Wedding Coordination vs. Venue Coordination

You booked your dream venue and they told you not to worry because they have a wedding coordinator on-site. Sounds like a win, right? It’s easy to feel like that means you can skip hiring your own planner altogether.

But here’s the truth. A venue coordinator and an independent wedding planner are not the same thing. They play very different roles on your big day. And while they can absolutely work together as a team, having both is what truly makes things run smoothly. Trust me, I learned this firsthand.

Real Talk: What I Learned From Planning My Own Wedding

When I was planning my own wedding, I worked with both a venue coordinator and my own independent wedding coordinator. And wow, I can’t even explain how valuable it was to have both.

Something I quickly realized was that nearly every vendor, from the DJ to the catering team, was happy to step in and “help” with the planning process. That sounds lovely, but what actually happened was that many started shifting the timeline to suit their own needs. And yes, that included the venue coordinator.

While well-intentioned, their role is tied directly to the venue’s priorities.

Having my own wedding coordinator changed everything. She was there for me.

She put out fires before I even knew they existed and fought for the vision I had worked so hard to create. She kept the day on track, supported my decisions, and made sure the focus stayed on what mattered most. I got to be the bride, not the person managing logistics behind the scenes.

Now, I get to be that person for you.

So What’s the Difference?

A venue coordinator is focused on the venue itself. Their job is to make sure the space is set, the staff is ready, and everything runs according to the venue’s guidelines. They might suggest vendors they’ve worked with, help plan food service, and even run the ceremony if it’s happening on-site. Most of the time though, they leave after dinner and pass the reins to someone else.

An independent planner or day-of coordinator (that’s me) works for you.

Whether you bring me in from the start or hire me just for the final month, my job is to make sure everything goes according to your plan. I’m the point person for every vendor, every bridesmaid, every family member, and every moving part.

I help you plan the details or step in to execute the ones you’ve already planned.

I’m with you from before the ceremony to the end of the night, making sure everything runs seamlessly. You don’t need to worry about cueing your music, tracking down your florist, or moving the cake inside when the weather shifts. That’s my job.

Full Planning or Day-Of? I Do Both

Every couple is different, which is why I offer both full-service planning and day-of coordination.

Some couples want support from the moment they get engaged. Others have already done most of the work and just need someone to take the reins in the final stretch. Whether you’re starting from scratch or almost there, I’ll meet you where you’re at.

Day-of coordination is perfect for couples who want to plan it themselves but don’t want to spend their wedding day putting out fires. I take over communication with vendors, finalize your timeline, and handle all the logistics so you can soak in every second of your day.

It’s Not Just a Splurge. It’s the Investment of Your Day.

Hiring a wedding planner or coordinator isn’t just about making things pretty. It’s about giving yourself the freedom to actually enjoy your wedding. You and your partner are the guests of honour, not the hosts. You shouldn’t be the ones running the show.

Investing in a planner means protecting the experience you’ve dreamed about. So many couples have told me after the fact that they had no idea how much went into the day until they were in it. My job is to carry that weight so you don’t have to.

Details Are My Love Language

I’m obsessed with the small things. The way a place card is angled, how the music fades in just before you walk down the aisle, that one moment in your ceremony that no one else knows is meaningful but you do. These are the details that make a wedding feel personal and magical. And those are the things I live for.

Let’s Make This Easy

You deserve to be present, joyful, and calm on your wedding day. Let me be the one keeping the wheels turning behind the scenes so you can focus on marrying your person.

If you’re unsure whether a full planner or a day-of coordinator is right for you, let’s chat. No pressure, no pushy pitch. Just real conversation about what you need and how I can help make it happen.

XOXO, Jess