When a couple finds their venue, they may think it’s unnecessary to hire a wedding planner to help with day of coordination if there’s an onsite venue coordinator who will be there on their wedding day to take care of things. In fact, some couples may think a wedding planner and venue coordinator are the same thing. However, there are differences between the two and one major distinction: A wedding planner is loyal to the couple while a venue coordinator is loyal to the venue.

A venue coordinator can help a couple with various planning elements, but planning is generally related and restricted to the venue. A venue coordinator is also a representative of the venue whose primary goal is to do what is best for the venue—not necessarily what is best for the couple. A wedding planner, on the other hand, assists a couple in a variety of capacities and in any/every area of planning. There is no hidden motive on a wedding planner’s end besides helping the couple with the wedding details that are important to them.

Another difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding planner is a venue coordinator is responsible for anything regarding the venue, such as tables, chairs and linens. If the venue offers in-house catering, a venue coordinator’s focus will be on accommodating the kitchen staff and creating a timeline for the catering team. A wedding planner, on the other hand, is responsible for everything relating to the venue and coordinating the logistics and schedules of all vendors. Essentially every person or detail relating to the wedding day is accounted for on a wedding planner’s timeline.

Lastly, a venue coordinator may provide a list of preferred vendors the venue works with and give some general ideas on how to design the venue space based on previous weddings, however a venue coordinator isn’t as “hands on” as a wedding planner. A wedding planner will not only refer good vendors but can even schedule and attend vendor meetings and also review vendor contracts. In terms of design, a wedding planner can help a couple choose their theme, colors, flowers, linens, etc. if they’re in need of design assistance.

In the simplest terms, a wedding planner is an advocate and representative of the couple. A wedding planner is the main point person between the couple and all of their vendors on the wedding day, a neutral third party with no ulterior agenda besides turning a couple’s vision into reality, and a coordinator who makes sure the wedding runs as smooth as possible from the big picture to the small details.

Feel free to contact Preoccupied Bride if you’re thinking about hiring a wedding planner. We help couples plan their weddings, in a variety of capacities, based on how heavily they want us to be involved in their wedding planning.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

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