The Difference Between a Venue Coordinator and a Wedding Coordinator

When it comes down to it, you might not be thinking about — or heck — even care what the difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding coordinator is. Don’t they do the same thing? The answer is: NOPE!

These roles are so easily misunderstood and that can really end up costing you precious time and money. Let’s walk through the difference so we can get you back to the fun parts of wedding planning!

Most wedding venues will have a venue coordinator – their job is to set up tours and share policies the venue has with vendors. They are also the venue expert – knowing the ins and outs of the event space. On a wedding day, they are there to ensure the policies of the venue are upheld and to make sure the venue itself is protected. Quite simply, their first priority is the venue.

Often, the venue coordinator will work with couples along with the couple’s wedding coordinator leading up to the wedding day. In this process they would review the rules of the venue (what is and isn’t allowed, what time the wedding party is allowed to arrive, etc.), ensure the venue provides facilities that are in good working order, confirm arrival times of vendors, and oversee the day in terms of the venue itself. Venue coordinators often arrive before any vendors do in order to make sure the property is ready for their client’s big day.

A wedding coordinator, on the other hand, is focused on making sure the entire day runs smoothly strictly for the couple, and by extension the vendors. Wedding coordinators also take vendor priorities into account so that everyone has what they need to make your wedding day a success. Depending on the package you choose, a wedding coordinator can also be a wedding planner who assists you in booking vendors, implementing creative elements, organizing the schedule and so much more! Your wedding coordinator will know exactly what your ceremony will look like, how your day will flow, what your floorplan will look like, and what to do with your items and decor at the end of the night.

On the day of, your wedding coordinator is one of your first vendors to arrive, then they stay until after you and your guests have left.  Think of your wedding coordinator as your right-hand advocate, your go-to person, your personal problem solver! Something pops up unexpectedly on your wedding day? Your wedding coordinator has it covered so that you, your family, and friends don’t have to lift a finger. 

Overall, it is optimal to have a wedding planner/coordinator AND a venue coordinator. They will work in conjunction to make sure everyone has what they need to succeed. Venue coordinators have the inside scoop of the venue to make your day as special as possible, while your wedding coordinator executes the day and makes sure everything you’re dreaming of comes together smoothly and any issues that arise are remedied. Take our advice, two is better than one in this case!