Key functions of wedding coordinator:
A venue wedding coordinator’s goal is to guarantee a smoothly executed day for couples and their guests. They will guide you through the planning process to ensure all the little details are carefully considered.
In this Journal entry, eve has spoken with three industry experts for their thoughts and opinions…
Wedding Coordinator Versus Wedding Planners
By Silvia from RSA House
Wedding venue coordinators and wedding planners have very different roles that often get confused.
Wedding coordinators are linked to the venue and manage the run of the day, meanwhile, a wedding planner works to understand couples' vision and bring it to life.
A wedding coordinator will oversee the food service and act as a bridge between the couple, the kitchen team, and the operations team. They will collect all the details from a couple and ensure they are handed over to the teams within the venue correctly.
They will also be the suppliers’ main point of contact on the day of the event and help them with their technical questions regarding deliveries, access points, and timings. They can advise the best setup and the best way to do things as they obviously know the venue better than anyone else, however, the design of the wedding day is for the couple to finalise.
A wedding planner, on the other hand, will be the middleman between the couple, the venue and all the suppliers. They will take away some weight from couples’ shoulders, find the right suppliers to bring their ideas to life and keep the relationship with them.
They will help define the details, keep track of deadlines and help keep your budget under control. A wedding planner will be with you throughout the whole process and for the entire day. While a wedding venue coordinator will only be at the venue, a wedding planner can be with brides and grooms while they are getting ready, follow them to the church, to the picture locations and so on.
What 6 skills will a successful wedding coordinator have?
By Hannah from Dartmouth House
- Exceptional organisational and time management skills
- Possess a calming manner
- Ability to create positive relationships
- Have incredible attention to detail
- Be a fantastic team player
- Be an incredibly quick thinker
1 Top of the list to being a fantastic wedding coordinator is exceptional organisational and time management skills. They will be on top of the planning for multiple weddings at once, so it’s important they can keep themselves calm by prioritising and giving each of their clients equal and exceptional service.
With many of our couples choosing not to have a wedding planner, we ensure our wedding coordinators are experts in their venue and all things weddings, so they’ll be able to guide you through the planning process.
2 Our couples will most likely have never planned an event as large as a wedding before so being able to give advice is key. A calming manner will help couples feel at ease and rest assured that everything will run smoothly on their big day.
3 Each and every wedding is different so, at eve, our wedding coordinators like to create a relationship with their clients from the offset. They can therefore understand their needs and provide a personalised service. This is where their excellent people skills come into play!
4 Thinking of the little details will turn a good wedding into an excellent wedding, so attention to detail is key. Wedding coordinators will be thinking one step ahead to ensure each room is set up for each part of the day and any little touches the couple have chosen to have, such as wedding favours, are in place.
5 A wedding coordinator needs to be a team player and have great communication skills. On wedding days they’ll release a bit of the control and hand it over to the operations team. They will ensure they have given a detailed handover so that nothing is missed and all of our couples’ ideas come to life. It’s important they are on hand to work with the team to find solutions when unexpected problems arise.
In the lead-up to the weddings, coordinators will put together a catering offering that’s just right for the couple. They will attend their tasting and give suggestions on wine pairings for the chosen menu, as well as suggesting combinations of courses that will complement each other.
6 Lastly, wedding coordinators will be quick thinkers. Whether it’s a sewing kit for a wardrobe malfunction or a change in set-up when the heavens open, they’ll be ready to find a solution whilst keeping guests none the wiser!
A wedding coordinator’s timeline
By Mitchell from Old Royal Naval College
When you enquire to our team of experts within the eve portfolio, you will discover our flawless venues, and meet our Wedding experts. At this stage we want to get to know you both, and discuss your needs and expectations.
Once you have hand-picked the venue, you can come and visit the team and spaces to ensure we are the perfect fit. The team will then create your bespoke proposal, tailored to you both, taking you from the ceremony to the drinks reception to the final wave goodbye.
Once we secure the date and venue, the real planning can commence with your planner and team of trusted suppliers. Meetings will be arranged to discuss the finer details from wines, cocktails, menus and those details that make your day about you.
Our experienced coordinators are able to guide you through your day, creating the ultimate individual wedding day. Your venue will be able to share its preferred and recommended supplier list. Once you have confirmed these elements the Wedding Coordinator will speak with them to ensure they are aware of all timings and details that affect them, including final visits with florists, production, lighting, and performers.
Tasting your food and drink is really important to us and it gives us a chance to really show off the flair of our chefs and bar managers. You can meet our expert team too, so on your day you know everything is in hand.
As a venue, there will always be backup plans and wet weather options for any outside receptions or photo opportunities. It is key that this is in hand for any very last-minute adjustments.
When your Big Day comes around, your venue team will ensure everything runs as smoothly as planned as possible, calming you down and always having that glass of fizz on hand.
We are prepared for last-minute changes and unpredictable weather so you can enjoy the day, knowing we have everything in hand.