My Venue Has a Coordinator – Do I Still Need a Wedding Planner?

It’s one of the most common things we hear from couples in the early stages of planning:

"We’ve booked our venue and it comes with a wedding coordinator – so we probably don’t need a planner too, right?" At first glance, it might seem like there’s a bit of overlap – but the truth is, your venue coordinator and your wedding planner have very different roles. Both are important, but they’re there for different reasons, at different times, and for different parts of your day.

Let’s unpack what each role really means and why having both can make all the difference to your experience – and your peace of mind.

What does a venue wedding coordinator do?

Your venue coordinator is there to represent the venue – and they’re brilliant at exactly that.

Their focus is making sure the venue runs smoothly on your wedding day. That might include:

• Coordinating access times and suppliers for setup

• Making sure tables and chairs are laid out according to plan

• Overseeing the venue’s catering and bar team (if in-house)

• Keeping an eye on timings as they relate to the venue’s schedule

• Ensuring the venue is safe, clean and running as it should

In short – they’re your venue’s expert. And if your venue offers a coordinator, you’re in good hands when it comes to anything that falls within their remit.

What does a wedding planner do?

As wedding planners, we take a much wider view. We’re there for you – from the moment you start planning right through to the last glass of champagne on the night. We're the go-to for all your questions, ideas, worries, and the thousands of little details that don’t fall under the venue’s scope.

Our role might include:

• Helping you define your vision and source the perfect suppliers

• Managing your budget and payment schedules

• Creating detailed timelines that include every element of your day

• Handling logistics across all suppliers – not just the ones tied to the venue

• Styling and design support

• Being there on the day to manage the flow, keep things calm, and make sure everything goes exactly to plan

We’re with you throughout the entire process – and crucially, we’re dedicated solely to you, not the venue.

Why do I need a wedding planner if I have a venue coordinator?

The best way to think of it is this: your venue coordinator is focused on the where, while your wedding planner is focused on the who, what, when, how and why.

A few more key differences:

• Continuity: Venue coordinators can change – sometimes multiple times before your big day. You could have the sales team as first port of call, the a coordinator and then an Operations team member . We’re with you from start to finish.

• Scope: A planner looks after the whole picture – not just the venue elements. We coordinate every supplier, cue your ceremony music, pin your veil, fix the flower girl’s headband and chase the missing bouquet.

• Design & personalisation: We help you make your day yours, curating your wedding design that is authentically you, that goes far beyond venue layout.

• Problem-solving: From last-minute changes to unexpected hiccups, we’re there with backup plans and solutions on speed dial.

  
  

So – do you need a planner?

If you want your planning journey to feel calm, supported and full of joy (and not just spreadsheets and stress)? Then we really believe you’ll feel the difference with a planner by your side. Past couples have said " You made the whole experience of planning a wedding an enjoyable one and it was without doubt the best investment we made." and "Hiring Mel was the single best decision we made for our wedding!"

Your venue coordinator is there to make the venue shine for your wedding. A planner is there to make you shine – and to make sure the day you’ve dreamed of is exactly what you get, down to the smallest detail. If you’re not sure which level of support you need, we’re always happy to talk things through – just a friendly chat to help you figure out what’s right for you. Get in touch here.

This is Your Story – and we’re here to help you tell it beautifully.

Photo credit: Maja Tsolo Photography