“our venue has a coordinator for our wedding day. what do you offer that they don’t?!”
This is one of our most frequently asked questions – and probably one of our favorites to answer. There are a handful of things Wanderlust handles…and some of them start as soon you get engaged, long before you have even chosen a venue!
When planning your dream wedding, you may wonder what exactly a wedding planner does, especially if you already have a venue coordinator in place. While both roles are crucial in creating a seamless wedding day experience, they each serve distinct purposes. Understanding the difference will help ensure every aspect of your celebration is handled with the utmost care and precision.
1. Comprehensive Wedding Planning and Coordination
Your venue coordinator is an expert in everything that happens within the venue walls. They manage the venue’s logistical elements, ensuring your ceremony and reception flow smoothly within the space. But when it comes to overall wedding coordination, that's where Wanderlust steps in.
From the moment you say "yes" to your big day, Wanderlust is by your side, handling everything from vendor selection to timeline management. We take care of the big picture, ensuring every detail – both inside and outside the venue – aligns perfectly with your vision.
2. Vendor Coordination: Beyond the Venue
The venue coordinator will work with the venue’s in-house vendors (such as catering, audiovisual, and decor provided by the venue). However, when it comes to third-party vendors, like photographers, florists, or entertainment, Wanderlust handles those specific vendors + coordination.
Wanderlust works with your chosen vendors, ensuring they are all in sync, aligned with your wedding timeline, and seamlessly integrated into your celebration. We’ll ensure that your florist knows when to deliver, your photographer is in the right spot, and your entertainment knows when to kick off the fun—all while you focus on enjoying your big day.
3. Designing a Cohesive Wedding Aesthetic
A venue coordinator is fantastic at setting up the venue itself, ensuring that tables, chairs, and other essentials are placed properly. But when it comes to crafting the vision of your wedding, the responsibility falls to Wanderlust (and you!) We want you to have a personal touch and say on what you want your wedding to look like and feel like.
From color schemes to floral arrangements, Wanderlust takes your ideas and brings them to life in every corner of your event. We carefully select elements that fit your style, ensuring a cohesive, stunning aesthetic that perfectly matches your dream wedding.
4. Creating a Seamless Timeline
While the venue coordinator oversees the timeline for events that take place within the venue itself—like the ceremony and reception—it’s Wanderlust who manages the entire event timeline, from the first dress fitting to your grand exit.
Wanderlust crafts a detailed schedule that includes pre-wedding events, ensuring everyone knows where to be and when. Whether it's organizing a morning bridal brunch or overseeing the rehearsal dinner, we manage the flow of the day so you don’t have to.
5. Logistics Beyond the Venue Walls
Your venue coordinator is an expert in everything related to the venue itself. But what about the logistics that take place before you even set foot in the venue, or after you leave?
Wanderlust manages transportation for the couple and guests, coordinates hotel room blocks for out-of-town attendees, and ensures that everything outside the venue is just as perfect as the ceremony itself. From arranging parking to planning the shuttle service, we cover all the details so your experience is nothing short of seamless.
6. Handling the Unexpected with Grace
While the venue coordinator is there to address any issues specific to the venue, we are the problem-solvers behind the scenes for everything else.
Whether a vendor runs late or a last-minute change is needed, Wanderlust takes the lead, handling any challenges that arise without you even having to think twice. We know how to pivot quickly and with grace, ensuring your wedding day stays stress-free, no matter what surprises may come your way.
7. Tailored, Personal Attention Every Step of the Way
While the venue coordinator is undoubtedly skilled at managing the venue’s needs, Wanderlust is there to offer a personalized experience from start to finish.
This is just a short glimpse into the major differences between your venue’s coordinator and Wanderlust. Sometimes venue coordinators move on to other venues or jobs. Wanderlust doesn’t. We are here for you from start to finish. Wanderlust will ensure your 50-year-old champagne flutes that are an important family heirloom are packed up and safe following your toasts. We make sure the cake that shows up is actually the cake you ordered and expected to get. We ensure your crazy aunt isn’t moving seats around during cocktail hour before the reception.
There are so many small details of a wedding. We are by your side throughout the entire process, carefully crafting every detail to reflect your unique love story and style. Whether it’s a subtle touch or a grand gesture, we ensure your wedding is as individual as you are.
