Venue Manager vs. Wedding Planner: What’s the Difference?
When planning your wedding, you’ll likely interact with many different professionals, including a venue manager and, if you choose to hire one, a wedding planner. While their roles sometimes overlap, their responsibilities are quite different. Understanding what each person does will help set clear expectations and ensure your big day runs smoothly.
What Does a Venue Manager Do?
A venue manager is responsible for overseeing everything related to the venue itself. Their primary focus is ensuring that you and your vendors follow the venue’s policies and that the property is in top shape for your event.
Key Responsibilities of a Venue Manager:
✅ Managing the venue’s schedule and bookings
✅ Providing tours of the venue and answering logistical questions
✅ Handling contracts, payments, and venue-specific policies
✅ Coordinating access for vendors and ensuring they follow venue guidelines
✅ Overseeing the setup of venue-provided furniture, bars, or other included amenities
✅ Ensuring the venue is clean and prepared for your event
✅ Addressing venue-related issues, such as power, lighting, or restrooms
What a Venue Manager Does Not Do:
❌ Plan your timeline or coordinate with outside vendors
❌ Decorate or set up personal décor beyond venue-provided items
❌ Manage your wedding day schedule or direct guests
❌ Cue the ceremony processional or ensure wedding party readiness
❌ Handle last-minute changes to floral arrangements, rentals, or catering
At Long Hollow Ranch, our venue management includes making sure the property is in perfect condition for your big day, answering any logistical questions, and ensuring your vendors have the access they need. However, we do not take on the role of a planner or coordinator.
What Does a Wedding Planner Do?
A wedding planner is hired by the couple to oversee all aspects of their wedding day—from vendor coordination to timeline management. Unlike a venue manager, a planner is fully focused on your wedding vision and ensuring that every little detail aligns with your style, budget, and preferences.
Key Responsibilities of a Wedding Planner:
✅ Assisting with vendor selection and contract negotiations
✅ Creating and managing the wedding day timeline
✅ Helping with design elements, such as décor, flowers, and table settings
✅ Overseeing setup and breakdown of décor and rentals
✅ Directing the wedding party during the ceremony and reception
✅ Troubleshooting last-minute issues (e.g., dress malfunctions, weather changes, or missing items)
✅ Ensuring guests and vendors follow the planned schedule
What a Wedding Planner Does Not Do:
❌ Manage the venue’s facilities, such as restrooms, lighting, or power
❌ Provide catering, floral arrangements, or photography (though they can help source vendors for these services)
❌ Make decisions on your behalf without approval
Wedding planners come in different levels of service, from full-service planning (handling everything from start to finish) to month-of or day-of coordination (focused on execution rather than planning). If you want a seamless, stress-free experience, a planner is highly recommended.
Do You Need Both?
That depends on your wedding size, complexity, and personal preference. If you’re planning a more DIY wedding, you may only rely on the venue manager and coordinate the details yourself. However, if you want hands-on support, vendor management, and a structured timeline, hiring a planner or at least a day-of coordinator will make your life much easier.
At Long Hollow Ranch, we love working with talented planners who bring our couples’ visions to life. While we handle all venue-related logistics, having a planner or coordinator ensures that you can fully relax and enjoy your wedding day.
If you're unsure whether a planner is right for you, reach out to us! We’re happy to recommend some of our favorite wedding planners who know Long Hollow Ranch inside and out.
