Different Types of Des Moines Wedding Planners & Coordinators

Full-Service Wedding Planners

These are your ride-or-die wedding experts. Full-service planners help with every detail from start to finish. They’ll recommend vendors, manage timelines, help design the day, and handle all the logistics. They’re ideal for couples with demanding jobs or planning a wedding from out of town. Want someone to take the reins so you can enjoy the ride? This is your person.

Day-Of Coordinators

Booked your vendors and planned everything yourself? A day-of coordinator steps in about a month before your wedding. They’ll confirm details, create timelines, and run the show on the big day. This option is great for couples who love planning but don’t want to be the point person on your wedding day. Think of them as your behind-the-scenes hero.

Partial Wedding Planners

Not quite full-service, not quite day-of—these planners meet you in the middle. They’ll help with vendor referrals, timelines, and budgeting, but leave some tasks in your hands. They’re ideal for couples who’ve started planning but need some help wrapping it all up. If you’re halfway there but stuck, a partial planner is perfect.

Wedding Coordinators at Venues

Many venues include a coordinator in their packages. Just keep in mind they work for the venue, not for you. They’ll help with layout, catering, and timing of venue services, but may not help with outside vendors or decor. They’re a great bonus, but still clarify with your venue what they all do before hiring your own planner for personal guidance.

Wedding Designers

While planners focus on logistics, designers focus on the overall look and feel of your wedding. They’ll help with mood boards, floral ideas, rentals, colors, and table settings. If you’re into aesthetics and want your day to look like it came from a Pinterest board, a wedding designer is your new best friend. They often team up with planners, but you can hire them solo too.

Iowa Wedding Planning Tip

Many Iowa couples getting married in rural areas or on private properties (like family farms or outdoor venues) find that hiring a day-of coordinator or planner is essential to keep things running smoothly without access to an onsite venue manager. With unpredictable Midwest weather and unique logistics like barn setups, tent rentals, or food trucks, a professional coordinator can be your biggest stress-saver. Plus, Iowa’s wide range of wedding venues, from downtown Des Moines rooftops to scenic spots in the Driftless Area, means your planning needs might differ drastically depending on your location.

Complete Weddings + Events is Here to Help Your Des Moines Wedding Planning

Complete Weddings + Events offers professional day-of coordination in Des Moines to help your wedding day run smoothly from start to finish. Our coordinators step in about 60 days out to handle the final details, so you can focus on enjoying the moment. Here are just some of the things our day-of coordination includes:

• Wedding rehearsal management

• Bouquet, boutonniere, and corsage management

• Wedding day emergency kit

• Decor setup and teardown

We also love working alongside talented Des Moines wedding designers to bring your style and vibe to life. Need help sourcing rentals for your ceremony or reception? Check out our Des Moines event rental company partners for everything from modern table settings to cozy lounge furniture.

Contact us now to learn more about our coordination services or explore our blog page for more wedding planning tips and inspiration!