When planning your wedding do you want someone who’s working on your behalf or on behalf of someone else?

Oftentimes, venues tout to couples that their packages include a venue coordinator, causing couples to think that they don’t need to invest in a wedding coordinator, but that’s not necessarily the case. 

Read on to learn the major differences between a venue coordinator and a wedding coordinator so you can decide which one you truly need as you start planning your wedding. 

What is a venue coordinator?

As event planners, we have HUGE respect for vendors and other professionals in the hospitality industry. So we have to start this off by letting you know that we love venue coordinators! 

They’re a crucial part of ensuring that your chosen venue is presented to you in the way you paid for it and that everything in your contract is delivered. 

But here’s the thing. Venue coordinators work for the venue and ultimately represent the venue on your day. So after you meet and get a date scheduled, their attention won’t return to your wedding until possibly the day before and after your wedding. 

They’re coordinating different events that may be scheduled, they’re making sure staff operate as they should, and they’re making sure that the venue is staying in compliance with their promises – not just to you – but to anyone they’re working with that day and the days ahead. They are also making sure everyone that comes to the venue is complying with all the venue rules and regulations. 

While they’re doing what they can to make sure that everything goes as requested on your day, their best interest will always be in the interest of the venue. Not you. This sounds a bit harsh but we just have to give it to you straight. 

Will you have venue coordinators who are more invested in each couple? Yes, of course. 

But the overall focus is to represent the venue, not the couple. 

And this brings us to the BIGGEST difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding coordinator.

What is a wedding coordinator?

The one person who IS invested in you and the outcome of your wedding and doing all that they can to make sure your day goes the way YOU and your partner have envisioned is your wedding coordinator. 

Depending on the scale of service you choose, a wedding coordinator can be one of two things. 

They can be the person who is with you and your partner throughout your entire wedding planning journey from beginning to end, OR they can be the person there on the day of (aka day-of-coordinator), making sure to execute everything to come together as you planned so you can focus on being present in the moment. 

Full-Service Wedding Planners help you: 

• Create a plan to bring your dream wedding to life. 
• Make sure you find ways to follow through with that plan.
• Create a budget that works for you!
• Deal with problems and blocks that come up
• Get clarity on making vital decisions by sharing their expertise with you regarding decor, florals, vendors – everything!
• Coordinate with vendors leading up to the day of your wedding to ensure that everything is in place 
• Take time off from planning because they can be the point of contact for any questions from vendors, families, and/or friends.

But one of the biggest things wedding planners (and day-of-coordinators) do is take away the stress and overwhelm for you of wedding planning. 

On the day of, it’s common for couples without coordinators to say that things were a blur, but by having someone dedicated to making sure your plans become a reality for your big day, you get the time and space to celebrate your love as well as the family and friends who gathered to celebrate with you. 

By having a (wedding) coordinator, you have someone to:

• Instruct vendors
• Setup decor to your exact vision
• Answer questions from guests
• Ensure that everyone sticks to a timeline (i.e., letting you know when it’s time for pictures, bouquet toss, toasts, etc.)
• Deal with any unruly guests or problems that arise
• Instruct clean-up crews, so you don’t have to stay back for anything!

Wedding coordinators (whether full service or just the day-of) are invested in creating a day that matches your vision, runs smoothly, celebrates your love, and gives you the time and space to make plenty of glowing memories from it to remember. 

Are you currently looking for your ideal wedding coordinator? We’d love the chance to chat with you! Learn more about the RDE family here and how we can help you bring your wedding dreams to life!