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Wedding Coordintor vs Venue Coordinator

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:49:36 +0100

I get asked on a regular basis by both professionals and brides alike if a venue coordinator is the same as a wedding planner/coordinator?” And the answer is simply no.

In my former life I was the Venue Coordinator. The venue coordinator is a valuable tool to those brides who choose not to have a wedding planner, however their responsibilities and areas of concern differ greatly from those of an outside professional. Let me break down each of their responsibilities to better explain.

The Venue Coordinator are employees of the venue in which work. They act as a liaison between the bride and groom and the venue’s ops team. Their responsibilities are those pertaining to your experience with them, directly: if your venue provides catering such as a hotel or country club, their duties include consulting your food and beverage choices, formalizing your catering needs, and arranging menu tastings and processing the final invoice. If you have booked a venue only site, like a museum or private residence, they focus on showcasing their venue and working with you on your floor planning.

On wedding day, their focus is delivering their contracted services, exclusively: ensuring the venue set up is accurately [tables, chairs and place setting only], the food is out on time and that tear down happens seamlessly. In addition, a Venue Coordinator or Catering Manage often departs once the meal is served. This may be an important consideration if your are looking for support to set up your décor or manage your event for the remainder of the evening or with tear down. For example cueing your DJ for speeches, cake cutting, or the first dance are outside their scope of responsibilities.

And remember: while you may have worked with one individual throughout the planning process, there is no guarantee that you will be provided with that same individual on your big day!

The Wedding Planner is your personal consultant, who is laser focused on every detail in curating your dream wedding. They work exclusively for you.

Available from the beginning planning stages [providing venue options, reviewing contracts, researching and recommending suppliers] to wedding day preparation, [creating an itinerary/timeline, organizing your ceremony rehearsal, confirming details with all contracted vendors] your wedding planner is present for every decision. We can help you decipher contracts and let you know what the normal is. Your best interest comes first.

On your wedding day, they over-see time management [ceremony, processional, recessional, cocktail hour transition, grand entrance, speeches, dancing etc.], cue the MC and coordinate your vendors, troubleshoot and ensure quality control of set up, including personalized details and decor. In addition, a wedding planner will prepare valuable tools for you, such as vendor contact forms, floor plans, set up timelines and MC scripts . Many coordinators offer Day of and Month of, allowing you to be fully focused on just being a bride, and enjoying a stress free last fews weeks together.

Straight to the Point The main difference lies in this: A venue coordinator works for the needs of the venue, acting out the requirements of your contract with them in a smooth and timely manner. A wedding planner works for you, ensuring every detail of your day is flawless and orchestrated exactly as you’ve planned.

Being that I was a Venue Coordinator, I know just how valuable they are. I love and understand their job so it makes it easier to speak on behalf of my clients. I know where their responsibilities end and where mine begin. Its important that couples understand what they are getting into, avoiding hardship, frustration and disappointment come crunch time! Take time to consider your needs and concerns and weigh your options accordingly.

Helen + David @ Marvimon, Los Angeles

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 03:16:03 +0100

The Events Boutique had an amazing time at Helen and David's Wedding last September. I was lucky enough to meet one of Helen's bridesmaid who I couldnt be more thankful for introducing me to the happy couple! Every part of their special day celebrated the two love birds! Check out these amazing images from Lin & Jirsa Photography. We wish them many many years of love and happiness and memories!

D0 you need a wedding planner?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:48:11 +0100

Do you need a wedding planner?
The answer is yes! I'm not just saying that because I'm a wedding planner, I'm saying it because it's true. You may be wondering what a wedding planner does. Ultimately wedding planners guide you through the process of planning your wedding and they manage the wedding the day of. Every couple is different. Some may need more assistance and some may need assistance just the day of the wedding.

If you are the bride how can you manage your wedding? You are going to be pulled in a million directions with everyone wanting to something. Are you going to cue the musicians when it is time to start the ceremony? Will you cue the bridal party when it's their turn to go doen the aisle? Who will tell the cateres when to begin dinner service? It shouldnt be you. You should be having the time of your life having not a worry in the world but to enjoy yourselves. Wedding planners help you to avoid any chaos adn frees up your family and friends to enjoy the night. Afterall, if you fiance is a DJ would he DJ your wedding?

This isn't our first rodeo! For most of our clients this is their first. We know what questions to ask, where to find amazing vendors, wedding etiquette and proticol, and just how it all works. We will help you decipher contracts and industry standards. We will keep you on track and on task. Did you know we are peacemakers too? Weddings seems to bring out everyone's best ideas and how do you tell your Aunt Sally she cannot wear a hot pink ballgown to your wedding? We will break it to her and whatever else we need to mediate.

Do you need deisgn ideas? Some planners are designers. These wedding designers can help take your visions to reality. We can help you pull together your ideas. We can assist with choosing bridesmaids dresses, design lighting, pick out linens, design invitations, hechoose florals and perhaps design a monogram for you.

Tips when looking for a planner....
-You get what you pay for-unless you are David Tutera, most planners and coordinators charge within the same ballpark. If someone is priced well below they are most likey new to the industry. With all the media hype, more and more people are looking to get into the biz. Planning their own wedding or their best friends wedding doesn't qualify someone as a wedding planner. You have put so much heart, so much time and energy, and so much money into your wedding you may not want to skimp on this.
-Choose a planner that understands your vision.
-Choose a planner that is responsive and easy to contact.
-Choose a planner you connect with.
_Choose a planner who is well connected-that means people like to work with them and that also means you can possibly save some $$$.

Purple + Lime Green

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 05:39:07 +0100

Images courtesy of Luis Sanchez Photography

Leap Year and the superstitious proposal....

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 05:22:52 +0100

What is it about leap years that makes people superstitious about marriage? Well here is the skinny from all over the world....

Let's start with the most popular tale...remember the movie Leap Year?

According to legend, St. Brigid, a fifth-century Irish nun, asked St. Patrick the patron saint of Ireland, to grant permission for women to propose marriage after hearing complaints from the single women whose suitors were too shy to propose to them. He initially granted women the right to propose to their suiters only once every seven years, but at Brigid's insistence, he acquiesced proposals every leap day. The folklore says Brigid dropped to one knee and proposed to Patrick at that instant. He refused, kissed her on her cheek and offered her a silk gown. Not sure how he thought that would make it ok?!?! Long story short, Irish tradition dictates that any man who refuese a proposal, must gift a silk gown to ease her pain.

Let's travel to Scotland....

Queen Margaret-a very single queen btw- enacted a law in 1288 that allowed women to propose on leap-year day. But There was a catch however...a rather peculiar catch- The proposer had to wear a red petticoat. It was a warning to her intended that she planned to pop the big question. What's odd with this story is that the Queen would have only been 5 years old when she enacted this law...hmmmm. Historians were unable to to find any documentation to this supposed law.

Lastly-Women in Finland are advised to propose only on Feb. 29 -- for good luck. If her boyfriend turns her down, he is required to pay her a "fine": enough fabric to make a skirt. Nowadays, her can just buy her a new skirt!

Certainly many women are proposing to men, leap year or not. I don't think we need a special day...whatever day we or he chooses is the most special day...... What do you think?

Alternatives to the Traditional Guest Book

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 05:22:35 +0100

Traditional guest books are a thing of the past. Bride's today are looking for next original and unique idea. I agree... nothing says unique more than something only you have at your wedding. You are sure to give your guests something to talk about. So dig deep and find something that celebrates your and your soon to be hubby's style. Think interactive, peronalized, memorable....

Check out what some of my brides have done and some ideas I came across while researching for my clients.

Leaf us a Message

Commitment Ceremony Tree

Engagment Photo Message

Wishing Tree

From Bridal Tweet

From Style Me Pretty

From: Guest Book Store

I hope I inspired you!

To be thankful....

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 05:22:10 +0100

We have so much to be thankful for and it seems like the world just passes us by that we forget how lucky we are! So-with that said...I'm dedicating my blog to everything and everyone wonderful in my world of weddings and events. So with that said-I want to highlight all my wonderful clients and all the people who got me where I am today. Welcome to my life as an Events Planner.....I can't wait to share my journey with you.

For my first post of this journey..........a featured venue!

Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach, California.

Shade is the perfect place to celebrate your love and commitment to each other. Manhattan Beach's first luxury boutique hotel, nestled downtown, provides an exquisite backdrop for the quintessential Southern California wedding.

Photographer: Amy Theilig

Picture your event in a unique space that transcends the traditional concept of indoors and outdoors. Their signature space, the Courtyard, is the heart of the hotel. This extraordinary open air room offers the flexibility to plan the wedding of your dreams. An abundance of natural light provides a lively yet gentle environment in which to celebrate.

                                                                       Photographer: Amy Theilig

Their professional and experienced staff is committed to your every need before, during and after. They know how to turn your vision into a reality. You dictate, they facilitate. The sky's the limit. You're made in Shade.

The banquet fee includes:
Rehearsal Space | Guest Book Table | Complimentary Room for the Bride and Groom | Day of Ceremony Liaison
Soft Drinks and Iced Water | Coffee and Tea Service | Cake Table and Cutting | House Linens and Place Settings | Tables Chairs | Gift table


Photographer: Amy Theilig

   Photographer: Christine Bentley

Contact Information
SHADE HOTEL
1221 N Valley Drive
Manhattan Beach, California 90266
USA
events@shadehotel.com

Why are they part of my journey?
I worked for this company for 9 years and I gained a great deal of my hospitality experience being part of such a great family. I made friends for life here.

Before you do anything....do this first

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 07:12:12 +0100

Planning a wedding can be really hard work - especially if you don’t plan ahead. Did you know the average wedding takes 300 hours to plan? Stress levels can escalate once you start making decisions. Before you and fiance do anything schedule some quiet time and make these important decisions. Remember to compromise if there is something you may not both agree on. Remember this day is about the two of you. Make this day a reflection of who you are together!

1. Type of ceremony
        religious? civil? non-denominational?
2. Wedding Budget
        How much do you want to spend or afford to spend? Are your parents contributing? Will a longer engagment allow you more
        time to save? Remember every decision effects your budget.
3. Style or theme
        Formal or Laid back? Shabby Chic or Modern and Contemporary? This determines the venue style, florals and decor, etc.
4. Who to invite
        How many guests? Big or small? Can your single guests bring a date?
5. Date
        Spring or Fall wedding? Saturday or Sunday?If you are thinking of an outdoor wedding you need to consider the weather.
6. Where to get married
        What type of venue? Museum, Hotel, Private Estate, Country Club? Destination?
7. Must Have's or can live without
        Photobooth? Dove release? The Temptations singing "Your Song."
8. Full, Partial, or Day of Coordinator
        Do you want someone to plan most of your day or just step in to manage the day? A planner will have the experience of
        dealing with setbacks and plans for every eventuality.
9. Children or no children
        Is the venue child friendly? Don't worry about offending anyone. Parents need a break too. If children are a must have-you can
        always hire a sitter or teacher to keep them entertained.
10. Time of Day
        Brunch, lunch dinner, or dessert? Remember-what ever time you decide to get married, the bride and bridal party needs approximately 6-8 hours to get ready.

Now that you have discussed and made these important decisons...you can begin planning the details. Have fun and stay focused.