Venue Coordinator vs. Wedding Planner: What is the Difference (and Do You Need Both?)

Hi,

Planning a wedding can feel like a full-time job, and knowing who is actually there to help can get… confusing. One area that needs clearing up, is the difference between a Venue Coordinator and a Wedding Planner. The question is not always asked out loud, but it is definitely there…

… “If the venue has a coordinator — do I still need a wedding planner?”

Here’s the short answer: they are both amazing, but they do VERY different things.

Role of a Venue Coordinator:

They work for the venue, and they will focus on anything that happens on-site — like opening the doors, coordinating the kitchen, managing their staff, and making sure things run smoothly at their venue.

Think of them as the guardians of the venue’s side of things

Role of an Independent Wedding Planner:

I work for you.

From the very first venue visit, to the last guest leaving the dancefloor, I am there to help you with every detail. From finding suppliers, designing the look of the day, managing budgets, timelines, and yes, even pinning buttonholes and fixing dress trains.

I am your go-to throughout the entire journey — not just the venue bits.

So, Do You Need Both?

You don’t have to, but having an independent planner gives you personal support across the whole process — not just on the wedding day, and not just for one location.

You will have someone on your team who knows your full vision, and is making sure it all comes to life- exactly how you imagined it.

Planning a wedding comes with so many moving parts — and it’s completely normal to feel unsure about who does what, or where to focus your time and energy.

The key takeaway? A venue coordinator is there to make sure everything runs smoothly on behalf of the venue. A wedding planner is there to support YOU — your vision, your logistics, your priorities — from start to finish.

You don’t have to have both, but knowing the difference can help you decide what kind of support will serve you best. Whether you are going full DIY or building a full planning team, having the right people in the right roles can make ALL the difference — not just on the wedding day, but all the way through the experience.

After all, planning is such a big part of the journey — and it deserves to feel just as joyful, calm, and meaningful as the wedding day itself. Whether you decide to work with a planner, rely on your venue team, or find your own rhythm, the most important thing is that you feel supported every step of the way. You don’t have to do it all alone — and you deserve to enjoy the process just as much as the celebration.

Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog- I really appreciate it!

With Love,

Lauren x