The Cost Of Wedding Planning Services

Wedding planners can be a great help when it comes to organising your big day, but they don't come cheap. The cost of a wedding planner depends on a variety of factors, including the type of planner, the location, the size of the wedding, and the planner's level of expertise. On average, couples in the US spend at least $1,500 on wedding planner services, with costs ranging from several hundred dollars to upwards of $10,000.

Full-service wedding planners are the most expensive option, typically costing between $5,000 and $25,000 or more. These planners handle every aspect of the wedding, from finding a venue and vendors to designing the event and managing logistics. Partial planners, who are hired a month or so in advance, and day-of coordinators are more affordable options, with rates starting at $1,250 and $800 respectively.

Wedding planners can also charge in different ways, such as a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the overall wedding bill. When deciding whether to hire a wedding planner, it's important to consider your budget, the venue and location, the number of guests, and how much time you can dedicate to planning.

Full-service wedding planner

A full-service wedding planner is the most comprehensive type of wedding planner you can hire. They will handle everything from helping you choose your colour palette to finding your perfect wedding venue and overseeing the day-of festivities. They will also take care of the small details, such as creating a wedding-day timeline, assembling invitations, setting up your favour display, and assisting with your seating chart.

The average cost of a full-service wedding planner in the United States is around $3,000, with top-tier planners charging between $4,500 to $12,000. However, prices can vary depending on location, with planners in larger cities or more expensive areas charging higher rates. For example, planners in the Bay Area of San Francisco can charge anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000.

When deciding whether to hire a full-service 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 200 or more guests, a full-service planner may be the best option to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Partial wedding planner

A partial wedding planner is a great option for those who want to be hands-on with their wedding planning but need some extra support. Partial wedding planners, also known as à la carte pros, can help with specific tasks in the lead-up to the wedding and on the day itself. They are typically less expensive than full-service planners, so they are a good option for couples working with a tighter budget.

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 if you hire a more experienced professional. The cost of a partial wedding planner ultimately depends on several factors, including the planner's level of expertise, the location of the wedding, the guest count, and the scope of work required.

When deciding whether to hire a partial wedding planner, it's important to consider your overall budget, venue and location, guest count, and how much time you can invest in planning. Meeting with 2-4 wedding planners can help you find the right fit and ensure that you share similar views of the planning process and can work within each other's budget and timeframe.

Day-of coordinator

A day-of wedding coordinator is a budget-friendly option for couples who want to focus on enjoying their big day. They are responsible for ensuring that the day runs smoothly, following the plans and schedule created by the couple.

The cost of a day-of wedding coordinator can vary depending on location and experience. On average, they charge between $800 and $3,000, with rates ranging from $1,500 to $8,000. In high-cost-of-living areas, such as New York City, rates can be higher, while in rural areas, they may be much lower.

When hiring a day-of coordinator, it is important to consider their experience and whether they have worked with similar weddings in terms of guest count, location, and style. It is also crucial to ask about their payment structure, as some may charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the overall wedding bill.

Some couples may choose to forgo a day-of coordinator and instead rely on friends, family, or a venue coordinator to handle day-of tasks. However, it is important to note that venue coordinators primarily focus on ensuring the event runs smoothly for the venue and may not provide the same level of personalized service as a dedicated day-of wedding coordinator.

Wedding planner costs by tier

Wedding planner costs vary depending on the planner's experience and expertise, the location of the wedding, the scope of work, and the type of planner. Here is a breakdown of wedding planner costs by tier:

DIY or Budget Tier

Planners in this tier typically work with lower budgets and charge a flat fee ranging from $5,000 to $7,000. They offer comprehensive planning services and are ideal for couples who need help with all aspects of wedding planning.

Middle Tier

Also known as the "Lovely" tier, planners in this category might charge a flat fee of around $10,000 to $15,000 or take a percentage (10% to 15%) of a larger budget. They often have more experience and offer high-quality services to create a memorable wedding.

Luxury Tier

Planners in the luxury tier usually work with higher budgets and charge a percentage of the total wedding costs, typically 15% to 20%. They have extensive experience and connections in the industry, ensuring that your wedding is a luxurious and elegant affair. Their baseline budget might start at $15,000, $25,000, or even higher.

Full-Service Wedding Planner

Full-service wedding planners are the most comprehensive option, handling everything from budgeting and vendor selection to design and day-of coordination. Depending on the planner's market tier and experience, their fees can range from $5,000 to $25,000 or more.

Destination Wedding Planner

Destination wedding planners are full-service planners who specialize in far-flung celebrations. They serve as your local experts and handle all the logistics of planning a wedding in a different location. Their fees are typically priced accordingly, reflecting their expertise and services.

Month-Of Wedding Planner

These planners offer monthly coordination packages to help with final walk-throughs, tastings, reception layouts, and day-of requirements. Their fees vary but generally fall between $1,000 and $8,000, depending on the level of service provided.

Day-Of Wedding Coordinator

Day-of wedding coordinators ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly, handling logistics and solving any last-minute issues. Their fees can range from $800 to $3,000, depending on their involvement and whether they assist with rehearsal dinner preparations.

How are wedding planner costs calculated?

Wedding planner costs are calculated based on several factors, and there is no standard rate. Wedding planners may charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the total wedding costs, or use a hybrid model. The cost of a wedding planner depends on factors such as the location of the wedding, the experience and expertise of the planner, the scope of work, and the type of planner hired.

Full-service wedding planners are the most comprehensive and expensive option, charging anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 and up. They cover everything from budgeting and finding vendors to designing and producing the event. Destination wedding planners are usually full-service and priced accordingly. Month-of wedding planners offer monthly coordination packages and charge between $1,000 and $8,000. Day-of wedding coordinators handle the logistics on the wedding day and can cost between $800 and $3,000. Partial wedding planners assist with specific tasks and are typically less expensive than full-service planners, with rates ranging from $1,250 to $6,000.

The cost of a wedding planner also depends on the planner's market tier. Planners operating in the "DIY" or "budget" tiers might charge a flat fee of $5,000 to $7,000. Vendors in the middle tier might charge a flat fee of $10,000 to $15,000 or take a percentage of a larger budget. Vendors in the luxury market often charge a percentage of the total budget, with baseline budgets starting at $15,000 or $25,000.

According to surveys and reports, the average cost of a wedding planner in the United States ranges from $1,500 to $2,100. However, this number is not reflective of today's couples' actual spend, as costs can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned above.

Frequently asked questions