The Real Difference Between a Wedding Planner and a Venue Coordinator (and Why You Probably Need Both)
"We’ve got a venue coordinator – do we need a planner too?"
It’s a fair question. On paper, a venue coordinator and a wedding planner can sound a little samey. But the reality? They’re playing two very different positions on your wedding team - and having both can make the difference between a day that runs smoothly and a day that soars.
What a Venue Coordinator Typically Does
A venue coordinator is your go-to person for anything to do with the venue. They’re brilliant at:
Managing the in-house catering (if provided)
Opening up the venue, ensuring access, keeping things ticking
Making sure the tables and chairs are set as agreed
Coordinating their in-house staff and often handling basic supplier arrival
The catch? Their job is to represent the venue’s interests, not yours.
What a Wedding Planner Actually Does
Your wedding planner is the only person whose job is to represent you. Think of us as your creative director, PA, spreadsheet nerd, hype team and crisis hotline in one (with a stylish outfit and a clipboard).
We:
Help shape your budget and priorities
Shortlist, book and liaise with every single supplier - from the florist to the lighting designer
Create your wedding design concept and source key decor items
Build your timeline, down to the minute
Manage all the guest logistics, RSVPs, transport and accommodation
Problem-solve and manage anything that crops up - family dramas included
Run the day, troubleshooting silently so you can enjoy every second
We’re with you the whole way, not just on the day – and not just for the venue.
We Work With Your Venue Coordinator – Not Instead Of
We love venue coordinators. They’re essential to a well-run venue. But they’re just one part of the jigsaw.
We liaise with them, share our detailed schedules, bring in the suppliers they need to be aware of, and make sure everything runs to plan. But we’re also managing the rest - the things the venue team can’t possibly keep track of when they’re handling back-of-house logistics.
Think of your wedding planner as your own personal chief of staff. The venue coordinator? They’re head of venue operations. Both vital. Different skill sets.
So… Do You Need a Wedding Planner If You Have a Venue Coordinator?
If you want a wedding day that’s stress-free, beautifully styled, impeccably run and full of your personality - yes. Probably. And lucky for you, we’ve got options.
Our Packages:
👉 The Full Revelry – for start-to-finish support, including design, sourcing, logistics and complete coordination.
👉 A Little Revelry – for couples who’ve booked key suppliers but want expert guidance, monthly check-ins and full coordination support in the final stretch.
Get in touch – we’ll help you work out what you need (and what you don’t).
