Lyla Dejesus
Wedding planners can charge in a few different ways: a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the overall wedding bill. The cost of a wedding planner depends on a variety of factors, including the type of wedding planner, the location, the services required, and the size of the wedding. On average, a wedding planner costs $2,100, but this can vary from $1,500 to upwards of $10,000. Day-of wedding coordinators are the most affordable option, with partial planning packages and full-service coordination costing more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Charge | Flat Fee, Hourly Rate, Percentage of Overall Wedding Bill |
| Basis of Flat Fee | Services Offered, Number of Hours |
| Hourly Rate | $40-$275 |
| Percentage Charge | Percentage of Overall Wedding Bill |
| Services Covered | Correspondence, Venue and Vendor Selection, Organisation, Wedding Prep, Day-of Coordination, Post-Wedding Tasks |
| Type of Planner | Full-Service, Partial, Month-of, Day-of, Destination Wedding |
| Average Cost (US) | $1,500 - $12,000 |
What You'll Learn
Flat fee, hourly rate or percentage of the overall wedding bill
Wedding planners can charge in a few different ways: a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the overall wedding bill.
Flat Fee
Flat fees are usually offered as part of a package. The package might be for full-service wedding planning, day-of coordination, or partial planning. A full-service package will be the most expensive, as the planner will be involved from the start of the planning process and will handle all the details of the wedding. Day-of coordination is the most affordable option, as the planner will only be involved in the month before the wedding and on the day itself. Partial planning falls somewhere in the middle, with the planner working in partnership with the couple from the start or later in the process, and helping with specific tasks.
Hourly Rate
Hourly rates are usually offered as part of a consulting package, where the client can ask questions and get recommendations in a meeting with the wedding planner. This might be a good option for couples who want to plan the wedding themselves but need some professional guidance. The hourly rate will depend on the planner's level of experience and location.
Percentage of the Overall Wedding Bill
This method of charging is less common now, but some wedding planners will still charge a percentage of the overall wedding bill. This means that the more you spend on your wedding, the more the planner will earn.
It's important to note that the cost of a wedding planner will depend on multiple factors, including the location, the services hired, and the type of wedding. Be sure to discuss payment with your wedding planner and understand exactly what is included in the price.
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Day-of coordination
Although this package is typically booked well in advance of the wedding, the wedding planner does not get involved until 1-2 weeks prior to the wedding day. During this time, the planner will create a detailed timeline, contact vendors for formal introductions, check timelines and day-of contact information, and review copies of all contracts to clarify all contractual obligations. They will also run the wedding rehearsal and be present at the venue on the day to ensure every detail is set up according to the client's vision.
The day-of coordinator should also be the liaison between the bride and the vendors, relieving the bride of unnecessary stress. They will ensure everything runs smoothly, adhering to the timeline, and if this isn't possible, it is their responsibility to rearrange events in a way that incurs minimal cost and stress to the couple, their families, and their guests.
The cost of day-of coordination varies depending on the area, the size of the wedding, and the number of locations. A basic package in a rural area would typically run from $600 to $900, depending on the size of the wedding and the number of locations. For weddings with 200+ guests or with separate ceremony and reception locations, an assistant will be required, which will increase the price. In larger metropolitan areas, or for a very well-established and experienced wedding planner, the package price for day-of coordination would typically be $1,200 to $1,800.
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Partial planning
A partial planning package will often include creating a wedding planning checklist, supplying vendor recommendations, reviewing vendor contracts, designing a venue diagram, constructing a detailed wedding day timeline, and confirming all details with vendors before the wedding. The wedding planner will also usually facilitate the ceremony rehearsal and be present on the day to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The average starting rate for a partial wedding planner in the US is $1,250, but this can range from $2,300 to $6,000 for a more experienced planner.
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Full-service planning
Full-service wedding planning is for couples who want a high-touch experience with a wedding professional overseeing every aspect of their wedding day or weekend. This package includes unlimited meetings and coordination time, with the planner acting as the point of contact for all vendors.
Full-service wedding planning typically includes assistance with:
- Wedding planning timeline preparation and creating a wedding checklist
- Budget preparation, allocation, and management
- Vendor recommendations, negotiations, and bookings
- Creation and execution of a design scheme
- Managing save-the-dates, wedding invitations, and all printed materials
- Tracking of guest RSVPs
- Wedding favours and accessories
- Coordinating accommodations, transportation, and childcare
- Procuring welcome bags
- Etiquette information
- General advice and consultation
- Attendance at vendor meetings and the ceremony rehearsal
- Directing the ceremony processional
- Setup of wedding accessories such as guest books, place cards, and favours
- Assisting the family, wedding party, and guests as needed
- Distributing final payments and gratuities to vendors
- Providing an emergency kit
- Dealing with any unforeseen issues
- Coordinating load-out
The cost of a full-service wedding planner package varies depending on the location, size of the wedding, and the number of locations. In the US, the average starting rate for a full-service wedding planner is about $3,000, with top-tier planners averaging $4,500 to $12,000. In larger metropolitan areas or for more experienced wedding planners, full-service packages can range from $3,500 to $5,000 if the client is involved and $5,000 to $10,000 if the client is not.
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Consulting
According to the Association of Bridal Consultants, the average total cost for a wedding consultant is $3,636 in the northeast and $2,635 in the south. The national average is $3,262.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of a wedding planner varies depending on the type of planner, level of experience, location, and services offered. On average, couples in the US spend at least $1,500 on wedding planner services, with full-service planners costing upwards of $10,000.
There are typically three types of wedding planners: full-time, partial, and day-of coordinators. Full-time planners offer start-to-finish services and usually charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the overall wedding bill. Partial planners help with specific tasks and often charge by the hour or offer package deals. Day-of coordinators manage the wedding day timeline and logistics and usually charge a flat fee.
A wedding planner's fee typically includes tasks such as correspondence, venue and vendor selection, organization, wedding prep, day-of coordination, and post-wedding tasks. Some planners may also offer consulting packages, which are billed by the hour and involve the client asking questions or seeking guidance in specific areas.
When choosing a wedding planner, consider your budget, the level of service you require, and the planner's experience and reviews. Before hiring a planner, ask about their payment structure, whether they work alone or with a team, their availability for your wedding, and how they communicate with clients.
