Why a Venue Coordinator is not an Event Planner
Many couples make the mistake of believing that their venue offers an on-site Wedding Coordinator and because of that, they don't have any need to hire their own. While an honest mistake, it is one that often causes stress down the road.
The truth of the matter is that a Venue Coordinators job is to coordinate and manage arrangements between the venue and the couple. Generally, the only exception to this is if you have opted to use in house vendors for catering or other services.
To help clear up this common misconception, here is a quick list of what a Venue Coordinator does:
Manage all arrangements directly involving the venue.
Ensure that the venue contract is adhered to by the venue, the couple, and any outside vendors.
Basic set up from the venue (tables, chairs, linens, etc if provided by the venue.)
Host the venue tour.
They are typically on site during your event, however they may not always be available and may even be hosting several events simultaneously.
What a Venue Coordinator does not do:
Decor set up.
Manage any outside vendors.
Assist you with getting ready.
Guide the wedding party and guests.
Ensure that your timeline is followed (with the exception of in house vendors).
Troubleshoot any problems that may arise.
I've heard many horror stories of couples that expected much more from the Venue Coordinator and relied on them to do more than what is within their professional obligations, and ended up very disappointed in their entire wedding day because of this.
So, while a Venue Coordinator is definitely a blessing, do not think that they replace a great Wedding Coordinator when it comes to relentlessly ensuring that your big day is everything you have always dreamed of and more!