So you have started planning your wedding and your venue mentions the phrase “venue coordinator”, but what does that mean? Is it the same as a wedding planner? This is a common question among couples in the planning process and I am here to break down the difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator.

What is a Venue Coordinator?

A venue coordinator is an employee of the wedding venue. They are working to ensure their operations go smoothly on the day of your wedding. If your ceremony is at a different location, they will not be a part of that coordination. It is also not uncommon for venue coordinators to leave after the meal. Venue coordinators manage their own staff and spaces and the tasks that pertain to them. 

What is a Wedding Planner?

A wedding planner works for the couple. Depending on your package, this could start from the very beginning of planning or closer to the big day. A wedding planner’s responsibilities far exceed just the wedding day operations. 

Standard wedding packages include 11 hours of wedding day coordination, so they are there from when you are getting ready first thing in the morning until they load up the car at the end of the night. Since a wedding planner isn’t just contracted to one space, they will move with you from location to location.

Working Together 

So in short, using a venue coordinator is not the same thing as hiring a wedding planner. Venue coordinators and wedding planners can work together in perfect harmony, it’s just important to know in advance what each of their responsibilities are, so there is no confusion on the day of. Both venue coordinators and wedding planners are there to make your wedding run smoothly, and when both focus on their tasks, make your stress levels as low as possible.

If the venue coordinator is focused on setting up the rooms and coordinating the caterers, then your wedding planner can focus on you and all of those little details that can easily be forgotten. Is everyone where they need to be for speeches? Is your dress bustled and ready for the reception? Are the place cards in the right place and your nana’s antique handkerchief nestled in your bouquet? These are the type of details that your wedding planner will stay on top of. 

Interested in seeing how we can help you with your wedding plans, contact us and let’s schedule a free consultation call!

Photos by Alicia Ann Photographers