One of the things I hear all the time from couples is: "Yes, we have a planner; our venue assigns us one about a month out!" And while I completely understand the confusion, I wanted to take this opportunity to clarify that they are not the same thing.

So let's break it down. Because at the end of the day, you deserve to feel supported by a team that's looking out for you, not just the Venue. And while I'm a wedding photographer, I work with planners, coordinators, and venue teams all the time, so I've seen the difference they make, and more importantly, I've seen what happens when they're missing.

Here’s an insider perspective so you get the low-down.

What Does a Venue Coordinator Actually Do?

Venue coordinators are wonderful humans who make sure the Venue itself runs smoothly. But their job is very different from a wedding planner or coordinator.

A venue coordinator is employed by the Venue, not by you. Their main responsibility? The Venue. They might help you with basic timeline questions, unlock the doors, make sure the tables and chairs are set up, and check in with the caterer, but their loyalty (and hours) are tied to the Venue.

Most of the time, they leave after dinner is served. If your DJ's running behind or the timeline needs adjusting, they're likely already out the door. If something goes off-track, they might help, but it's not really their job to run interference for the details of your day.

Bottom line: A venue coordinator is focused on what they are responsible for (the space). Not on your hair and makeup delays, vendor communication, or making sure your grandma gets her corsage.

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What About Wedding Planners and Coordinators?

Now let's talk about the pros who are hired by you and work for you. Here's a breakdown of the different types:

Full-Service Planner

Think of a full-service planner like your fairy godmother. They come in early (usually right after you get engaged) and help with everything:

Budgeting
Booking vendors
Reviewing contracts
Design and aesthetic
Timeline creation
Managing RSVPs
Being the point of contact for everyone

They are involved in every step of the planning process and will be with you all day on your wedding day.

Think of them as your authentic, personal cheerleader. They are invested in your entire wedding experience, including the planning journey! I can't say enough good things about having a full planner on your team to absorb all the bumps along the road so you don't have to.

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Partial Planner

Partial planners are heroes, too! Typically, they jump in once you've secured a few key things like your Venue and date. They help you with vendor referrals, timeline logistics, and making sure all the pieces come together.

This is an excellent option if you want to be involved in Planning but need some professional backup so you don't feel like you're in over your head.

Weddings are beautiful celebrations of love and unity, but let's be honest, they come with a TON of details. If you don't want to keep track of them all on your own, partial planners are the ticket!

Day-Of (or Month-Of) Coordinator

This one is a bit of a misnomer because most day-of coordinators start helping around 4–6 weeks before your wedding. They step into the middle of all of your planning efforts and finalize your timeline, confirm with vendors, and make sure your rehearsal and wedding day run smoothly.

Think of them as your final-mile support!

They're the ones making sure your ceremony starts on time, the champagne is poured before toasts, the transportation is on time, that your vendors are all in the same page and that you actually eat dinner (which is so underrated!).

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Why It Matters (Especially for Your Photographer)

So, if there's no coordinator and no planner, guess who ends up managing the timeline? Yup. Me. Your photographer.

I've absolutely fluffed veils, pinned boutonnieres, adjusted timelines and wrangled family members for portraits, which I'm happy to do to support you in having the best day ever. But that also means I'm not behind the camera capturing all the moments you hired me for.

Especially in my case, capturing the photojournalistic, candid side of weddings, I might miss out on those amazing in-between faces, moments, and gestures when I'm helping with logistics.

Having a planner or coordinator means I get to focus fully on your memories. You get better photos, less stress, and someone whose entire job is making sure everything goes off without a hitch.

The insight it all comes down to:

Every couple planning a wedding should know that planning your wedding isn't just one job. It's about a hundred tiny jobs, all happening at once. A planner doesn't just make it pretty; they protect your time, energy, and sanity. They step in before problems happen, not after.

Mic. Drop.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Peace of Mind

After having the opportunity to be at hundreds of weddings, I know this is your once-in-a-lifetime day. You should be sipping champagne, laughing with your people, and soaking up every second, not worrying about whether the candles got lit or if the catering truck took a wrong turn.

Planners and coordinators aren't just a luxury. They're a secret weapon for a joyful, stress-free wedding.

If you're not sure what level of support you need, I'm always happy to connect you with planners I trust and work with often. Just reach out, and we can talk through your vision.

You deserve a team that lets you be fully present. Let's make that happen.