by Danielle Andrews, President and Co-founder, The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Inc.
Weddings are a symphony of moving parts, each playing a crucial role in creating a seamless and magical day. Among the key players behind the scenes are wedding planners and on-site venue coordinators. While their responsibilities may seem similar at a glance, their roles are distinctly different. To ensure a flawless wedding experience, it is essential that each professional stays in their lane, respects boundaries, and works together in harmony.
Wedding Planners: The Couple’s Advocate
A wedding planner is hired by the couple to oversee the entire planning process from start to finish. They are responsible for ensuring that the couple’s vision is executed to perfection and that every vendor, detail, and timeline aligns with the plan.
Key Responsibilities of a Wedding Planner:
- Vendor Management: Sourcing, negotiating, and coordinating all vendors, from photographers to florists, caterers, entertainment, and beyond.
- Timeline Creation & Execution: Developing and managing the overall wedding day timeline to ensure seamless transitions and efficiency.
- Budget Management: Assisting the couple in creating and sticking to a budget while making the most of their investment.
- Design & Styling: Helping curate the aesthetic of the wedding, from color palettes to floral arrangements and decor details.
- Guest Experience: Ensuring guests have an enjoyable and memorable experience, from transportation logistics to seating arrangements.
- Crisis Management: Handling any unexpected challenges or last-minute changes with professionalism and poise.
A wedding planner’s ultimate loyalty is to the couple. They are there to advocate for their needs, desires, and best interests at all times.
On-Site Coordinators: The Venue’s Representative
An on-site wedding coordinator, often referred to as a venue coordinator, is employed by the wedding venue. Their primary responsibility is to oversee the logistics and operations specific to the venue itself.
Key Responsibilities of an On-Site Coordinator:
- Venue Logistics: Managing the setup, layout, and overall function of the venue space.
- Venue Policies & Compliance: Ensuring that all elements of the wedding align with the venue’s policies, rules, and restrictions.
- Catering & Staffing: Coordinating food service, bar service, and venue staff schedules.
- Venue Setup & Breakdown: Overseeing when tables, chairs, and venue-provided decor are set up and removed.
- Facility Management: Handling lighting, heating/cooling, security, and restroom maintenance during the event.
Unlike wedding planners, on-site coordinators work for the venue, not the couple. Their priority is to ensure that the venue operates efficiently and that all staff members fulfill their roles accordingly.
Why Staying in Your Lane Matters
When wedding planners and on-site coordinators attempt to take on each other’s responsibilities, confusion, miscommunication, and inefficiencies can arise. Each professional has a designated role, and when those roles are respected, the wedding day flows effortlessly.
How Collaboration Creates the Best Results:
- ✅ Wedding Planners and On-Site Coordinators Communicate Clearly – A strong working relationship begins with clear communication about responsibilities and expectations.
- ✅ Each Professional Respects Their Role – The wedding planner manages the vendors and overall experience, while the on-site coordinator ensures the venue logistics run smoothly.
- ✅ A Unified Goal – Both professionals share the goal of executing a flawless wedding, and by working together within their roles, the couple benefits the most.
Final Thought
Both wedding planners and on-site coordinators play critical roles in a wedding’s success. However, for the best results, it is imperative that each professional stays in their designated lane. Wedding planners are there to serve the couple, ensuring their vision comes to life, while on-site coordinators work to manage the venue’s logistics and policies. When these roles are respected, weddings unfold with precision, professionalism, and a stress-free experience for all.
By working in synergy—not overstepping—wedding planners and on-site coordinators can create truly extraordinary celebrations.
Danielle Andrews, BA, WPICC, DWC, CWD
With over 25 years of experience in the Wedding Industry, Danielle has a deep passion for sharing her knowledge and helping others to succeed in this wonderful business.
You have seen her give expert wedding advice on television, in most wedding magazines, and major newspapers in Canada, the United States, and across the Caribbean.
Danielle is also a regular on the stage at International Wedding and Event Industry conferences.
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