Venue Coordinator vs. Independent Wedding Planner: What’s the Difference (and Which Do You Need?)

by Tiffany G.

If you’ve started touring venues, you’ve probably heard this one:"Don’t worry, we include a wedding coordinator!"

And while that sounds like a dream (yay, one less thing to think about), it often leaves couples wondering…Do I still need a wedding planner?Aren’t they the same thing?

At Forever Yours by Tiffany G., I hear this question all the time — and I totally get the confusion. So let’s clear it up.

Venue Coordinator vs. Independent Wedding Planner: What’s the Real Difference?

Venue coordinators are amazing, but they work for the venue, not for you. Their focus is making sure the venue's responsibilities are executed smoothly — tables and chairs are where they should be, the lights are dimmed just right, and things stay within the venue’s guidelines.

As an independent wedding planner, my job is to take care of you. From start to finish. From big-picture vision to the tiniest detail. I’m with you through the planning, the budgeting, the emotional “OMG-are-we-doing-this” moments, and the grand finale.

Here’s a Side-by-Side Breakdown to Make It Easy:

	Venue Coordinator	Forever Yours by Tiffany G. (Independent Planner)
Who They Work For	The venue	You (Team You all day!)
Scope of Work	Venue-focused only	Your entire event
Vendor Management	Limited	Full vendor support, referrals, and coordination
Timeline Creation	Venue-specific	Full day timeline — from hair & makeup to grand exit
Design/Styling Help	Usually not offered	Yes! Style, mood, colors — all you
Emergency Handling	Only venue-related	Every “Oh no!” becomes a “Handled it.”
Day-Of Coverage	Venue hours only	Full-day support wherever you need me

So… Do You Really Need Both?

In many cases, yes — and they work beautifully together. Your venue coordinator ensures their space runs smoothly. I, as your wedding planner, make sure everything else — from your ceremony setup to your sparkler send-off — is flawless.

The difference between a venue coordinator and independent wedding planner...

Think of it like this: Venue Coordinator = Venue Manager

Forever Yours by Tiffany G. = Your Personal Wedding CEO

You deserve someone in your corner whose only job is to take care of you, your vision, your budget, your people, and your peace of mind. That’s what I do best.

The Forever Yours Final Thought:

Your wedding deserves more than a clipboard and a set schedule — it deserves heart, strategy, and someone who sees the bigger picture (and the tiny, meaningful details too).

Let’s work together to make your day as unforgettable and stress-free as possible. Whether you need full planning or just some extra support, I’m here to help you feel confident, calm, and totally in love with how your wedding day unfolds.

💌 Ready to chat? Let’s schedule your free consultation. Your dream day is waiting — and I can’t wait to help you bring it to life.

— Tiffany G., your forever wedding hype woman