So, you’re gearing up for your big day, and you’ve got a ton of things to figure out. Most importantly, among those decisions is whether you only need Nazareth Hall’s wedding hostess or you also need an additional day-of-coordinator. But wait, aren’t they kinda the same thing? Not exactly! Let’s break it down and help you decide if you need extra assistance! So, do you need a hostess or wedding planner?
The Wedding Hostess
Not to be confused with your “Venue Coordinator,” who you meet with to decide on all of the venue details prior to the wedding day… think of the wedding hostess as your on-the-ground hero. They’re like the venue’s secret weapon to make sure everything goes smoothly on the day of your wedding. Picture them as your personal liaison between you and the venue staff, making sure your plans come to life without a hitch.
Their main gig? Keeping you and the venue staff on track from their arrival to the very end of the event. They’ll be the ones paying attention to the ceremony lineup, making sure your bridal party and vendors know what to do and ensuring the timeline you (and your Venue Coordinator) planned out gets followed to a T. Got a last-minute emergency? They’re your go-to problem solvers, ready to swoop in and save the day.
During the months/years leading up to the wedding, you will be meeting with a Venue Coordinator to discuss your wedding day vision, create a detailed timeline and floor plan, and choose your menu for the day. They are in charge of making sure all of the details are well organized and passed on to the hostess who will take over for your wedding day. Upon arrival, 2 hours prior to your ceremony, the hostess reviews all of the necessary paperwork so she can familiarize herself with your vision and important factors of the day. She will introduce herself to you, your family, and the bridal party shortly after and offer any last-minute assistance. The important thing to note is that she is tasked with assisting with anything that pertains to the Hall. While she will help with moving decorations from the ceremony space to the reception, she will not be in charge of decorating or tearing down decor.
For the ceremony, her duties include escorting guests on the shuttle, helping line up your bridal party, and assisting you with your entrance! From the end of the ceremony through the reception, she will provide drinks and hors d’oeuvres for the couple, help bustle the wedding dress, cut your wedding cake, and work side by side with our catering staff for the night.
They’ll also be there to assist guests, whether it’s helping them find their seats, answering questions about the schedule or facilities, or assisting with any special needs they may have. Having a friendly face available to help your guests navigate the event can make a big difference in their overall experience.
One of the hostess’s key roles is to be your point of contact for Nazareth Hall throughout the event. Because of this, if any issues or emergencies arise, she’ll be there to handle them discreetly and efficiently, allowing you to enjoy your day without stress or worry. Whether it’s a vendor running late, a guest feeling unwell, or a sudden change in the weather, she’ll handle it with professionalism and grace.
The Wedding Planner and Day-Of-Coordinator
Now, the wedding planner is like your fairy godmother of weddings. They’re the ones you call in way before the big day to help you navigate the maze of wedding planning. From finding the perfect venue to making sure your budget doesn’t go off the rails, they’ve got your back every step of the way.
Unlike the wedding hostess, the wedding planner is your partner in crime from the get-go. They’re the creative brains behind your dream wedding, helping you nail down the theme, wrangle vendors, and keep track of all those pesky little details. When you pair them with your Nazareth Hall Venue Coordinator, you’re sure to have all of the planning down pat.
Come the big day, your event planner transforms into your behind-the-scenes maestro as a “day of coordinator”. They’re the ones making sure everything you’ve planned inside and outside of the venue comes together seamlessly. They would be in charge of decorating and tearing down your wedding spaces, making sure your photographer has taken all of the necessary shots, and that all vendors have arrived and set up on time. They’re the ones making sure your wedding day is nothing short of magical.
Imagine having a BFF who’s an absolute pro at throwing epic parties – that’s your wedding planner. They’re the ones you turn to for advice, guidance, and maybe a little pep talk when the stress kicks in. Hiring them means that you won’t have to worry about the minuscule details of the day. They’ve got your back every step of the way!
Do you need an outside coordinator?
At the end of the day, it all boils down to what fits your budget, how much help you want, and what you personally vibe with. The hostess is automatically included with the venue staff for the day, whereas a planner/day-of-coordinator would be an added bonus! Some couples go for the double whammy, getting a planner to handle the prep work and having both to man the ship on the day itself. But hey, no matter what route you take, both are like having a secret weapon to make sure your wedding rocks without any glitches! Either way, your big day will be amazing whether you choose to just have a wedding hostess or to hire an additional coordinator!
Listen in on the full episode on the podcast answering the question “hostess or wedding planner?” here.
March 14, 2024