The Roles and Responsibilities of a Venue Coordinator vs. a Wedding Planner

Apr 20, 2023

Weddings are one of the most important events in a couple's life, and there are a lot of moving parts that go into planning one. As such, many couples choose to hire professionals to help them coordinate and plan their big day. However, it's important to know the difference between a wedding venue coordinator and a wedding planner, as they have different roles and responsibilities.


A wedding venue coordinator is typically an employee of the wedding venue. They are responsible for managing the logistics of the wedding day at the venue, including setting up tables and chairs, coordinating with vendors who are working at the venue, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the day of the wedding. They may also be responsible for handling any issues that arise on the day of the wedding, such as a vendor being late or a guest having a problem.


In contrast, a wedding planner is hired by the couple to help them plan and execute their entire wedding, from start to finish. A wedding planner's responsibilities can include helping the couple choose a venue, selecting vendors, creating a timeline for the day, managing the budget, and coordinating all of the details leading up to the wedding. On the day of the wedding, a wedding planner will oversee everything and ensure that every single detail goes according to plan.


While both roles are important in the wedding planning process, a wedding planner generally has a broader range of responsibilities and is involved in more aspects of the planning process than a venue coordinator. A wedding planner can help the couple with everything from choosing a theme for the wedding to managing the guest list and RSVPs. They can also provide advice and guidance throughout the planning process to ensure that the couple is making informed decisions and staying on track with their budget.


Ultimately, whether you choose to hire a wedding planner will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Should you be getting married at the John Joseph Inn, rest assured our on-site coordinator will be by your side throughout the entire wedding weekend to manage the logistics on the day of your wedding. However, if you’re looking for assistance with all aspects of your wedding, from start to finish, a wedding planner may be a good option for you.


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