more piece of mind on your wedding day. It’s important to think about your stress levels, needs, and level of input and decision making you’d like to have. And if you’re not sure, or you’re in between, many companies offer partial planning. This is perfect for the couples that just aren’t sure where they land. Or they need a little bit of planning support, as well as the execution on the day of. This might include help finding vendors, some design input, and monthly check-ins. If you want support with certain aspects but not the whole event, this hybrid approach can be ideal.

If there’s one thing most of our past couples agree on, it’s this: hire someone to coordinate your day. Even if you’ve planned every detail yourself, you don’t want to be the one checking on table layouts or chasing down the DJ for your first dance. A trusted coordinator frees you up to be fully present—and enjoy every minute. So, whether you go full-service or just need someone to handle the final stretch, hiring the right help ensures your wedding feels polished, peaceful, and exactly how you imagined.

At the end of the day your wedding should feel FUN and be filled with JOY—not like a second job. The right planner or coordinator helps make that possible.


Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

In Wedding Planning Advice
Comment

Unique Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Actually Keep

May 15, 2025 Lori Losee
A wedding guest holding a wedding favor gift box.

Wedding favors are such a wonderful way to thank your guests for celebrating your special day with you. But let’s be honest—sometimes wedding favors end up forgotten in a drawer or tossed aside after the event. From our personal experience, if you want to give your guest something they will cherish and actually keep, consider these unique and thoughtful wedding favor ideas that stand out from the ordinary wedding favors or the usual suspects of trinkets. Here are our favorite wedding favors we love to see!

#01: Personalized Mini Succulents or Mini Plants
We love the idea of mini succulents and small plants to share with your guests! These small plants make excellent wedding favors that your guests can take home and nurture with their love. Plants symbolize love and new beginnings which makes them the perfect gift for a wedding. Personalize your pots with your names, monogram, wedding dates, or a sweet quote to make it extra special! Let’s just hope your guests have green thumbs. If a bulk of your guests are traveling, skip the live favors, but these make perfect gifts if the majority of your wedding guests are in town. 

#02: Custom Scented Candles 
Who doesn’t love a good candle? Candles are timeless and I can promise you many of your guests have a special candle drawer for the seasons. A personalized candle, with a unique scent or essential oils, can make it even more memorable. Choose a scent that reflects your wedding theme or personal preferences. Have them labeled with your names and wedding date. Keep in mind these do not need to be full sized candles, you can create small candles, too! It’s a useful favor that your guests will be able to enjoy for many months to come. 

#03: Miniature Bottles of Local Liquor or Wine 
This one is for 21 and over! If you and your partner are opting for cocktails at your wedding day, or enjoy a particular local beverage, share them with your guests!We love the idea of sharing a local wine, craft beer, or artisanal local spirits. Create a custom label on canva with a thank-you message or quote from your wedding song. Your guests will enjoy this treat later and remember the celebration. Ensure that you clearly label these as alcoholic beverages and ensure safe consumption. 

#04: Personalized Recipe Cards
If you and your partner love cooking or baking, or you have a few recipes that you love to share, create some of your favorite recipe cards for your guests! You can even include a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. This thoughtful and creative wedding favor gives your guests something they can use, plus it is a great conversation starter at future gatherings! Be sure to customize them with your wedding monogram, a quote, or your favorite line from your first dance. 

#05: Personalized Trinkets
Not all trinkets are bad or get left behind. We love, as well as guests, small, engraved items such as keychains, bottle openers, or custom trinkets that are simple but practical. These can easily be personalized with your wedding details. Choose something that suits your wedding theme and your personality. Whether it’s a monogrammed keychain, or a custom coordinate bracelet, or a small token that aligns with your shared interest. 

#06: Personalized Notebooks or Journals 
These can be ordered in bulk and easily customized. Choose something stylish and personalized that can serve as a meaningful or practical gift for your guests. It’s something guests can use everyday, whether for jotting down thoughts, reflection, or memories. Customize the cover with your wedding monogram, your favorite quote as a couple, or even design that will remind others of your wedding theme. 

#07: Homemade Treats
Who doesn’t love a delicious homemade treat? If you love baking or want to add a personal touch, consider giving out homemade cookies, chocolates, or canned goods. Package them in cute mason jars, decorative bags, or a tag with your names and your wedding date. These treats will delight guests and give them a taste of your love. But, be sure to follow safety guidelines for baking and/or cooking and store properly. The last thing you want is sick guests post wedding favors! 

#08: Personalized Photo Frames for Polaroids
Give your guests the gift of capturing moments from your wedding day! We love the idea of giving your guests a chance to take home photos from the photo booth, or snap a picture with a Polaroid camera. You can even choose a frame that matches your wedding aesthetic, or pre-fill frames with your engagement photo. This will give guests a gift of memories from your wedding day. 

Whatever you choose, when it comes to wedding favors, the most important thing is the thought and personal touch behind the gift. Skip any trinkets or random items to give as a wedding favor. Guests will always appreciate something that reflects your unique relationship and theme of your wedding. Guests are much more likely to keep it for years to come. When it comes to a homemade treat, a small plant, or a personalized gift, these are the best favors that your guests will appreciate and cherish. It will also allow them to feel connected to you and your partner and your love story. 


Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

In Wedding Planning Advice
Comment

When to Book Your Vendors: A Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Timeline

May 8, 2025 Lori Losee
Tacoma Wedding Planners Tiphany and Lori setting up a wedding guest table.

Are you planning your upcoming nuptials? Planning your wedding is an exciting journey and one of the key steps in making your dream wedding come true is booking your perfect vendors. If you’re starting the wedding planning process, you may be finding that there are SO many elements to consider when booking vendors. It is hard to know who to book, let alone when to book. We’ve created a month to month guide to help guide you through the booking process. 

12 or More Months Before Your Wedding: The Early Stages

This is the early stages of planning. You are just beginning to make your first wedding planning moves. This includes creating a wedding budget, brainstorming your wedding style and theme. Before you can book these vendors, you will want to solidify these items and create a tentative guest list. Your guest count will narrow done the size and type of venue you will need to book. 

Who/What to Book?

  • Venue: Your first priority should be booking your venue. Popular venues often get booked up to 12 months (or more) in advance, especially if you're planning a wedding during peak seasons like spring and summer. Ensure that your potential wedding venue is right for your desired season and can fit your guest count.

  • Wedding Planner/Coordinator: If you're hiring a planner (which we HIGHLY recommend), this is the time to meet, greet, and secure them. A wedding planner can help you with vendor recommendations and other details, making the entire process smoother. If you’re looking for someone to just help with the day of, plan on hiring a wedding coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly.

  • Photographer & Videographer: These vendors are in high demand, so it's essential to book them as early as possible. Look for someone whose style matches your vision and budget.

9-11 Months Before Your Wedding: Setting the Tone

After you’ve booked your first three vendors, you’ve officially got the ball rolling. Now it’s time to research and officially select your wedding style and theme. Your theme will help drive the next vendors you’ll need to book. 

Who/What to Book?

  • Caterer: If your venue doesn’t provide catering, it’s time to book a caterer. Be sure to sample their food and discuss your preferred menu and budget. We recommend you narrow your selection down to 2-3 caterers and determine what fits best with your overall theme, budget, and taste.

  • Band/DJ: Entertainment is crucial, and finding the right DJ or live band that suits your style should happen early. Popular wedding DJs often get booked far in advance. Set up a few meet and greets with potential bands or DJs. You want to get a feel for their vibe – this is an area where feel and vibe matters.

  • Florist: Choose a florist who understands your vision for bouquets, centerpieces, and floral installations. Start discussing themes, colors, and designs – and STAY in budget!

  • Rentals (if applicable): If you need to rent anything (tents, tables, chairs, linens, etc.), now’s the time to secure those rentals. Get various pricings from your local rental companies and don’t be afraid to set up a consultation to see their displays, portfolio and see fabric samples. 

  • Bridal Attire: Shop for your wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, and accessories. Be sure to leave time for alterations. Yes, this can be done closer to your wedding day, but depending on the designer, if the dress is ready to sell or needs to be created, you want to allow enough time to have all the alterations done (if need be).

6-8 Months Before Your Wedding: Finalizing Your Wedding Party

The details are all coming together and now it is time to start informing your guests of the good news! Start sending out your save the dates towards six months, unless you are planning a destination wedding. Then give your guests a little more time in advance. 

Who/What to Book?

  • Groom’s Attire: Book an appointment to select the groom’s suit or tuxedo, as well as any accessories. If you’re not renting, start shopping around for the desired items for the groom and groomsmen.

  • Hair & Makeup Artist: Schedule a trial for your hair and makeup, and choose a professional who can bring your wedding day look to life. Narrow a few ideas that you love and share them with your artists.

  • Officiant: Whether you're getting married in a religious ceremony or a non-denominational one, it's important to confirm your officiant well in advance.

  • Accommodations: Begin booking your hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests. Or, if you don’t plan on booking or holding a wedding block of room, offer ideas such as Air-B-N-B’s on your wedding website. You want your guests to have some knowledge of the location and recommendations on where to stay.

4-5 Months Before Your Wedding: The Details Start Coming Together

You are getting closer to the big day! You are going to start finalizing your guest list and determine who will receive your official wedding invitation. 

Who/What to Book?

  • Order your Invites: If you’re sending out wedding invitations or designing custom stationery, now is the time to finalize those details. Don’t forget your stamps and search for someone to support with calligraphy – if that’s your jam!

  • Cake or Dessert Vendor: Choose a cake designer and schedule a tasting session. Confirm your cake’s flavor, style, and design. If you’re planning a dessert table, set up a tasting for that and enjoy all the yummy treats!

  • Transportation: Whether it's a limo, a classic car, or a bus for your guests, book transportation now. It’s always great to promote safety for your guests, so call ahead and ask about hotel shuttles or set up a shuttle for your guests. Research whether your location has ride shares, such as uber and include the information for your guests on your wedding website.

2-3 Months Before Your Wedding: Tying Up Loose Ends

Your wedding planning is coming to a close! During this time you will finalize your menu and choices with your caterer, begin organizing your seating chart and you will need to send out your invitations. Sit down with your wedding planner and start creating your wedding timeline for the rehearsal, morning of, ceremony and reception. Don’t forget about planning for clean up! 

Who/What to Book?

  • Rentals (if not already booked): If you need any additional rental items such as special decor or furniture, finalize the booking.

  • Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Book your rehearsal dinner venue (if you chose). You might want something intimate or casual depending on your wedding vibe. Communicate with your wedding party the expectations of the wedding rehearsal. This will ensure that your wedding party is able to get off work (if need be), or arrive on time for the rehearsal. 

  • Final Fittings for Bridal Party Attire: Schedule final dress fittings for the bride, bridesmaids, and groom. Ensure that all accessories are purchased for the wedding party. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to ensure everyone has what they need!

1-2 Months Before Your Wedding: The Final Countdown

Ask your wedding planner (if you have one) or you will need to confirm all loose ends with your vendors. Ensure payments are made, confirm dates and arrival times with each vendor. You’ll want to confirm timelines and shot lists with your photographer and videographer. Confirm your timeline for your makeup artist and hairstylist. Meet with your wedding planner to finalize your wedding timeline, but also be prepared for it to change during the upcoming weeks. 


Who/What to Book?

  • Obtain your marriage license. Check out with your county and make sure you have everything you need!

  • Finalize your playlist for the DJ or band.

  • Confirm final guest count with the caterer.

1 Week Before Your Wedding: Last-Minute Details

Confirm all arrival times with your vendors. Add this to your timeline. Run any last-minute errands and begin packing all the necessary items you need. Ensure all payments are complete, tips are ready for your vendors in pre-labeled envelopes, and any outstanding balances are settled. AND, if you’re writing your own vows – write them this week! Encourage your speeches for toasts to be written one week prior as well. 

Wedding Day: It’s Time to Celebrate!

On your wedding day, your checklist should include enjoying EVERY moment of your day. All of your planning and preparation has come together and allows your vendors to execute all parts. Enjoy these memories and savor the day! 

By breaking down your wedding planning into a clear timeline, booking your vendors in a structured way, and staying organized, you'll minimize stress and enjoy the journey leading up to your big day!


Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

In Wedding Planning Advice
Comment
← Newer Posts Older Posts →
 
New Form
Name *
Phone
Tell Us More about Your Wedding!
Thank you!

Subscribe

To be the first to read our Latest Blog Post!

We respect your privacy.

Thank you!

Let us turn your dream wedding into a reality! At Elegant Affairs, we specialize in creating unforgettable moments that last a lifetime. Our team of Seattle and Tacoma Wedding Planners are dedicated professionals committed to delivering personalized and stress-free wedding planning services. We curate flawless, stylish, and unforgettable weddings for today's modern couple.

WRITE

info@elegantaffairswa.com

RING

253.279.6485

Copyright 2015-2025 Elegant Affairs ~ All Rights Reserved | Designed by Magnolia Creative Studio