The Difference: Venue Wedding Coordinator and a Wedding Planner

This blog post is here to help clarify the differences between a venue wedding coordinator and a wedding planner, and what to expect from their services.

In the wedding industry there are many terms and phrases you may come across relating to wedding professionals. It can become confusing and the terms can often seem to overlap.

The Venue Wedding Coordinator

You may hear the phrase: ‘my venue comes with a coordinator so I don’t need one’. Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest misconceptions from couples planning their wedding.

Many couples will assume that a venue coordinators role is the same as a wedding planners. The reality is, the roles differ considerably.

A venue coordinator wouldn’t complete any wedding planning for you, that does not fall in their remit.

Because of this and the misunderstanding of what their role is, couples may be left feeling they didn’t get an appropriate service from a venue coordinator during the planning process.

In simple terms, the venue coordinator’s role does not cover any wedding planning outside of the venue’s services. Unlike a wedding planner, who works for you, they instead work directly for their venue.

It’s also worth remembering, that depending on the venue, they could be working on over 100+ weddings at any given time.

They will ensure that everything regarding the venue is complete. They’ll meet and show you around the venue and ensure the venue contract is signed.

They’ll also help to coordinate any on-site services provided by the venue, such as catering and payments due. In some cases, they’ll be the point of contact on your wedding day.

However, depending on the venue, you may find that they are not always present on the day of your wedding. This is often handed over to an operational wedding director.

Either way, on the day of the wedding, their responsibilities are to ensure the venue is presentable. They will ensure that it’s set up according to the agreed provisions from the venue. e.g. furniture layout.

They will also ensure that the catering timeline is followed and the general maintenance of the site is cared for.

Generally, your venue coordinator won’t put décor items out or provide styling, recommend and follow up with suppliers, or keep your budget on track. This may be where you need a wedding planner.

Top Tip: A venue wedding coordinator is an expert in their venue. Be sure to ask questions and use their knowledge to your advantage.

The Wedding Planner

A wedding planner is hired directly by you. Most will offer a variety of different services such as as full service wedding planning, partial planning or on the day management, to fit your needs.

This differs from the venue wedding coordinator. The wedding planner’s role is to assist the couple with almost all (depending on the package) aspects of the wedding planning process.

With full service wedding planning, most will offer budget management to keep the expenditure on track. They’ll recommend and source suppliers against the couples desired tastes, as well as be the contact for the chosen vendors.

On the day, they will be there to ensure the wedding timeline runs smoothly and set up is complete. Meaning you can relax and not have to worry about a thing.

A wedding planner, whilst an extra expense can save you time and money, through trusted suppliers and expertise.

Top Tip: Many blank canvas venues will not offer any other services outside of the venue hire. They can require hiring in everything from toilets, to furniture and catering. This is where a wedding planner may prove to be an invaluable investment.

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Do I Need a Wedding Planner?

All couples are different and each venue is unique; their offerings will differ across the board, so be sure to ask what’s included in their services.

Be sure to clarify what the venue wedding coordinator’s role is and what services you can expect from the venue on the wedding day, before booking.

Once you’re clear on the included services, you can make an informed decision as to whether you would prefer to hire a wedding planner to assist with the other aspects of your wedding.

Top Tip: You’ve planned your wedding but the thought of trying to run the show whilst getting hitched worries you! An on the day management package may be the solution.

Now you know the differences between a Wedding Venue Coordinator and a Wedding Planner, you can plan the wedding that’s right for you!