Planning a wedding involves many moving parts, and knowing who does what can help avoid confusion (and stress) on your big day. One of the biggest misunderstandings? The difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding planner.
What a Venue Coordinator Does:
- Oversees the venue and its staff
- Manages in-house services like catering (if applicable)
- Ensures the space is clean, safe, and set up
- Enforces venue rules
- Coordinates vendor arrival on behalf of the venue
Their role is tied to the venue—not to your full wedding vision.
What a Wedding Planner Does:
- Guides you through the planning process start to finish
- Helps with budgeting, timelines, and vendor selection
- Manages your entire vendor team (not just those at the venue)
- Solves problems before you even notice them
- Works for you, not the venue
Do You Need a Planner or a Coordinator?
If you check more items on the left, you likely need a wedding planner. More on the right? A venue coordinator may be enough.
| Wedding Planner | Venue Coordinator |
|---|---|
| ☐ I need help creating and sticking to a budget | ☐ I’ve already booked a venue that offers in-house support |
| ☐ I want help choosing vendors who match my style & budget | ☐ I just need someone to manage logistics at the venue |
| ☐ I’m planning from out of town or have a busy schedule | ☐ I’ve handled most of the planning myself |
| ☐ I want help with timelines, guest experience, and flow | ☐ I need someone to oversee the venue staff on the big day |
| ☐ I want someone by my side throughout the whole process | ☐ I’m only looking for day-of support within the venue |
| ☐ I have a unique or non-traditional vision to pull off | ☐ I’m sticking closely to the venue’s standard setup |
| ☐ I want help navigating contracts and fine print | ☐ I just need someone to unlock the doors and cue the lights |
Bottom Line:
- Choose a planner for full-service support and personalized guidance.
- Rely on a coordinator if your venue already has most of the details covered.
- Want the best of both worlds? Many couples benefit from both roles working together!
