What is the Difference Between a Wedding Planner and a Catering Manager?
Sometimes it’s easy to get confused with all the different roles vendors play during the planning process. Two of the most misconstrued roles are the catering manager and a professional wedding planner. And, while some of the job duties can overlap, their primary responsibilities are very different. So today, we wanted to help you easily communicate the differences when a potential client says, “But the caterers said they would take care of it.” Read on for the key differences between the services you may provide as a professional planner and a catering manager.
Catering Manager (duties may include)
Act as your menu consultant for all food and beverage selections.
Recommend Special Events Professionals
Order and oversee the complete set up of your rental needs including tables, chairs, linens, tableware, lounge furniture.
Create a floor plan of your event space in order for you to plan and provide them with your seating arrangements.
Act as the on-site liaison between your wedding planner and catering operations staff.
Detail your Menu and Rental contracts
Review your contracts and rental orders for accuracy.
Oversee the ceremony and reception areas set up and food preparation.
Professional Wedding Planner (duties may include)
Assist with etiquette and protocol for invitations, family matter, ceremony and toasts.
Recommend Special Events Professionals based on your style budget and personality. More custom of a list than Catering Manager will provide.
Order and oversee the complete set up of your rental needs including tables, chairs, linens, tableware, lounge and lighting, etc.…
Create a custom timeline for your entire wedding day
Run interference with any personal or family issues that may arise
Organize and coordinate your ceremony rehearsal. Remind bridal party of all pertinent “call times” and “don’t forgets” on the wedding day.
Confirm call times and details with all vendors several days prior to the wedding day. Be the liaison with your family, bridal party and all vendors. Assist the bride and bridal party with dressing.
Ensure the ladies have their bouquets and gentlemen have their boutonnieres.
Deliver and arrange ceremony programs, escort cards, place cards, favors and personal items.
Coordinate your actual ceremony (i.e. line up bridal party, cue musician, etc.)
Coordinate your reception (i.e. grand entrance, first dance, toasts, cake cutting, etc.)
Coordinate your vendors to ensure timeliness of your events.
Collect any personal items you may have brought at the conclusion of your reception. Collect all wedding gifts and deliver them to the appropriate location at the conclusion of your event.
Assist you with full-service planning from your engagement to your honeymoon, should you select a full-service package.
Want to refine your service packages but don’t know what to include? Learn more about our Service and Package Guidelines for wedding planners and purchase them in the shop!