Dear brides,
I get it, the venue comes with a venue coordinator, so what’s the point of hiring a wedding planner? Speaking as a photographer, when there is no planner the timeline is left to us, which really takes us away from capturing your moments. Read on to find out the difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator from the top planners in Washington, DC.
#1 The venue coordinator works primarily for the venue
Aimee from A. Dominick Events
#2 You get to actually enjoy your day
Amanda from Beacon and Berkeley Events
“Trusting your planner with your timeline allows you to kick back and truly enjoy all of your family, friends and of course your new spouse! Planners truly know how long hair and make up will take, how much buffer time you will want around getting in your dress, how long first course will take- because that can definitely differ between caterers and hotels- to helping avoid overtime hours with your photographer by crafting the perfect flow for the big day!”
Cristina from Cristina Calvert Signature
“For us, the main difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator is that a wedding planner will be with you throughout the entire day. We begin with checking in on you and your ladies with your hair and makeup and making sure that your groom and the groomsmen are fed and taken care of. We love working with venue coordinators, but their main focus is to execute a seamless event at their venue from mostly a catering perspective and once guests arrive onsite. Wedding planners are with the couples from the beginning of the wedding day until the last guest leaves”
#3 Planners work on Design and Vision
Pam from Pamela Barefoot:
“A wedding planner ensures your whole day has a cohesive vision, from invitations and welcome gifts to escort cards and party favors”
Julie from Kruse and Vieira


#4 Hiring a planner takes the stress out in wedding planning
Laura from Grit and Grace

#5 Planners are your advocates
Laura from Grit and Grace
“Could you buy a home without a realtor? Sure! But would you feel more secure in spending that amount of money on such an important choice with a personal advocate on your side? YES! Thats what we would liken ourselves to a full planning event planners….not to mention we would also be your interior designer, psychiatrist and friend through the whole experience and beyond”

Vendors:
Planners: Soco Events, IDA Rose Events, Kelley Cannon Events
Makeup: Arielle Lewis, Carl Ray, Claudine Fay, Amie Decker Beaty
Flowers: Toulies, Sophie Felts
Catering: Heirloom