As you embark on your wedding planning, it may be seem like there are many moving pieces, with lots of different vendors who have different roles. Venue coordinator, catering manager, wedding planner, floral designer, rental and secondary vendor options to consider, etc… We get it! Wedding planning comes with a whole new language to master and it can become overwhelming quickly to distinguish who everyone is and what they are responsible for! Sometimes we’re finding that our couples are unclear on the differences between a venue coordinator and a wedding planner. There is no doubt that both are incredibly valuable to your wedding and want to see your wedding run smoothly. And while they do have some overlap in responsibilities, there are some major differences as well.
What is the role of a wedding planner versus a venue coordinator?
While the client’s needs are always a priority for both the wedding planner and the venue coordinator, the responsibilities differ. Venue coordinators work for your venue. They are responsible for what is happening on site at their location and specific venue related tasks and staff. Venue coordinators are there to ensure that you have the best possible experience while maintaining their guidelines and policies. Speaking from experience, venue coordinators are magical and want the absolute best for you on your wedding day, but their assistance is fine tuned to what’s occurring on site.
A wedding planner is working for you. They will be with you throughout the planning process to ensure that the totality of your wedding day (and days surrounding) is well planned and runs smoothly. A wedding coordinator will assist you with:
- Designing your wedding vision and articulating that throughout the planning process
- Recommending vendors, reviewing contracts and ensuring clear communication and expectations for the wedding day
- Timeline creation for the wedding, the rehearsal and any other events surrounding the day as needed at multiple locations
- Coordination of the your wedding party and vendors
- So much more!
Wedding planners are there to advocate and support you as a couple! We will provide advice that aligns with your wants, needs, and focus on all of the details throughout the whole planning process to bring your vision to life.
So what’s best for you?
That really depends on you and and your vision! Our best advice is to speak with your venue coordinator about the services they do and do not offer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Who will be there assisting you during planning and who will be there on site during the wedding? Then schedule a complimentary consultation with Petaled Pail Planning to talk about where a wedding planner can help out in coordination with your venue coordinator. Having spent time working in roles as a venue coordinator and as a wedding planner, I can confidently say the most successful weddings I’ve seen are when the venue coordinator and the wedding planner work seamlessly together. We’d love the opportunity to make that happen for your wedding.
