This is one of the most common questions I’m asked by my couples in the early stages of their wedding planning process with me.
“If my venue has a coordinator, do I still need a wedding planner?”
The job titles sound quite similar but the role each plays is vastly different. While both are key players on your wedding day, the support they offer and their focus on the day may surprise you.
Want to know if a wedding planner or venue coordinator is best for you? Here’s a quick breakdown of both roles so you can feel confident knowing who is a part of your wedding day team.
What does a venue coordinator do?
A venue coordinator works for the venue, which means their priority is ensuring everything runs smoothly from the venue’s perspective.
Their role typically includes:
- Overseeing the venue’s setup and layout
- Coordinating in-house catering or bar teams
- Managing access times and ensuring the space is ready on schedule
- Acting as the point of contact for venue specific questions or logistics
- Being the go-to person between the venue and your suppliers
If you’re marrying at a luxury hotel, country estate, or members’ club your venue coordinator may also help with certain on the day practicalities, but their responsibilities are based around the venue itself.
They’re not responsible for looking after you directly, liaising with our bridal party or making sure your wedding runs on time outside of what affects the venue directly.
You will typically know who your venue coordinator will be a few weeks before your wedding day and you may be in touch with them via email but this varies from venue to venue.
The role and responsibilities of a wedding planner
A wedding coordinator, like me, is there to guide and support you right from the moment you get engaged and start working together. I offer advice, find and liaise with all your suppliers, help you stay on budget and create your bespoke wedding day timeline together.
My priority on the wedding day is 100% on you, your family and your guest experience. I am there to sort any problems that arise, make sure every detail is perfect and above all give you peace of mind knowing I am handling every aspect of your wedding day.
When we work together to plan your wedding day, I’ll:
- Offer expert advice and guidance at every stage
- Ensure all external suppliers arrive on time, are properly briefed, and understand the schedule. From the marquee company and caterers to your florist, stylist, and entertainment.
- Manage any unexpected changes such as supplier delays, last-minute layout tweaks, or adjustments for weather or lighting.
- Stay one step ahead of the timeline, ensuring things run smoothly without needing to bother you or your family.
- Support your bridal party, check in with family, and provide quiet reassurance when emotions run high or energy dips.
- Remain by your side throughout the whole day, from 7am hair and makeup calls to final carriages, keeping the day flowing calmly, discreetly, and always with you in mind.
I work closely with your venue, of course – but my priority is always you and the experience you want to create.
And that’s what I aim to bring, thoughtful, tailored support that goes far beyond logistics.
Another common question I’m asked is..
Can a wedding planner and wedding coordinator work together?
Yes – and often we do!
The key thing to understand is that these are two distinct roles with different priorities and so the best results can actually happen when we work together, especially for large scale weddings.
This kind of partnership becomes especially valuable in marquee weddings where every detail must be planned and managed from scratch, such as power sources, generators, flooring, lighting, wet weather contingencies etc. You’re essentially building a wedding venue from the ground up and every moving part relies on expert planning and strong supplier communication, which is where a wedding planner becomes truly essential. I oversee the entire production whilst the venue coordinator ensures everything relating to the grounds and venue is handled, such as managing access times and ensuring the space is clean, safe, and ready when needed.
With both a wedding planner and a venue coordinator, you’re supported from all sides. The venue coordinator ensures the space and staff are ready while I ensure the entire day flows exactly as you envisioned – calmly, seamlessly, and with no one needing to ask you a single question.
When everything is going to plan, the difference between the two roles might not be obvious.
But when the unexpected happens (even with the best plans in place), the value of having someone by your side who knows the full picture becomes crystal clear.
A wedding planner is there to support you, not just the logistics. Someone who understands your vision, has built trusted relationships with your suppliers and can calmly navigate anything that arises, all while allowing you to stay present and enjoy every moment.
If you’re planning a wedding and want to explore how a dedicated wedding planner can make your wedding run like a dream, I’d love to have a chat with you to learn all about your wedding vision.
Click here to book a friendly consultation call with me.
Team:
Venue- @arleyhallweddings
Planning and Host- @lmjweddingplanner
Planning and Host @victorialouiseweddings
Design, styling and Stationary @soireestudiouk
Natalie Webster @nataliejweddings
Content Creator @saras_socials_scp
BTS photographer @thebridetribe
Florist @Jemmakhanstudio
Cake @boutiquebakery_chester
Hair @pinnedbyjenny
Make up @bysophiegriffiths
Dresses @byjosephinescottlondon
Shoes and Midi Dress- @charlottemillslondon
Suits- @dobellclothing
Veils- @tulleandflobridal
Rose and Slip @lunaroselondon
Jewellery @eleventhheaven11
Crockery, chairs and glassware @optionsgreathire
Linen @chateaunoireventhire
Flatlay kit and accessories @theflatlaycorner and @lightatelieruk
Flatlay Backdrops @cblbackdrops
Model Couple @katieandisaac_
Female model @Charlottehickey
OTD Assistants @bootiqueweddingsandevents
OTD Assistants @weddingsbyhollyrose
