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When you're diving into wedding planning, it can be confusing to distinguish between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator. Their roles may seem similar at first glance, but they each have distinct responsibilities both leading up to and on your big day. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the key differences between these two essential players.

The Wedding Planning Process

Wedding Planners: Wedding planners, like the team at Riley Lou Events, work closely with you to ensure every aspect of your day runs smoothly. From creating a comprehensive budget to securing vendors, we're with you every step of the way. We attend meetings, review contracts, and make sure every detail aligns with your vision. Our goal is to make the planning process stress-free and enjoyable, just like having a wedding planning best friend who knows the ins and outs of the industry.

Venue Coordinators: Venue coordinators, on the other hand, primarily focus on the venue itself. They might provide a list of recommended vendors, but the legwork to vet and coordinate with these vendors is left to you. While their guidance is valuable, it lacks the personalized touch and detailed involvement that a dedicated wedding planner offers.

The Wedding Day

Wedding Planners: On your wedding day, your planner is your advocate. We represent your needs and ensure everything aligns with your vision. From setting out personal items like the guest book and toasting flutes to ensuring that events like the bouquet toss and cake cutting happen on schedule, we handle it all. We're there from start to finish, making sure every moment is perfect.

Venue Coordinators: Venue coordinators focus on the venue's logistics. Their responsibilities include managing venue specific things. They ensure the venue operates smoothly but they don't always stay for the full wedding day. Their primary focus is maintaining the venue's standards, not necessarily your specific wedding details.

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Key Differences

In essence, the main difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator is their relationship with you. At Riley Lou Events, we’re dedicated to making sure your wants and needs are met, ensuring your wedding day is a true reflection of your love story. Venue coordinators are invaluable for maintaining the venue's quality, but our role as wedding planners is to be by your side, supporting and guiding you through every detail, making your dream wedding a reality. A great venue coordinator contributes to the success of the day with all things venue related.

Ready to start planning your perfect day with Riley Lou Events? Let’s create unforgettable moments together, one detail at a time. Contact us to get started! Visit our instagram to see more of our weddings!