Lucrative Career Path: Wedding Planner's Salary Guide

Wedding planners in the United States earn an average of $10.02 per hour, with salaries ranging from $6.05 to $16.57 per hour. However, top wedding planners can make over $120,000 a year, with some earning between $70,000 and $90,000 annually after five years in the industry. The average salary for a wedding planner in Pennsylvania is $18.10 per hour, while in Boston, salaries can exceed $100,000. Couples typically budget around 15% of their overall wedding budget for a wedding planner, which can cost anywhere from $300 to $10,500 depending on experience, location, and services offered.

Hourly rates

The average wage for a wedding planner in the United States is around $10.02 per hour, with salaries starting from $6.05 per hour and going up to $16.57 per hour. However, some sources suggest that the average salary for a wedding planner is $21.89 per hour. The average starting cost for a wedding planner is approximately $75 per hour, and this includes consultations with clients, onsite visits, and planning the event.

Wedding planners can also charge a flat fee or a percentage of the overall wedding bill. The average cost of a wedding planner in the U.S. in 2020 was $1,500, and in 2023, it was $2,100. This can vary depending on location, with the average cost of a wedding in Mississippi in 2019 being $15,475, while in Hawaii, it was $29,605.

The type of planner hired also affects the cost, with full-service wedding planners costing anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 and up, while day-of wedding coordinators can run between $800 and $3,000.

It is worth noting that the cost of a wedding planner can be a sizable investment, but they can also save couples money in the long run by helping them create and stick to their budget.

Annual salary

The annual salary of a wedding planner can vary depending on several factors, including experience, location, and business structure.

In the United States, the average annual salary for a wedding planner ranges from USD $44,260 to $45,950, with the potential to earn up to $71,000. The hourly rate for wedding planners can be as high as $75 per hour, with an average hourly wage of $10.02. However, top wedding planners can earn over $120,000 annually, and the salary increases with experience. Wedding planners with 5 to 10 years of experience can expect to make between $70,000 and $100,000 per year. Those who have been in the industry for over 10 years can command salaries of $100,000 or more.

Location also plays a significant role in determining a wedding planner's salary. For example, wedding planners in larger cities tend to earn more than those in small towns or rural areas. The average salary for a wedding planner in Colorado is approximately $48,325 per year, with an hourly rate of $25.57.

Additionally, wedding planners can charge by the wedding ($500 to $5,000+ per wedding), by the hour, or as a percentage of the total wedding budget (typically 12% to 20%). The average wedding planner handles 8 to 10 weddings per year, but this number can vary. Wedding planners who offer full-service planning and design will generally make more than those who only provide day-of or month-of coordination.

Building a strong reputation, offering comprehensive packages, and gaining experience can all contribute to higher earnings for wedding planners.

Location

The location of a wedding planning business will have a significant impact on its profit ceiling. For example, the average cost of a wedding in Mississippi in 2019 was $15,475, while the average cost of a wedding in Hawaii was $29,605. This price difference will affect wedding planners who charge a percentage of the overall wedding budget, which is typically between 12% and 20%.

Destination wedding planners, who are usually full-service, will also charge higher fees as they serve as the couple's representative on the ground in a faraway place.

• A full-service wedding planner in Charlottesville, VA charges $6,000.
• A day-of wedding coordinator in California charges $1,500.
• A full-service wedding planner in the PNW charges $3,000.
• A day-of wedding coordinator in St. Louis costs between $500 and $800.
• A full-service wedding planner in the MD area charges $6,000.
• A day-of wedding coordinator in Atlanta, GA costs $2,100.
• A day-of wedding coordinator in Los Angeles costs between $1,000 and $1,750.

Experience

Wedding planners who have been working regularly for at least five years and have been building their client base report earning anywhere from $70,000 to $90,000 a year, while those who have been working for ten years regularly gross $100,000 annually. This is because, in the wedding industry, almost all aspects of business survival rely completely on word-of-mouth. The longer one stays in the industry, the better their reputation will become, and the more in-demand they will be, giving them the opportunity to start charging higher prices for their services.

The salary of a wedding planner can range significantly, from a standard salary for newly minted wedding planners to mid-six figures for the highly experienced and business-savvy ones. Only 20% of wedding planners have more than ten years of experience, while 59% have less than four years of experience. Most people who start working as wedding planners do not have the tenacity to continue in the industry past a few years. However, if you can get past the first few years of wedding planning, your salary stands to improve dramatically.

Business size

The size of a wedding planning business can have a significant impact on its revenue and overall success. Here are some key factors to consider when thinking about the business size of a wedding planner:

Number of Planners/Staff

The number of planners or staff members in a wedding planning business can directly impact its capacity and revenue. A solo business owner may have limitations on the number of weddings they can handle simultaneously, whereas a larger team can take on multiple events. This can result in increased revenue and a higher salary for the business owner.

Services Offered

The range of services offered by a wedding planning business can influence its size and profitability. "Day-of" or "month-of" planning services are typically less comprehensive and may be suitable for smaller businesses or solo planners. On the other hand, full-service planning and design packages are more extensive and often come with higher price tags. Offering these services can lead to larger projects and a bigger business footprint.

Business Knowledge and Experience

Understanding business fundamentals, such as cash flow, accounting, budgeting, and taxes, is crucial for pricing services appropriately and managing finances effectively. Wedding planners with strong business acumen are more likely to succeed in the long term and scale their businesses. Additionally, experience in the industry plays a significant role in business size. Seasoned planners with established reputations and extensive industry connections are more likely to attract higher-paying clients and secure larger projects.

Location

The geographical location of a wedding planning business can have a substantial impact on its size and revenue. Planners operating in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Washington, DC, tend to earn significantly more than those in rural areas or less popular destinations. The cost of living and demand for wedding planners in these metropolitan areas contribute to higher salaries.

Marketing and Reputation

Effective marketing strategies and a strong reputation can influence the size and success of a wedding planning business. Planners who can market themselves well to their target clients and establish a positive reputation are more likely to attract a larger client base and secure more projects. Word-of-mouth referrals from past clients and industry professionals also contribute to business growth.

Additional Income Streams

Some wedding planning businesses increase their size and revenue by offering additional services or products. This can include selling retail items, providing event decor, maintaining a rental inventory, or offering invitations. Diversifying income streams can lead to a larger and more profitable business.

In summary, the size of a wedding planning business is influenced by various factors, including the number of staff, range of services, business knowledge, experience, location, marketing, and additional income streams. By considering and optimizing these factors, wedding planners can effectively grow their businesses and increase their earning potential.

Frequently asked questions