(Nothing against venue coordinators-we love them and they’ve helped us out a lot before!) If they tell you they can handle things on the day of your wedding, it’s true- they can, but it’s only within a certain scope. And so, since we're the kind of the people who say things about planning weddings that not many others will, let’s chat a little more about this…

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Here is the simple fact...it is not your venues job to plan or coordinate your wedding!

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A venue coordinators first priority (because it's their job!) is to look out for the venue’s best interests. A wedding planners first priority is looking out for YOUR best interests. The venue coordinator deals with everything having to do with the venue - cleanliness, bathrooms, adherence to policies & rules etc. A wedding planner will deal with aspects of the venue that pertain to you and will make sure everything is to your specifications.

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Whether your ceremony is at a venue or a location other than the venue, your wedding planner will be there with you. A venue coordinator (nor the venue staff) is not responsible for coordinating your ceremony.

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A wedding planner stays by your side throughout the day and night. They are there to tell you when things will be occurring throughout the night, such as the cake cutting, bouquet toss, toasts, etc.

 

A venue coordinator might stay until the meal is served, and the majority of the time, leaves or simply disappears after. Some may stay until the cake is cut and served.

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He or she will not be by your side throughout the day or night. Although the venue coordinator will do their best to keep you happy, he or she will not be helping if your bustle breaks, making sure the DJ plays the right song at the right time or having the caterer fix a problem with the food.

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 A wedding planner contacts your vendors before your wedding to make sure everyone is confirmed and knows what time they will be arriving and handle any issues with menus, payments etc. A venue coordinator will want to know who your vendors are but will not deal with vendor issues!

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Lastly, venues are known to have a high turnover rate among the coordinator/sales positions unless the coordinator is also the venue owner. The person that you book your wedding with may or may not still be there when it comes time for your wedding 6 months, a year, or a year and a half later. As much as you may have connected with that venue coordinator, she (or he) will have no qualms moving on to greener pastures before your wedding day occurs.

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But your wedding coordinator is hired by YOU, hand selected by YOU, and won’t be going anywhere- unless, God forbid, something horrible happens!

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So, these notions are just a few things to think about when it comes to deciding whether or not you need a wedding planner.

And this is in no way meant to be ill spirited towards venue coordinators. As we said before, we LOVE venue coordinators- it’s always awesome to work with them! But as a couple planning a wedding, we want you to be aware of the differences between the two so you can make the best decision!