The Cost Of Wedding Planning Services

Wedding planners can be a great investment, saving you time, money, and stress. However, the cost of hiring one varies widely depending on factors like location, experience, and level of service. On average, a wedding planner in the US costs between $2,000 and $5,000, but this can be anywhere from $500 to $75,000. Full-service wedding planners are the most expensive, charging between $5,000 and $25,000, while day-of coordinators are more affordable, with rates from $800 to $3,000. Partial wedding planners typically cost between $1,250 and $6,000.

Full-service wedding planner

A full-service wedding planner is the most comprehensive type of wedding planner you can hire. They will take care of every major and minor task, from finding your perfect wedding venue to overseeing the festivities on the day. They will also obtain necessary permits and may even design and produce the event itself.

The cost of a full-service wedding planner varies depending on the planner's market tier, location, and experience. In the US, the average starting rate for a full-service wedding planner is around $3,000, with top-tier planners charging anywhere from $4,500 to $12,000 or more. However, some full-service planners can charge as little as $2,000 or as much as $25,000 or more.

When deciding whether to hire a full-service wedding planner, it is important to consider your overall budget, the complexity of your wedding, and how much time you can invest in planning. Full-service planners can save you time and money by helping you create and stick to your budget, and they often have a wide network of trusted vendors, which can result in cost savings.

• Communication: Effective communication is key. Ensure your planner listens to your requests and provides detailed yet brief electronic communications.
• Availability: Ask how many weddings the planner has coming up and specifically if they will be working on other weddings simultaneously as yours. You want to ensure your planner has the time to prioritize your wedding.
• Specialization: Choose a planner who specializes in what you are looking for. For example, some planners have specific skills like cake decorating or dress styling, while others excel at planning elegant weddings on a strict budget.
• References: Don't be afraid to ask for references and follow up with them. Checking references can help you gauge the planner's compatibility with your wedding vision and their ability to deliver exceptional service.
• Contract: Be sure to review the contract carefully before signing. Understand the planner's payment structure, whether it is a flat fee, hourly rate, or a percentage of the overall wedding bill.
• Customization: If you have already secured some vendors or completed some planning, ask the planner if they can customize their package and offer a discount.

Partial wedding planner

A partial wedding planner is a great option for those who don't require full-service planning but still want some professional help. Partial wedding planners, also known as à la carte pros, can assist with specific tasks such as managing a budget or organising the venue floor plan. They are typically less expensive than full-service planners, making them a good choice for couples with limited budgets.

The average starting rate for a partial wedding planner in the US is $1,250, but this can increase to between $2,300 and $6,000 for a more experienced planner. Partial planners usually come on board a month or so before the wedding and help with last-minute tasks such as seating charts, confirming vendors, and day-of responsibilities.

When deciding whether to hire a partial wedding planner, it's important to consider your budget, the size of your wedding, and the level of service you need. If you have a large wedding with many guests, you may need a full-service planner, whereas a small wedding may only require a day-of or month-of coordinator.

Day-of coordinator

A day-of wedding coordinator is a budget-friendly option for couples who want to be involved in the planning process but need a professional to execute their vision on the day. Day-of coordinators typically start working with you in the month, week, or even the day before your wedding. They put all your plans into motion, handle logistics, serve as a point of contact for vendors, and troubleshoot any problems that arise.

The cost of a day-of wedding coordinator varies depending on your location and the coordinator's level of experience. In high-cost-of-living areas, they can charge anywhere from $800 to $3,000, with some coordinators offering packages that include pre-wedding services. In low-cost-of-living areas, day-of coordinators may charge as little as $15/hour, with prices ranging from $600 to $1,999.

When hiring a day-of coordinator, it's important to understand what services are included in their package. Some coordinators may only be present for the first few hours of your wedding, while others will work an 8-10 hour shift. Additionally, some coordinators may charge extra for attending walkthroughs, rehearsals, or providing services beyond the wedding day. It's also worth noting that day-of coordinators typically don't create a timeline or vendor directory for you but will execute these plans to ensure your day runs smoothly.

When deciding on a day-of coordinator, it's essential to shop around, read reviews, and get a sense of how well you'll work together. You can also ask friends or family members to help coordinate, or handle day-of tasks yourself with the help of detailed instructions.

Overall, a day-of wedding coordinator is a valuable investment for couples who want to enjoy their wedding day without the stress of managing logistics and troubleshooting issues. By hiring a professional, you can rest assured that your vision will be brought to life and any problems will be handled efficiently.

Average cost

The cost of a wedding planner depends on a multitude of factors, including the type of planner, location, experience, and pricing tier. The average cost of a wedding planner in the United States is around $2,000, but this can vary significantly, with some planners charging as little as $500 and others starting at $75,000.

Full-Service Wedding Planner

Full-service wedding planners offer comprehensive planning services and are typically the most expensive option. They can charge anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on their market tier. These planners handle everything from budgeting and vendor selection to design and day-of coordination.

Destination Wedding Planner

Destination wedding planners are full-service planners who specialize in planning weddings in far-flung locations. They serve as the couple's boots on the ground in a foreign country and are usually priced accordingly.

Month-Of Wedding Planner

Month-of wedding planners offer monthly coordination packages and typically fall between full-service and day-of planners in terms of cost. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000 for their services.

Day-Of Wedding Coordinator

Day-of wedding coordinators are usually hired closer to the wedding date and focus on ensuring the wedding day runs smoothly. The average starting cost for a day-of wedding planner in the US is $800, but higher-end planners can charge up to $3,395.

Partial Wedding Planner

Partial wedding planners come on board about a month before the wedding and assist with last-minute tasks such as confirming vendors and day-of responsibilities. The average starting rate for a partial wedding planner in the US is $1,250, but they can charge up to $6,000 or more for more experienced planners.

Wedding Planner Costs by Tier

Wedding planner costs can also vary by tier, with some professionals working on lower-budget events and others catering to luxury markets. Planners in the "DIY" or "budget" tier may charge a flat fee of $5,000 to $7,000, while those in the middle tier might charge a flat fee of $10,000 to $15,000. Vendors in the luxury market often charge a percentage of the total wedding budget, with minimum budgets starting at $15,000, $25,000, or more.

Hourly rate

The cost of a wedding planner can vary depending on factors such as location, the type of planner, and the services provided. On average, a wedding planner can cost around $2,000, but this number can be higher or lower depending on various factors.

Wedding planners typically offer different packages or tiers of services, and their rates can vary accordingly. Some wedding planners charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $60 to $125 per hour. This rate is usually for à la carte services or partial planning packages, where the planner works in partnership with the couple and handles specific tasks or a certain number of hours.

For example, Event Details by Edelina charges $60 per hour in two-hour minimum blocks for services related to decorations, favors, or running errands. Shine Event Design charges $125 for the first hour and $85 for each additional hour. These rates are usually separate from their day-of coordination or partial planning packages, which have flat rates.

The cost of a wedding planner's hourly rate can also depend on their location. For instance, in New York City, the average hourly rate for a wedding planner is about $25.90, which is significantly higher than the rate in Oaxaca, Mexico, as mentioned by Annie Lee, the principal planner at Daughter of Design.

It's important to note that the hourly rate for wedding planners is just one pricing structure they may use. Some planners may charge a flat fee, a percentage of the total wedding costs, or a combination of these methods.

Frequently asked questions