My good friend, Amber over at Amber Events posted an overview on the difference between on-site coordinators and wedding planners and I just had to share. Take a peek at the great outline put together by a venue in West Hollywood. I couldn’t say it better myself, except I would add that even if you are sure you don’t need more service then what the Venue Coordinator manages, many hotels and venues have high turnover. With this being said, it’s important to keep in mind that you may have two or three different people you work with by the time your wedding day comes around. Most venues handle transition well and very professionally, but you should evaluate whether you are one of those people who can handle a potential change in a major player of your wedding team.
The Venue Event Director will
-Recommend Special event professionals that are familiar with and know the venue
-Act as menu consultant for all food and beverage selections
-Detail your banquet event order and wedding outlining all of your event specifics
-Create an “estimate of charges” outlining our financial commitments and deposit schedules
-Create a floor plan of your function space
-Arrange and attend your menu tasting
-Establish your guestroom block
-Oversee the ceremony and reception set ups
-Be the on-site liaison between your wedding coordinator and hotel operations staff
-Ensure a seamless transition to the hotel’s banquet captain once the grand entrance has occurred
Your Hired Professional Wedding Coordinator Will:
-Assist with etiquette and protocol for invitations, family matters, ceremony and reception
-Create a “time line” for your wedding day, including the ceremony and reception
-Work with you to organize and coordinate your ceremony rehearsal.
-Remind Bridal party of all pertinent “call times” and “don’t forgets” on the day of the wedding
-Confirm call times and details with all vendors several days prior to the wedding day
-Be the liaison with your family, bridal party, band/DJ, florist, photographer and other vendors to create a seamless operation
-Assist you with your gown and any additional needs of the bridal party
-Ensure the ladies have their corsages and bouquets, etc. and assist with the pinning of the mens’ boutonnieres
-Set up programs, place cards, guest favors, guest book, champagne flutes, and all personal items
-line up and queue the bridal party and musicians at the time of the wedding ceremony
-Collect any personal items at the conclusion of the reception
-Assist you with “full service” or “day of” coordinating from your engagement to your honeymoon
