Many couples tell me that their venue has an Onsite Coordinator so they won't need to hire a Wedding Planner. While Onsite Coordinators are great and are a complement in making both our jobs easier (some of them are even WPIC certified!), they do not replace the role of a Wedding Planner.
The main difference is that the Onsite Coordiantor works for the venue and Wedding Planner works for you. The Onsite Coordinator will ensure the caterer serves the dishes on time and that the tables and chairs are properly set up. Most will leave as soon as dinner is served and will pass the night onto the Banquet Manager who communicates with the kitchen staff.
The Onsite Coordinator has experience with hosting parties at the same venue so they are familiar on how the tables, chairs, dance floor, etc. should be set up. They may have vendor recommendations based on companies they're familiar working with, or may offer suggestions to the reception timeline based on how long it takes to serve each course or cut the wedding cake. I've worked with some really great ones that went above their duties!
Here as some of the things I've done as a Wedding Planner that an Onsite Coordinator will most likely not do:
- Lint brush your groom and groomsmen to make sure their suits are clean
- Check your hair and makeup
- Spray your and your bridesmaids' bouquets with water to make sure the flowers are fresh for pictures
- Pin boutineres on the father of the bride and father of the groom
- Cue in the wedding party on their entrances
- Practice walking down the aisle with a scared flower girl or ring bearer
- Act as "tea ceremony lady" during a Chinese tea ceremony
- Provide thank you cards and payments to vendors at the end of the night
- Help you change and safety pin your dress
