Wedding Planners vs. Venue Coordinators and why you need both
If you’re in the middle of wedding planning and your venue offers an in-house coordinator, you might be wondering:
“Do I really need a wedding planner too?”
It’s a great question and one we hear all the time. The short answer? Yes, absolutely. A venue coordinator and a wedding planner serve very different roles, and if you want a stress-free, beautifully orchestrated day that allows you to be fully present, you’ll want both.
As a Los Angeles–based Wedding Planner with experience planning weddings both locally and abroad, I’ve worked alongside many amazing venue Sales Managers and coordinators and I’m here to break it all down for you.
What a Venue Coordinator Does
A venue coordinator works for the venue. Their job is to make sure things on their end go smoothly:
- They handle access to the property and make sure it’s ready
- They coordinate the venue’s staff (like banquet teams or security)
- They oversee venue-specific rules, rentals, or timelines
- They may assist with a basic timeline — but only what involves their space
They’re amazing at what they do — but they’re focused on protecting the venue’s needs and policies, not managing your vendors or personal vision.
What a Wedding Planner Does
A Wedding Planner works for you. Our job is to advocate for your vision, your priorities, and your people.
We manage every layer of your wedding experience, including:
- Creating a full wedding weekend timeline (not just day-of)
- Communicating with all your vendors
- Managing your setup and breakdown
- Directing ceremony processional and cues
- Solving unexpected problems without you ever knowing
- Keeping you, your family, and your wedding party fully in the moment
At Alicia & Co. Events, we offer full-service planning, partial planning and wedding management for clients in LA and around the world, because whether you’re having a luxury destination wedding or a local celebration, peace of mind is priceless.
Here’s a Real Example
We once worked with a couple getting married at a stunning venue in Malibu. The venue had an amazing coordinator who handled rentals and catering logistics. But they didn’t call the florist when they were late. They didn’t cue the music when the ceremony started. They didn’t notice that grandma needed help finding her seat.
We did.
That’s the difference. A wedding planner sees the full picture not just the venue.
So, Do You Really Need a Planner If Your Venue Has a Coordinator?
If you want someone to protect your peace, take stress off your family, and execute your vision flawlessly?
Yes. 1000x yes.
Because the truth is, venue coordinators are responsible for the building. We’re responsible for you.
Click here to inquire https://aliciaandcoevents.com/contact or DM us on Instagram @aliciaandcoevents
