If you’ve just started your wedding planning journey, you may have encountered the terms “venue coordinator” and “wedding coordinator” and questioned what responsibilities they play. Let me distinguish the differences between the two roles and how it’s ideal to have both on your wedding team to create a carefree and memorable day.

Let’s start by breaking down the duties of a venue coordinator. It’s important to know that each host site may use a different label to describe this role. Among the most used titles are “Event Director”, “Catering Manager” and “Wedding Specialist”. I’ve also encountered some fancier descriptions like “Wedding Curator” or “Concierge”. Regardless of the name given, they primarily perform the same key functions. They are there to guide you through the rules and regulations of hosting a wedding at their venue. Most have years of experience in the event industry so their advice is crucial in aiding you to make sound decisions on the logistics of the day. Here’s a synopsis of their job responsibilities.

5 KEY DUTIES OF A VENUE COORDINATOR

· Review and apply the rules and regulations of the venue rental agreement.

· Share best practices of previous weddings held at their venue.

· Book all venue walkthrough appointments such as the layout meeting and rehearsal.

· Respond to protocol questions that vendors may have.

· Staff accordingly to ensure the set-up and execution of your wedding is successful.

Wedding coordinators also have many aliases. If you’ve ever been confused by the terms “Day-of Coordinator”, “Month-of Coordinator” or “Event Management” just know they’re the same thing. These terms essentially concentrate on the coordination and execution of the day itself, not the planning. Wedding coordinators are there through the development and design decision making and can answer questions and suggest ideas, but they do not take on the roles of a wedding planner or venue coordinator. Here’s a summary of the wedding coordinator role.

5 KEY DUTIES OF A WEDDING COORDINATOR

· Act as a guide in providing etiquette and advice to the couple. 

· Confirm arrival/departure times directly with the wedding professionals selected.

·  Formulate the wedding day timeline and distribute it to the vendor team.

·  Conduct the ceremony rehearsal in the days leading up to the wedding. 

·  Coordinate all day-of activities; setting décor, greeting and directing vendors, troubleshoot issues with discretion, packing gifts, and personal items at the end of the night, and check-out with the venue coordinator.

BOTTOM LINE

Both these highly experienced professionals will complement each other. They will work together and be essential in creating a stress-free wedding day so you can soak in the love. Personally, I enjoy working with Arizona venue coordinators and strive to create a friendship to strengthen the relationship. Look at us as a “package deal” where both are needed so a memorable wedding is the blooming fruit of your wedding planning labor!

Happy Planning! Janet