“There is a coordinator provided with the venue. Won’t they take care of everything that you do? Why do we need a professional planner for our wedding?”
I cannot tell you how many times I have heard this statement from a potential client during an initial consultation. The best way that I have found to talk about this topic is to address the myths and correct them with truth to provide you with the most accurate information.
Myth: The venue coordinator will be our planner for the wedding day.
Truth: For 95 percent of venue coordinators, their responsibility lies within the four walls of the venue plus catering if the venue has an in-house vendor. They are not responsible for calling your vendors, overseeing their proper setup, and ensuring they arrive on time. That is the responsibility of an independent professional planner
Myth: They will offer vendor recommendations.
Truth: This is part truth and part myth. Most venues have a preferred vendor list that’s made up of vendors that have the most experience in the venue and can provide the best services. Sadly, over the past few years, this has become a “pay to play list,” meaning that there is a possibility that the vendors on that list haven’t worked at the venue.
An independent planner will provide you with recommendations from their trusted vendors. They will not recommend any vendor that they do not trust or haven’t worked with.
Myth: The venue coordinator will track our overall wedding budget and provide us with recommendations to maximize our budget.
Truth: This is also partially true and partially a myth. The venue coordinator will provide you with budget-friendly recommendations for their services, but they will not provide you with options for the remainder of your vendors. Independent planners know their clients personally and have the most accurate and detailed information from vendors. They will be able to provide you with recommendations based on your specific wedding details.
Myth: The venue coordinator will provide your vendors, bridal party, and family with a detailed timeline, layout, and instructions for the wedding day.
Truth: The venue coordinator actually relies on the wedding planner for the timeline and details of the event. This is because the planner has comprehensive details from all the vendors and their client. The catering banquet event order (BEO) is based on the planner’s timeline.
Myth: The venue coordinator will set up your décor and items for your ceremony and reception.
Truth: The venue coordinator will not be responsible for setting up any of your items, and they will not keep track of them throughout the day. As an independent planner, this situation comes with some exceptions and possible additional costs depending on the scope of the setup and the timeline.
These are just a few of the more common misconceptions about the role of a venue coordinator vs. a professional wedding planner. I hope this provides you with enough information to make an informed choice about hiring a professional wedding planner for your day.
