If I have been asked this once, I have been asked this a thousand times. Even as a wedding photographer for my second company, Jackson Signature Photography, I have always explained this to my couples. I will preface this and say that some venue coordinators are AMAZING and go above and beyond 100%, but that is rare. What really is the difference between the coordinator at your venue and a wedding coordinator that you personally hire?
So many assumptions are put on wedding planners and coordinators leaving brides confused and unsure what to do. It’s assumed that if you have a venue coordinator, you don’t need a wedding coordinator or planner. But do you?
A venue coordinator does not actually coordinate your wedding. There I said it. The venue coordinator is there to advise you on the use of their wedding venue first and foremost. They are there to help you plan your day based on their venue rules and regulations. On your wedding day, it is their job to make sure their venue is in tip top shape and nothing is going wrong. If there is a lighting issue, a restroom issue, a parking issue, etc. That is where the venue coordinator comes in. It is their job to service their space to make sure you have the best possible experience while renting it.
Can some venue coordinators do more for you as a couples, yes. I have seen some help with table linens, personal item placement and more. I have worked with some who will even fluff the bride’s dress before she goes down the aisle if they are around. However, venue coordinators generally do not do this. They aren’t there to answer all of you wedding questions and be your go-to girl through the wedding planning process on things outside of your venue.
A wedding planner and wedding coordinator handle all of the extra things I mentioned and more. It’s their job to be there for you every step of the way planning and execute a very thought out wedding day plan that is more like a song and dance between all of your vendors, family, friends, and the both of you. It takes months to prepare and a lot of conversations and planning, but in the end, it’s a perfectly orchestrated wedding day.
Whether you have a full fledge wedding planner or simply hired a wedding coordinator, day-of coordinator, having them in your corner ensures you don’t have to assign family and friends to help on your wedding day. Everyone can simply enjoy your wedding day experience while your wedding planner/coordinator handles all the ins and outs of your day. Skillfully guiding everyone, ensuring your wedding vision has come to life and extinguishing any emergencies that may pop-up.
So, what does a wedding coordinator really do and what is the difference between a wedding planner and a day-of wedding coordinator? I’ll cover that difference in more detail in a later post, but today I’m going to give you a short and sweet list of what both a wedding coordinator does.
- Creates a wedding day game-plan so all of your wedding wishes are fulfilled.
- Becomes you wedding go-to girl for planning your day
- Works with all of your vendors prior to your wedding day so everyone knows what to expect.
- Sets up your place cards, favors, table numbers, card box, cute signs and small décor elements, etc.
- Coordinates the rehearsal to ensure next day wedding perfection
- Ensures all of your vendors are on sight and set-up is going well and on time.
- Handles emergencies that may arise.
- Ensures all spaces are set up according to your wedding vision.
- Gathers and guides everyone for the ceremony including lining your bridal party up.
- Gives the musicians cues for the ceremony and fluffs your wedding dress.
- Gathers your family for portrait time
- Bustles your wedding gown
- Moves your wedding bouquets throughout the day.
- Guides guests, you and your bridal party for the reception.
- Works with catering, the DJ, photographer and videographer to ensure all happens at the reception on time and all key players are present to capture everything.
- Guides vendors to their meals and making sure nothing is missed while they dine.
- Makes sure all vendors are paid by nights end.
- Coordinates tear-down at the end of the night
- Makes sure your venue is put back in place before everyone leaves so you can get your security deposit back.
There are so many more things a wedding coordinator does. While this only scratching the surface, I wanted you to get an understanding of the difference between the coordinator at your wedding venue and a wedding coordinator that you choose and hire. Venue coordinator are grand even as a wedding coordinator and planner. They really know their venue space and often share a ton of helpful things with a wedding planner and coordinator. It’s truly a wonderful relationship between vendors.
I would LOVE to be your wedding planner or coordinator, you can send me a message here to get started.
Blog photos by Jackson Signature Photography
