Demand For Wedding Planners In The Us

There are an estimated 132,000 wedding planners in the United States, with 6,000+ job postings as of April 2024. The wedding planner job market is expected to grow by 7.5% between 2022 and 2032, with an anticipated need for 16,200 wedding planners in the US over the next 10 years.

There are 132,000 wedding planners in the US

There are approximately 132,000 wedding planners in the US, with the market expected to grow by 7.5% between 2022 and 2032. This equates to a need for 16,200 wedding planners in the US over the next 10 years. The wedding planning industry is concentrated in California, New York, and Texas, with Las Vegas and New York City being the most popular places for wedding planners to be based.

The average salary for a wedding planner in the US is $65,000, but this can vary greatly depending on factors such as experience, location, and type of planner. For example, the average starting cost for a wedding planner is $75 per hour, but a full-service wedding planner will likely cost more.

The wedding planning industry is predominantly female, with 89.5% of wedding planners identifying as women and 10.5% as men. The most common ethnicity among wedding planners is White (62.1%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (16.5%). The average age of a wedding planner is 40+ years old, representing 40% of the wedding planner population.

The job market is expected to grow by 7.5% by 2032

The wedding planning market is projected to experience notable expansion in the coming years. The industry is expected to witness a growth of 7.5% between 2022 and 2032, indicating a positive trajectory for wedding planner jobs in the US. This projected growth translates to an anticipated need for approximately 16,200 wedding planners in the country during this period.

Several factors contribute to the positive outlook for the wedding planning profession. Firstly, the wedding planning market itself is expanding, with an increasing number of couples seeking professional assistance to plan their special day. This trend is driven by a combination of factors, including the desire for well-organized, unique weddings and the convenience of having a dedicated planner to manage the numerous details and logistics involved.

Secondly, the retirement of existing wedding planners will create new job opportunities for aspiring professionals. It is estimated that around 6,300 current wedding planners will retire by 2032, opening up positions for new entrants to the field. This turnover rate ensures a regular influx of job openings, providing opportunities for those seeking to establish themselves in the industry.

Moreover, the wedding planning industry is subject to dynamic trends and evolving preferences. Couples increasingly seek personalized and tailored experiences, creating a demand for innovative and creative wedding planners who can offer unique concepts and designs. This shift towards customization and individuality presents a prime opportunity for wedding planners to showcase their skills and build their client base.

In addition, the rise of destination weddings and weddings with specific themes or complex requirements further fuels the demand for professional wedding planners. Couples often require assistance in navigating the complexities of organizing a wedding in a foreign location or incorporating specific themes and elements into their special day. This demand for specialized planning services is expected to contribute to the projected job market growth.

Lastly, the wedding planning industry is influenced by broader economic factors. As the economy strengthens and disposable income increases, couples tend to have larger budgets for their weddings, including allocating funds for professional planning services. This economic factor can positively impact the demand for wedding planners and contribute to the projected job market expansion.

The average salary is $65,000

The wedding planning industry is quite varied when it comes to salaries. The average salary for a wedding planner in the United States is $65,000, but this can range from $14 per hour to $420,000 per year. The wide range is due to several factors, including experience, location, and business model.

Experience plays a significant role in a wedding planner's salary. Those with more experience and a strong reputation in the industry tend to earn higher incomes. This is because they have the expertise and connections to plan more complex weddings and attract high-end clients.

Location also impacts earnings. Planners in high-cost areas, such as Hawaii, tend to charge more for their services than those in lower-cost regions. The type of couples targeted also matters; planners specialising in luxury events for celebrities and CEOs, for example, will likely earn more.

Additionally, the business model a wedding planner chooses can affect their salary. Planners may charge by the hour, by a percentage of the wedding budget, or a flat fee per wedding. The average starting hourly rate is around $75 per hour, while the percentage fee is typically 20% of the overall budget. Charging by the hour may be preferred by those new to the industry, as it ensures compensation for all the work put in, especially when the time needed is uncertain. However, a percentage-based fee is standard practice and provides an incentive for planners to stay within the couple's budget.

Wedding planners with successful businesses may also expand their services to include design or styling, becoming full-service planners. This allows them to charge higher fees and cater to clients' diverse needs.

To summarise, the average salary for a wedding planner in the US is $65,000, but this can vary greatly depending on experience, location, target market, and business model. Wedding planners with more experience, those located in high-cost areas, those targeting high-end clients, and those offering full-service planning and design can expect to earn higher incomes.

27% of couples hire a wedding planner

There are approximately 132,000 wedding planners in the United States, and this number is expected to grow by 7.5% between 2022 and 2032. This is a lucrative career path, with an average salary ranging from $14 per hour to $420,000 per year. The cost of hiring a wedding planner varies depending on factors such as location, services required, and wedding type. On average, couples spend around $2,100 on a wedding planner, but this can increase to over $10,000 for destination weddings.

Twenty-seven percent of couples hire a wedding planner, and day-of planners are the most in-demand service. This is a convenient option for couples who want to handle most of the planning themselves but want a professional to ensure their wedding day runs smoothly. Day-of coordinators handle last-minute details and manage any unforeseen issues that may arise.

Couples opt for day-of wedding coordinators for several reasons. Firstly, it is a cost-effective option, as these planners typically charge less than full-time or partial planners. Secondly, some couples prefer to plan their weddings independently but recognize the value of having a professional on the actual day to ensure everything goes according to plan. Finally, day-of coordinators are skilled at handling crises, such as weather issues or last-minute changes, reducing stress for the couple and their families.

While 27% may not seem like a large proportion, it translates to a significant number of couples hiring wedding planners each year. Considering the average number of weddings per year, which is approximately 2 million, 27% represents over half a million couples seeking professional planning services. This demand for day-of wedding coordinators provides a specialized niche within the wedding planning industry, ensuring that couples can enjoy their special day with reduced stress and the assurance that everything will be handled smoothly and efficiently.

The average cost of a wedding planner is $1,850

There are a multitude of factors that influence the cost of hiring a wedding planner. Couples are advised to budget 15% of their overall wedding finances for this service, but this can vary. Wedding planners may charge an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the overall wedding bill.

The average cost of a wedding planner in the US in 2020 was $1,500, according to The Knot research. However, this has increased slightly in recent years, with the average cost of a wedding planner in 2023 being $2,100. The cost of a wedding planner can also depend on the location, with planners in New York City charging about ten times more per hour than planners in Oaxaca, Mexico.

The type of wedding planner hired is another factor that influences the cost. A full-service wedding planner is the most comprehensive and, therefore, the most expensive. These planners can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 and up. A destination wedding planner is usually full-service and tends to be priced accordingly. A month-of wedding planner will typically charge between $1,000 and $8,000, while a day-of wedding coordinator will cost between $800 and $3,000.

The experience of the wedding planner also affects the cost, with more experienced pros coming with a higher price tag. The average starting cost for a wedding planner is $75 per hour, but higher-end professionals can charge between $100 and $275 an hour.

It is worth noting that hiring a wedding planner can save you money in the long run, as they can help you stick to your budget and may have connections to get you discounts on certain products or services.

Frequently asked questions