When to Hire a Wedding Planner: Before or After Booking a Venue?

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and it deserves to be nothing short of extraordinary. But when it comes to planning, many couples find themselves asking: “Where do we start?” 

I’m Christine Ferguson, founder of Christine Ferguson Events. With experience crafting luxury weddings from the Hamptons to Paris, I’ve seen firsthand how having a wedding planner from the beginning can elevate your event in ways you may not even imagine.

Should You Hire a Wedding Planner or Choose a Venue First? 

You may want to jump right into venue selection, as it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make while planning (and, honestly, the most fun!). But I highly suggest having a wedding planner in place for that process. 

Why? We’ll get into that in this blog. 

What is the role of a wedding planner?

First, your wedding planner gives you peace of mind. They’re there for every decision, armed with their experience and expertise. 

An incredible wedding is about much more than a beautiful venue— it’s about crafting an experience that reflects your style, vision, and story. 

A wedding planner is the designer, curator, and orchestrator of your day. They manage logistics and create a cohesive, high-end experience by selecting the right vendors, designing down to the intricate details, and coordinating the flow of your day. 

Your planner ensures every detail and decision aligns with your vision, setting the tone for your celebration.

When to hire a wedding planner

As early as possible and at least a year before you get married. 

Finding the right wedding planner shouldn’t be about price or convenience– this is the person you’re trusting to execute one of the most important days of your life. It’s crucial to be sure the planner you choose is someone you’re excited to work with, and that may take some time. 

Once you’ve selected a planner, you can make other significant decisions like your venue and vendors. 

When to book a wedding venue

Your venue is the first thing we’ll begin with. A planner’s insight is invaluable when selecting a venue. An experienced planner has deep knowledge of logistics and aesthetics, ensuring your chosen venue aligns perfectly with your vision. 

They also look out for logistics you might not know to consider, like guest flow, vendor access, and layout for decor. 

Planners can help you choose a venue that will dazzle visually and function seamlessly, allowing for a flawlessly executed event. 

What if you’ve already booked your venue?

Hiring a wedding planner is still essential for a flawless event. If you’ve already secured your venue, no worries! We can still curate the perfect experience for you. 

The difference between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator

Most high-end venues today have an on-site wedding coordinator who will help you with your wedding planning regarding the venue. 

A wedding coordinator is essential because of their knowledge and expertise of the venue, but they do not serve the same role as a wedding planner.

So what does a wedding coordinator do, and how is it different from a planner?

A wedding coordinator (also called a venue coordinator) oversees the venue’s logistics on your wedding day, but their role is limited to the venue itself. They don’t handle external vendors, design, or the personalized details that make your wedding yours. 

To be clear, a wedding coordinator does not work for you; they work for the venue. We’ve worked with many incredible coordinators, but while we focus on you, the coordinator is more concerned with venue-specific factors like parking, vendor and decor arrivals, and end-of-night procedures. 

Your wedding planner is your advocate, working with your coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly on wedding day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a wedding planner necessary? 

If what you’re dreaming of is a luxurious experience for you and your guests, yes. A wedding planner is invaluable. 

When should I hire a wedding planner?
Hiring a planner as early as possible in your planning process is ideal. Doing so allows us to guide you through every decision, from choosing a venue to curating vendors, ensuring a stress-free and luxurious experience.

If I already have a venue, can I still hire a planner?
Absolutely. Even if you’ve already secured a venue, a planner plays a crucial role in managing every other wedding detail. Christine Ferguson Events will work seamlessly with your venue to elevate your event, ensuring the overall experience reflects your vision.

What is the difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding planner?
A venue coordinator manages the venue’s responsibilities on your wedding day—such as supply arrivals and catering if in-house. However, they won’t oversee vendor coordination, design elements, or personalized touches. On the other hand, a wedding planner handles every detail, ensuring a cohesive experience across all aspects of your wedding.

Start planning your dream wedding with Christine Ferguson Events

Whether you’ve just started your wedding planning journey or already booked a venue, hiring a wedding planner is the key to making your wedding day as extraordinary as you’ve imagined. 

At Christine Ferguson Events, we bring your vision to life with flawless execution and the highest quality vendors. We are known for crafting weddings that aren’t just parties but fully immersive experiences. We’d love to create something truly unforgettable for you! 
Reach out via our contact form to start the conversation. We can’t wait to celebrate you!