What’s The Difference Between a Wedding Planner and a Venue Coordinator?
So you’re planning a wedding, and you’re trying to figure out if you need a day-of coordinator, a partial planner, or someone to take the wheel and drive the whole thing off the cliff for you (lovingly, of course). Maybe your venue said they “have someone onsite,” and now you’re wondering if that’s enough. Spoiler: it’s not. At least not usually.
In Episode 10 of Aisle Be Honest, we’re joined by the ultra-organized (and currently engaged!) Kenzie. She is the owner of I Do Weddings in Knoxville. She walks us through the chaos, confusion, and clarity that comes with figuring out what kind of wedding planning support you need and why your bestie who planned prom may not be it.
The Big Planning Breakdown: What Are Your Options?
Most planning services fall into one of these categories:
- Day-of Wedding Coordination: For couples who want someone to run the show on the wedding day itself. Spoiler: Most professionals will tell you this doesn’t exist. No one can show up cold and run a wedding. It’s more like “month-of” coordination, but let’s not split hairs (yet).
- Month-of Wedding Coordination: You’ve planned it all, but now you want to pass the baton and not get texted 37 times the morning of your wedding. This is where a wedding planning pros step in about 4–6 weeks out, creates the timeline, confirms vendors, and handles the chaos while you get your nails done.
- Partial Wedding Planning: A hybrid of DIY and “please save me.” You may have booked some vendors, but you need help with the rest. You want check-ins, planning tools, and someone who can tell you which caterer won’t ghost you.
- Full-Service Wedding Planning: You want a wedding, not a full-time job. This option is for couples who want a professional to guide them every step of the way—from venue and vendor selection to timeline creation, design vision, and general therapy.
- All-Inclusive Wedding Planning: This is for individuals who want to say, “I like candlelight and tacos,” and then show up to have it all magically appear. Think concierge service for your wedding day. You still get a say, but you don’t have to do the legwork.
And yes, there is a vast difference between wedding coordinating and wedding planning. Think of a coordinator as the person who brings it all together and ties your Pinterest board together with a prayer and some duct tape. Planning is more hands-on throughout. It’s like having a wedding Yoda who also happens to know how to manage your in-laws.
But My Venue Has a Venue Coordinator?
Cool. So does your kid’s soccer team. That doesn’t mean they’re planning your wedding. Kenzie explains that a venue coordinator works for the venue. A venue coordinator’s role is to ensure the toilets flush and the lights stay on. They are not calling your florist or making sure your DJ knows when to start the music.
You want more than that, so hire a wedding planner. A wedding planner, however, works for you. Your vendors. Your timeline. Your vibe. That’s the difference.
Your Friend or Family Member Cannot Be Your Coordinator.
Even if she’s organized. Even if she planned her own wedding. Even if she wears a headset to brunch. No. Just no.
Kenzie has seen it all—from friends dipping out of responsibilities to go catch up with guests to a DIY bartender literally abandoning the bar mid-reception. This is your wedding, not a group project. Hire a pro.
How Much Are We Talking?
Planning prices vary like mood swings in a bridal Facebook group, but here’s a rough breakdown:
- Month-of Coordination: $800–$1,800
- Partial Planning: $1,800–$3,500
- Full Planning: $3,500–$4,500+
- All-Inclusive: It depends. Guest count, vendors, rentals, how many signature cocktails you need—it all adds up.
Kenzie’s mantra: It depends. Because it does. Every wedding is a build-your-own-adventure book of choices, varying based on location, date, bridal party size, ceremony and reception venue, and guest count (among other things).
Bonus Wisdom: Trends, Contracts, and Chaos
Kenzie dropped some spicy truths we couldn’t leave out:
- Don’t get sucked into trends unless you really love them. A champagne tower may look great on Pinterest, but it’s sticky and a lawsuit waiting to happen.
- Rain will not ruin your wedding unless you let it. Backup plans exist for a reason. So do tents.
- Your wedding is about you, but other people are invited. If someone else is footing the bill, expect opinions. Set boundaries. Communicate. Repeat.
- Contracts evolve for a reason. Kenzie added a “no harassment” clause after being berated by a father of the bride. Don’t be that person. Also, protect your vendors.
Do you want a wedding coordinator or a full-service wedding planner?
You need more than vibes to pull off a wedding. Whether you’re someone who needs a little help in the home stretch or someone who wants to Marie Kondo the entire process out of your life, there’s a planning level for you.
Let a planner help you figure it out—ideally before you’re knee-deep in RSVP drama and playlist negotiations. Need more help than this? Take a peek at our catagories page and have a list of helpful wedding planning ideas at your fingertips!
Listen to the full episode of Aisle Be Honest on Spotify or YouTube to learn more about what planning support actually looks like and how to choose the one that fits your needs.
