Skip to main content

An Independent Wedding Planner vs. an On-site Venue Coordinator

Many couples may feel they do not need a wedding planner if there is an on-site coordinator at their venue. So we've listed some differences of each role to help clear up this misperception. The bottom line is that you need both!!

1. When it comes to coordinating the big day, an on-site coordinator can do so much up to a certain point. The wedding planner will be the one with you throughout the entire day, as well as coordinating your the rehearsal.



2.  On-site coordinators sometimes give vendor referrals which is what an independent wedding planner will do too. But, the wedding planner will attend meetings with you and handle most of the communications with your other vendors.

3. An on-site coordinator is at your venue to represent the property but not represent the bride and groom themselves.




4. An on-site coordinator will make sure that you are getting what was promised in your contract, that the kitchen is fully staffed, that the food is coming out on time and warm, and that the sound system is properly working, It's the independent wedding planner who will be with you every step of the way. She will not only make sure you're getting what your venue's contract states, but what all of your vendors contracts state as well.



5. An independent wedding planner will represent the bride and groom and not just the venue.



6. Many on-site coordinators leave shortly after dinner is served and depend on their staff to finish out the evening. An independent wedding planner will stay with you through the end of the night, making sure that your personal belongings are packed up and loaded into a vehicle or hotel room and also assist with tear down. But most importantly, the wedding planner is typically the last one that you hug while expressing how wonderful your day was! :-)





There will be some overlaps between an on-site coordinator and an independent wedding planner at the venue. In these instances, the independent coordinator can focus on the couple's needs and the on-site coordinator can focus on the venue's performance.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Does a "Day-Of Coordinator" only show up on the wedding day?

"I've done all my own planning and want a "day-of" coordinator but can't find one who will show up on the wedding day only !  Why?" There's probably a lot of confusion amongst engaged couples because of the term "day-of" coordinator. If you end up speaking to someone who says they will only show up on the wedding day and save you lots of money because of it, please stay clear of them! Many wedding planners may label their coordination as "day-of" wedding coordination, but there is far more involved than just showing up on the wedding day when it comes to a professional wedding planner who knows what she/he is doing. Photo Credit: Estes Images Here are some reasons why a wedding coordinator shouldn't show up  only  on the wedding day: Many planners begin their coordination services 4-8 weeks out because many venues request the wedding day timeline one month prior. A 1 1/2 to 2 hour timeline meeting typically kicks off

A Venue Coordinator vs. A Wedding Coordinator

Unfortunately, things haven't changed much in the wedding industry regarding the confusion between a venue coordinator and a wedding coordinator. Couples still seem very confused between these two roles and end up not hiring a wedding coordinator after speaking with their venue. Their day ends up in disappointment because they assumed they would have that one, key person to go to and rely on for their entire wedding day. Instead, they have to wait until they walk through their venue doors to receive some coordination by their venue coordinator or banquet captain, who's primary responsibility is to the get the meal out on time and at an ideal temperature. Photo Credit: Leppert Photography So, when you begin visiting venues and you learn that a venue has an event coordinator who tells you that you do not need to hire a wedding coordinator/planner, ask them if they will show up at the hotel while you and your girls are getting ready earlier in the day. Ask if they will be w

Hyatt Regency Chef's Table

I was invited to a Chef's Table luncheon yesterday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the luncheon was absolutely fabulous! If you are thinking of having your wedding reception at the Hyatt, you can expect to have a scrumptious meal for you and your guests! Thought I would share the menu that we had yesterday! "The Taste of Winter" Amuse Roulade of Chicken with Caramelized Mushrooms, Ricotta Salada and Spinach over a White Bean Stew First Course Pumpkin Seed Crusted Snapper, Parsnip Puree Carrot and Green onion Sauces Intermezzo Blood Orange Sorbet Main Course Rioja Braised Short Rib with Sweet Potatoes in three ways: Sweet Potato and Panchetta Ravioli, Bravant Sweet Potatoes and a Crispy Sweet Potato Nest Trio Dessert Chocolate Bread Pudding with Cherries, Macadamia Nuts and Port Syrup Salty Caramel Parfait Hazelnut Mocha Espresso