Do I need a wedding coordinator if I already have a venue?

One of the most common questions couples ask while planning their wedding is:“Do I really need a wedding coordinator if my venue already provides one?”

It’s a fair question — and an important one.The short answer? Yes.

And here’s why.

Venue Coordinators and Wedding Coordinators Are Not the Same

This is one of the biggest misconceptions in wedding planning.

A venue coordinator and a wedding coordinator have two very different roles — and they work for two different priorities.

• Venue coordinators work for the venue

• Wedding coordinators work for you

  
  

Both roles are important. They just aren’t interchangeable.

What a Venue Coordinator’s Job Actually Is

Venue coordinators are there to ensure that the venue’s operations run smoothly. Their responsibilities typically include:

• Making sure the venue’s floor plan is set correctly

• Overseeing tables, chairs, linens, and venue-owned décor

• Coordinating food service and timing

• Ensuring dietary restrictions and allergies are handled properly

• Managing venue staff

• Protecting the venue’s policies, property, and timeline

  
  

They are the expert on their space — and that’s exactly what they should be.

What they are not responsible for is managing your entire wedding day.

Who Advocates for You on Your Wedding Day?

A month of day of wedding coordinator’s sole responsibility is you, your vision, and your experience.

We don’t work for the venue. We don’t answer to the caterer.We don’t prioritize policies over people.

We work for YOU — and that distinction matters more than couples realize until wedding day arrives.

What a Wedding Coordinator Does That a Venue Coordinator Doesn’t

Month-Of Planning & Logistics

Day of Month of Wedding planners step in weeks before the wedding, not just the day-of. This includes:

• Confirming logistics with every vendor

• Reviewing contracts for timing gaps or red flags

• Building a detailed wedding-day timeline

• Fixing issues before they become problems

• Acting as the central point of contact so you’re not fielding emails

  
  

Venue coordinators do not handle this level of planning or vendor communication.

Vendor Management (All Day, Not Just Setup)

On your wedding day, your month of day of planner is:

• Calling when the DJ is late

• Confirming the florist placed flowers on the cake

• Coordinating cake delivery timing with the florist

• Making sure photo, video, band/DJ, and toast givers are all in the room and ready

• Cueing entrances, toasts, dances, and special moments

Venue coordinators are focused on venue execution — not orchestrating every moving piece of your day.

Personal Details, Décor & Cleanup

Wedding coordinators handle the details couples don’t realize need managing:

• Setting up personal décor items (signage, photos, favors, guest book, etc.)

• Bustle fixes, dress malfunctions, broken straps, missing buttons

• Emergency kit fixes (yes — sewing kits, tag guns, stain remover)

• Packing everything back up at the end of the night so nothing gets left behind

  
  

Venue coordinators typically do not set up or pack away personal items. Mainly due to liability issues.

Staying Until the Very End

This is a big one.

Most venue coordinators leave shortly after dinner service begins or once venue operations are complete. Many are also juggling:

• Multiple weddings

• Venue tours for future clients

• Internal staff responsibilities

A month of day of wedding planner stays until the last song ends — facilitating late-night moments, handling emergencies, packing items, and sending you off without stress.

Who Is With You All Day?

Your day of wedding planner is often the only vendor who:

• Is with you from getting ready through your exit

• Knows the full plan inside and out

• Notices problems before you ever do

• Makes decisions so you don’t have to

• Protects your peace

  
  

Venue coordinators are not designed to be your fixer, advocate, or shadow for the day — and they shouldn’t be expected to be.

Why Having Both Is the Best Scenario

Venue coordinators are incredibly valuable.Day of Wedding Planners are essential.

When both roles are in place and working together, your day runs smoothly because:

• The venue is executed properly

• Your vision is protected

• Your vendors are managed

• You are free to be fully present

  
  

Final Thoughts

You’ve spent months — sometimes years — planning your wedding.You’ve invested in your dream venue and carefully chosen vendors you trust.

Why leave the most important day to chance?

A month of day of wedding planner ensures that everything you planned actually happens — without you having to manage it.

If you already have a venue coordinator, that’s great. But if you want someone whose only priority is you, your experience, and your peace of mind — that’s where a month of day of wedding planner comes in.

Thinking About Hiring a Month of Day of Wedding Planner in Palm Beach, Naples, Florida Keys + Beyond?

At Hakuna Matata Weddings & Events, our coordination services are customizable for every wedding — because no two weddings (or couples) are the same.

If you’re planning a wedding in South Florida and want expert month-of and day-of coordination, we’d love to help.

Consider us an investment in the success of your wedding day.

Beautiful Palm Beach Wedding at The Colony Palm Beach. Stunning Photos with the Iconic Palm Beach Clock Tower. This lovely couple hired us for our month of day of wedding planning services.

Month of Coordinator @hakunamatataweddings

Photographer @jackbatesweddings

Venue @thecolonypalmbeach

Florals @lovesflowershop

Beauty @theclyque

Music @rockwithu

Officiant @nuptialsbynina

Cake @earthandsugar

Chairs @harmonyrental

Photobooth @dippphotobooth