Wedding Coordinator vs. Wedding Planner vs. Venue Manager

Planning a wedding comes with a lot of moving parts, and it can be confusing to figure out exactly who does what when it comes to making your big day run smoothly. Do you need a wedding day-of coordinator, a wedding planner, or will your venue manager be enough? Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect from each role—and who’s the best fit for your wedding needs.

Wedding Day-of Coordinator: The Wedding MVP

A wedding day-of coordinator is like your behind-the-scenes MVP, making sure every detail comes together seamlessly on the big day. While they don’t typically help with booking vendors or design choices, they ensure everything you’ve planned is executed flawlessly. Here’s what they do:

• Rehearsal Coordination: They run your ceremony rehearsal, making sure everyone knows where to stand, when to walk, and how the ceremony will flow.

• Timeline Creation & Execution: They craft a detailed timeline for the day and ensure everyone (vendors, wedding party, and family) sticks to it.

• Vendor Communication: They confirm all vendors in advance, coordinate arrivals, and handle last-minute changes.

• Crisis Management: If anything goes wrong—weather issues, missing décor, or timeline delays—they handle it so you don’t have to.

• Keeping the Day on Track: From cueing music to making sure you eat and enjoy your reception, they take care of the logistics so you can focus on celebrating!

A day-of coordinator is perfect for couples who’ve planned most of their wedding but need a professional to handle the execution.

Wedding Planner: Your Right-Hand Person from Start to Finish

A wedding planner does everything a day-of coordinator does—but with much more hands-on involvement throughout the entire planning process. They help you make key decisions, book the best vendors, and bring your wedding vision to life. Here’s how they support you:

• Budgeting & Vendor Selection: They help you allocate your budget wisely and connect you with trusted, high-quality vendors.

• Design & Styling Guidance: From color palettes to floral arrangements, they help you create a cohesive wedding aesthetic.

• Contract Review & Negotiation: They read the fine print and make sure you’re getting the best deal and terms with your vendors.

• Full Wedding Logistics: They keep track of RSVPs, seating charts, catering details, and more.

• Unlimited Support: Whether you need help choosing linens, creating a rain plan, or navigating family dynamics, they’ve got your back.

A wedding planner is ideal for couples who want expert guidance from the start and don’t want to worry about the details themselves.

Venue Manager: The Venue’s Go-To Person

A venue manager is often mistaken for a wedding coordinator, but their role is quite different. While they are an essential part of your vendor team, their main focus is on the venue itself—not your wedding details. Here’s what they do:

• Venue Access & Logistics: They unlock and lock the venue, oversee parking, and ensure the space is set up according to its policies.

• Venue Rules & Restrictions: They enforce any guidelines related to catering, décor, noise ordinances, and cleanup.

• Facility Maintenance: They ensure the bathrooms are stocked, lights are working, and the venue is in good shape.

• Coordination with Your Vendors: They might answer questions from your vendors about loading docks, power sources, or setup policies.

While a venue manager is a valuable resource, they do not handle timeline coordination, vendor logistics, or last-minute problem-solving like a coordinator or planner does. Their priority is the venue, not your wedding day experience.

Which One Do You Need?

• If you want full support from start to finish: Hire a wedding planner.

• If you’ve planned everything but need someone to run the show: Hire a wedding day-of coordinator.

• If your venue requires a point of contact but not a planner: Rely on the venue manager, but know their role is limited.

Want a stress-free, flawlessly executed wedding? I’d love to help you create the day of your dreams! Let’s chat about how I can support your big day.