It is an unfortunate and popular misconception that a venue coordinator offers the same range of services as a bespoke, private wedding planner such as Absolute Perfection. In fact the two roles differ immensely on a wide range of levels – as all too many couples discover to their dismay at some point during their engagement!
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The differences stem from the fundamental fact that an in-house wedding coordinator’s primary concern is the wedding venue, since it is the wedding venue that employs and pays the coordinator to act as the point of contact for brides and grooms using the wedding venue.
However the bespoke, private wedding planner has no such attachment or allegiance. Instead, because their number one priority is the client, the planner will strive to ensure their client always gets the best service from the chosen venues, services and suppliers.
This issue is compounded by the fact that many wedding venues actively promote the ‘free’ services of their in-house wedding planner as a reason for hiring their property in the first place. And subsequently, the bride and groom assume they have no need to hire their own wedding planner.
That is not to say there are plenty of fine in-house, wedding coordinators out there. It is just that they do not offer the diverse range of services and benefits you get when hiring a bespoke, private wedding planner.
The primary differences between the two roles are outlined in the table below.
| The Difference Between A Wedding Planner & A Venue Coordinator | |
| Absolute Perfection Wedding Planner | An In-House Coordinator / Venue Coordinator |
| No.1 priority is the client. | No.1 priority is their venue. |
| Primary function is to advise and assist the client, ensure a stress free engagement and work to design and create the perfect wedding. | Primary function is to ensure the smooth running of the venue. |
| We are here to deal with any wedding related problems, personal or professional. And any supplier related issues are usually solved before the client is aware a problem even existed! | Will not help when problems external to the venue occur. |
| Your planner will only work with a maximum of only 4 other clients at any one time. | They will be juggling dozens of clients at the same time. |
| Instant personal reply (where feasible) to indicate enquiry is being managed, followed by a same day detailed full response. 24 hours is slow. | Response times to enquiries will be extremely slow. 48 hours is typical and 72+ not uncommon, especially if the wedding date is more than 2 months away. |
| Frequent, regular, unlimited contact with the client via phone, email, skype and face to face throughout the wedding planning process and after the wedding if necessary. | They have limited contact with clients until a couple of months before the wedding, when they start to think about payments due, logistics, tastings and final guest numbers. |
| We offer bespoke, professional creative advice on a wide range of modern wedding styles, designs, trends, themes and colour schemes. | They will not provide any advice on industry styles, trends, colour schemes and themes. |
| We provide unrestricted access to any and all the UK’s best and most suitable wedding services and suppliers. | They cannot source or recommend suppliers outside their restricted supplier list containing 2 or 3 suppliers per category who pay to feature on the list! |
| In attendance throughout the wedding day to manage the smooth and precise running of the proceedings. Also deal with any problems that might arise relating to any aspect of the day. | They will be in attendance for a limited time during the wedding day, to deal solely with any venue or catering related issues that might arise. |
| We can secure discounts and free upgrades from a wide range of suppliers | Not possible! |
| We can negotiate contracts and terms with the venue | No! |
| And negotiate contracts/terms with all suppliers. | Again, impossible! |
| Acts as first point of contact for all suppliers. | That’s not happening |
| Organise your meetings with all suppliers. | No again. |
| Provides professional project management services, personalised time-lines, schedules, check-lists and back-up plans. | Dream on… |
| Provides professional advice on legal requirements | Not possible! |
| Provides professional advice on wedding etiquette, protocol, traditions and customs. | …No |
| Offer professional financial guidance on to manage your wedding budget. | And No! |
| Assist with guest accommodation and travel arrangements, including wedding website. | No |
| Assist with RSVP coordination. | No |
| Arrange all peripheral events such as rehearsals, pre-wedding welcome receptions, parties, usher’s lunch, post-wedding brunch. | No |
| Plus Hen & Stag planning assistance. | Not possible |
| And Engagement party planning assistance. | Not possible |
| As well as Honeymoon planning assistance. | Not possible |
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