Wedding Coordinator vs. Venue Coordinator: What’s the Difference?
Wedding Coordinator vs. Venue Coordinator — What’s the Difference?
Why hiring your wedding coordinator on the South Coast is a smart move
When planning a wedding in Wollongong, Kiama, or anywhere along the stunning South Coast of NSW, couples often ask:
“Do I still need a wedding coordinator if the venue comes with a coordinator?”
It’s a great question, and one that reveals a big misconception in the wedding world. While both roles sound similar, the venue coordinator and an independent wedding coordinator have very different responsibilities.
Below, we break down the key differences, so you know exactly who’s doing what and why. Having your own coordinator is one of the best decisions you can make.
What Does a Venue Coordinator Do?
A venue coordinator works for the venue, not for you.
They are responsible for managing the venue’s interests, which usually include:
Opening and closing the venue
Ensuring the tables, chairs, and inclusions are set up
Managing the catering if it's in-house
Making sure the venue rules are followed
Coordinating staff from the venue side
Handling anything related to the venue contract
They’re essential, but their role is limited to what happens at their venue, and only what the venue is contracted to provide.
What Does a Wedding Coordinator Do?
A wedding coordinator (also called an on-the-day coordinator) works for you. They manage all aspects of your wedding day, not just the venue setup.
Here’s what a South Coast wedding coordinator will typically handle:
Finalising your run sheet and timeline
Communicating with all vendors (florists, stylists, musicians, celebrants, etc.)
Ensuring your setup is styled to plan, not just “put out”
Solving last-minute problems behind the scenes
Managing the ceremony and reception flow
Keeping everything on time and stress-free
Making sure you and your guests are looked after
Think of them as your personal event manager working across all venues, vendors, and people involved in your wedding.
Why It Matters
We’ve worked at beautiful South Coast venues like Merribee, Seacliff House, The Woods Farm, and many others. While their in-house teams are fantastic, they’re focused on their venue’s operations, not your full event.
Without your own coordinator, things like:
Who cues the bridal party?
Who confirms the cake delivery?
Who moves the ceremony chairs?
Who sets up signage, candles, name tags, and menus?
Who wrangles suppliers across multiple locations?
… can easily be missed or fall on your friends and family.
The Perfect Team = Both
The best wedding experience comes when you have a venue coordinator AND your own wedding coordinator working together. One manages the space, the other manages the experience.
For example, if you're getting married in a private property in Berry or a South Coast venue without a full-time team, having your own coordinator ensures that everything runs exactly the way you dreamed it, no matter what’s included in your venue package.
Key Differences
Venue Coordinator vs Wedding Coordinator
Employed by: Venue vs You
Focus: Venue logistics vs Full event logistics
Manages all vendors: No vs Yes
Sets up styling: No vs Yes
Runs ceremony flow: Rarely vs Always
Solves non-venue issues: No vs Yes
Present all day: Sometimes vs Always
Planning a South Coast Wedding?
Whether you’re marrying by the coast or in a forest estate, having a dedicated wedding coordinator ensures your day flows smoothly and looks exactly how you imagined, without putting the stress on yourself or your family.
Ready to feel relaxed and looked after on your wedding day?
Let’s chat about wedding coordination. We’ll take care of the logistics so you can focus on the love.