If I had a dollar for every time a couple asked, “Our venue has a coordinator—do we really need a wedding planner?” I’d probably be on an all expenses paid cruise around the world by now.

Let’s talk about it! While the titles may sound interchangeable, these roles are very different—and knowing the difference can save you major stress and surprises on your big day.

🎼 The Symphony
Think of your wedding like a symphony performance.
– The wedding planner is the conductor—We oversee every moving part, guide the entire process, and ensure that everything (and everyone) flows together seamlessly from planning to execution.
– The day-of coordinator is one of the key musicians—they follow the plan and play their part beautifully, but they don’t write the music.
– The venue coordinator? They’re more like the house manager. They make sure the lights are on and the stage is set—but they don’t rehearse with the orchestra.

Now let’s break it down.

🎯 Venue Coordinator
– Employed by the venue, not you.
– They ensure the venue is clean, set up properly, and that their in-house services (like catering, bar or bathrooms) run smoothly.
– They’re primarily focused on protecting the venue’s interests, not customizing your event.
– They’re not responsible for managing your vendors, timeline, or details outside of their property.

💡 Think of them as your venue’s rep—not your personal event manager.

🕒 Day-of Coordinator
– They often step in about 4–6 weeks before the event.
– They’ll review your plans, confirm logistics, and create a timeline based on what you’ve already planned.
– On the day-of, they’re your go-to person—directing vendors, keeping everything on schedule, and troubleshooting.
– But they don’t help with big-picture decisions, vendor sourcing, budget planning, or design.

💡 Perfect if you’ve already done the planning yourself and need someone to run the show for one day.

💍 Full-Service Wedding Planner
– We partner with you from start to finish.
– We assist with every aspect of planning from budgeting, vendor selection, design, logistics, timelines, contracts, and guest experience.
– We serve as your advocate and decision-making coach, helping you navigate every “what if” with confidence.
– We are the conductor that orchestrates the vision you dream up—and brings it to life.

💡 If you want peace of mind, creative direction, and someone who’s as invested in your event as you are—this is your best bet.

🎉 So… Do You Need a Wedding Planner?
If your goal is to enjoy the planning journey (and not turn into a ball of stress by month three), the answer is “YES”. A planner saves you time, costly mistakes, and decision fatigue, while giving you an experience that feels intentional, unique to you, and seamless.

Just like you wouldn’t expect the stage manager at a theater to direct the entire play, don’t expect your venue coordinator to pull off your dream day. Invest in a full-service planner who knows how to make every detail sing.