Difference Between Venue Coordinator and Day-of-Coordinator

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When you booked your wedding at a venue, you most likely have an on-site coordinator.

A common response from a couple who has one is:

“I have a venue coordinator who will handle everything, I don’t need to hire a wedding planner or coordinator.”

While the title of “venue coordinator” may appear to answer all your coordinating needs, however there is big difference between a venue coordinator and a day-of-coordinator.

You might ask them to do a responsibility, and they could be quick to say no. You may think it doesn’t seem like too much to ask for or make much sense. Well, you’re not the first one to think that.

However, for a venue coordinator it might not exactly be what meets the eye. The role you are thinking of is actually called a day-of-coordinator. It is easy to get confused with them both sounding the same, but once you understand a little bit more about each role, you’ll know there is specific need for each one. This post is here to help minimize the chance of you running into this problem, or to help fix this problem that you might not have known about.

Difference Between Venue Coordinator and Day-of-Coordinator

Venue Coordinator:

They Work for the Venue –

They are there to represent the property and deal with the venue’s aspects.

They will ensure the venue facility is contractually met and have responses for inquiries.

Take you for a tour around the property.

The staff will stay usually until the meal is served and will leave the manager in charge. This is similar to a wedding coordinator to a certain point.

Usually answers will be given about ceremony processionals, sound system, organize menu tastings and scheduled times. If there is an in-house catering, food and drinks will be served at the right time and correctly.

The venue coordinator will set up the basic reception (if included)

Monitor payments of venue.

They could be working multiple weddings that day, if your venue hosts more than one.

The monitor of outside vendors in respect to the rules of the venue. Example: Making sure there is no damage while the DJ sets up.

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Wedding Day-of-Coordinator:

They Work for You –

As representative of the bride and groom, their goal is to make sure your wedding day runs smoothly. Remember, they are hand selected by you and will be with you for the entire planning process of the day’s events (Note if you want full wedding planning service you need to hire a Wedding Planner).

Their duties are unlimited and are available to answer all questions. They will help you deal with the venue. As your behind-the-scenes director, they’ll make sure people are on time, details are correct, and set up meets your specifications.

They will be with you no matter if you are at venue or not. They will stay by your side throughout day and inform you when any event happens. For example: Cake cutting.

Contact vendors before your wedding day to confirm arrivals. They want to be on the same page with details. They will also take preventative measures to insure nothing goes wrong: emergency kits, spills, storms and/or someone running late. Any unforeseen issues will be seen before they happen.

Expected to coordinate between multiple location if needed. For example: Transportation from the getting ready location to the ceremony location.

All day-of-coordinators will be able to recommend skilled vendors at your style, price and personality (If you hire them earlier on in the planning process).

If time is a component for you, a wedding coordinator/planner is a great investment. There are some duties that overlap between a venue coordinator and a day-of-coordinator, but the wedding coordinator/planner fills in the blanks where tasks need to be filled. At the end of the day, to have both coordinators, means you are setting your wedding day up to run smoothly and effectively. Most importantly, you’re getting married and that is the most glorious part of this whole day!