Understanding the Roles: Wedding Planner, Wedding Coordinator and Venue Manager
When planning a wedding, it's crucial to understand the different roles involved in bringing your big day to life. While each role is essential, they have distinct responsibilities that contribute to the overall success of your wedding. Here's a breakdown of the three key players: the wedding planner, the wedding coordinator and the venue manager.
Wedding Planner: The Visionary
The wedding planner is typically involved from the very beginning of your wedding journey. Their primary responsibility is to help you plan the wedding of your dreams. From sourcing vendors to working within your budget, the wedding planner is your go-to expert for all things wedding-related. They often have established relationships with vendors and may offer packages that include services from these trusted partners.
A wedding planner’s job is to take the stress off your shoulders, managing everything from the early stages of planning to the final details. They’re the ones who will bring your vision to life, ensuring every aspect of your wedding is meticulously planned. If you’re looking for someone to guide you through the entire process, a wedding planner is essential.
Wedding Coordinator: The Executor
The wedding coordinator is your lifeline on the big day. Unlike a planner, a coordinator is typically brought in closer to the wedding date, often taking over the plans you and your planner have set in motion. Their role is to execute the plans made by you and your planner, ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day of your wedding.
Your wedding coordinator will handle all the logistics, from setting up the venue to coordinating with vendors. They are there to manage the schedule, troubleshoot any issues that arise and ensure that your day goes off without a hitch. The coordinator often works for 8 to 10 hours on the day, covering everything from setup to the final pack-up. If you can have the same person serve as both your planner and coordinator, it can make for an even more seamless experience, as they will be fully familiar with all the details.
Venue Manager: The Venue’s Guardian
The venue manager, on the other hand, works for the venue itself. Their responsibility is to ensure that the venue is in perfect condition and that all contractual obligations are met. They make sure that the venue is clean, the lights are on, the gates are open and everything that the venue has agreed to provide is in place.
Unlike the wedding planner or coordinator, the venue manager is not responsible for your vendors or any DIY elements you've incorporated into your wedding. Their focus is solely on the venue, ensuring it’s ready and functioning according to the terms agreed upon in your contract.
Which One Do You Need?
Deciding whether to hire a wedding planner, coordinator or rely on the venue manager—or a combination of all three—depends on your venue, your organisational skills and what you want from your wedding day.
Wedding Planner
If you want to reduce the stress of planning, a wedding planner is invaluable. They handle all the research, negotiations, and planning.
Wedding Coordinator
If you want to enjoy your day without worrying about the details, a coordinator is essential. They manage the day’s logistics, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Venue Manager
While not hired by you, the venue manager ensures that the venue is prepared and meets all contractual agreements. They are an important part of the day, but their focus is on the venue, not the overall wedding.
Sometimes, you may engage a planner for the initial stages and then hand over to a coordinator for the day-of execution. Keep in mind that some venues may have restrictions on third-party coordinators, so always check with your venue first.
In summary, each role plays a critical part in your wedding and having a clear understanding of their responsibilities can help you decide which professionals you need on your team to ensure your day runs smoothly.
