At Ackin Events, we believe that every couple deserves a wedding day filled with joy, love, and meaningful moments—without the stress of managing every detail. As a Minnesota-based wedding planning company, our passion is helping couples create celebrations that are authentic, seamless, and uniquely theirs. With our caring, detail-oriented approach, we guide you through every step of the planning journey, ensuring your day reflects your love story. In this post, we’re answering the top questions couples ask about wedding planners and our services, so you can feel confident and excited as you plan your unforgettable day.
What’s the Difference Between a Wedding Planner and a Venue Coordinator?
This is one of the most common questions about wedding planners we hear at Ackin Events, and it’s an important distinction! A venue coordinator is employed by your wedding venue and focuses on the logistics that pertain specifically to the venue itself—think tables, chairs, unlocking doors, and ensuring the space is ready. Their primary goal is to represent the venue’s interests and help your event run smoothly within their space.
A wedding planner, on the other hand, is your personal advocate throughout the entire planning process. We work for you—not the venue—and manage every aspect of your wedding, from vendor recommendations to timeline creation, décor, logistics, and problem-solving on the big day. We ensure all the moving parts come together in harmony, so you can relax and be present for every magical moment.
What’s the Difference Between Wedding Planning Packages and Wedding Coordinator Packages?
At Ackin Events, we offer both planning and coordination services because every couple’s needs are unique. Wedding planning packages are designed for couples who want guidance through the planning process. This can include anything from budget creation and vendor selection to design, timeline management, and ongoing support.
Wedding coordinator packages (sometimes called “day-of coordination,” though here at Ackin Events, we’re involved well before your wedding day!) are ideal for couples who have done most of the planning themselves but want a professional to step in and tie up loose ends. We’ll confirm details with vendors, create a detailed timeline, and manage rehearsal and day-of logistics, so you can enjoy your celebration without worrying about the details.
Do We Have to Use Your Preferred Vendors?
We know how important it is for your wedding to feel personal and authentic to you. While we have a list of talented, trusted vendors we love to recommend—each vetted for quality, reliability, and service—you are never required to use them. We’re happy to work with any vendors you choose and are always open to new partnerships. Our recommendations are simply there to make your planning process smoother and to ensure you have access to professionals we know will deliver exceptional results.
What Does the Planning Process Look Like?
Our planning process is designed to be thoughtful, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. We start with a consultation call to get to know you—your vision, priorities, and love story. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about wedding planners, or our process specifically. From there, we build a customized planning timeline and checklist, guiding you through each decision with care and encouragement.
Throughout the process, we’ll help you select vendors, design your wedding aesthetic, manage your budget, and troubleshoot any challenges that arise. We handle the behind-the-scenes logistics so you can focus on what matters most: celebrating your love and enjoying your engagement.
How Does Communication Work During Planning?
Clear, consistent communication is at the heart of what we do. From the moment you book with Ackin Events, you’ll have access to your lead planner via email, phone, and scheduled meetings. We also provide an online planning portal, where you can track your checklist, manage documents, and share inspiration. Our goal is to be as accessible as you need us to be—whether you have a quick question or need in-depth guidance, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Who Contacts Vendors and Signs Contracts?
When it comes to vendor communication, our approach is flexible to meet your preferences. For full planning clients, we handle initial outreach, gather proposals, and coordinate meetings—making recommendations tailored to your style and budget. Once you’ve selected your vendors, you’ll sign contracts directly with them, ensuring you have a direct relationship and full transparency.
For coordination clients, you’ll typically book your vendors independently, and we’ll step in closer to your wedding date to confirm all details, create a cohesive timeline, and manage communication so everything runs seamlessly on the big day.
How Are All Planning Details Stored and Organized?
Organization is key to a stress-free wedding! Ackin Events provides every couple with access to a secure online planning portal. Here, you’ll find your personalized checklist, budget tracker, vendor contacts, contracts, design boards, and more—all in one convenient place. As your wedding day approaches, we compile a comprehensive day-of binder that includes timelines, floor plans, vendor information, and all the little details that make your celebration unique. This ensures your entire vendor team is on the same page and your day unfolds smoothly.
What Is the Best Benefit to Hiring a Wedding Planner?
The greatest value of hiring a wedding planner is peace of mind. At Ackin Events, our mission is to take the stress off your shoulders, so you can be fully present for every laugh, happy tear, and joyful dance on your wedding day. We bring expertise, creative solutions, and a calming presence to the planning process, handling logistics, troubleshooting, and last-minute surprises with grace. Our goal is to create an experience that’s not only beautiful, but meaningful, memorable, and uniquely yours.
Choosing a wedding planner is an investment in your peace of mind and the joy of your celebration – and that’s why many people tend to have questions about wedding planners. At Ackin Events, we’re honored to walk alongside you, providing the expertise, care, and encouragement you need to create a wedding that truly reflects your love story. If you have more questions or want to learn how we can help make your Minnesota wedding unforgettable, we’d love to connect!