Wedding Planner Levels: From Basic To Luxe

Wedding planners offer different levels of planning services, from full-service to month-of or day-of coordination. The cost of hiring a wedding planner varies depending on the planner's experience, the scope of work, and the location of the wedding. Full-service wedding planners are typically the most expensive, charging anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 or more. Month-of wedding planners usually offer coordination services in the final weeks leading up to the wedding and may charge between $1,000 and $8,000. Day-of wedding coordinators ensure that the wedding day runs smoothly and can cost between $800 and $3,000. The average cost of a wedding planner is around $2,000, but this can vary significantly based on various factors.

Full-service wedding planner

A full-service wedding planner is a professional consultant who plays an important role in one of the most important times in a couple's life. They guide their clients through the entire wedding planning process, deliver on their vision, and exceed their expectations.

A full-service wedding planner manages the entire wedding planning process from start to finish. This includes developing schedules for everything from invitation production to vendor load-in and out times, overseeing guest transportation, and room blocks. They work with their team to iron out last-minute details and identify potential pitfalls to help their clients avoid costly mistakes or etiquette faux pas.

Full-service wedding planning packages are comprehensive and can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 and up. They cover everything from hiring vendors to managing logistics on the big day and even designing and producing the event itself.

Destination wedding planner

A destination wedding planner is a wedding planner who specializes in organizing weddings in far-flung locations. They serve as the couple's "boots on the ground" at the destination, handling all the intricacies of planning a wedding in a foreign place.

The cost of hiring a destination wedding planner can vary depending on factors like the location, scope of work, and the planner's experience. Their fees can be charged as a flat rate, a percentage of the total wedding costs, or an hourly rate.

Month-of wedding planner

A month-of wedding planner is a great option for couples who want to handle most of the planning themselves but need some extra support in the final weeks leading up to their big day. Here are the roles and responsibilities typically associated with a month-of wedding planner:

• A month-of wedding coordinator will typically reach out to your vendors about 30-60 days before the wedding. This ensures that vendors are focused on your wedding and allows time to discuss any final details. They may also schedule regular phone calls or allow for email communication to address any questions or concerns that may arise.
• Creating a detailed wedding day timeline is a crucial task for a month-of wedding planner. They will incorporate requests from the couple and coordinate with various vendors regarding their arrival and departure times. The timeline will also include unique moments such as group photos, surprise appearances, and family photo groupings to ensure everything runs smoothly.
• A month-of wedding planner will usually facilitate the wedding rehearsal, introducing the wedding party and directing the bridal party's entrance and positioning during the ceremony. This is also an opportunity for the couple to provide any decor items or last-minute requests to the coordinator.
• On the wedding day, the coordinator will likely arrive with the first vendor, such as the hair and makeup artist. They will check in with the couple and the wedding party, gather gratuity envelopes, and handle any last-minute requests or emergencies.
• During the wedding, the coordinator will be the point of contact for vendors and guests, ensuring that everything runs according to the timeline and addressing any issues that may arise. They will also assist the photographer in wrangling family members for photos and ensuring that the reception area is ready for guests.
• Setting up and packing up decor items is also typically included in the duties of a month-of wedding planner. They will ensure that all items are unpacked and set up before guests arrive and will pack up any remaining items at the end of the event.
• A month-of wedding planner will generally cost between $1,000 and $8,000, depending on the vendor and the level of involvement.

Overall, a month-of wedding planner can be a valuable asset to any couple, providing peace of mind and ensuring that their vision for their special day is brought to life.

Day-of wedding coordinator

A day-of wedding coordinator is responsible for making sure that all of a couple's wedding plans are executed perfectly on their big day. They are often the primary point of contact for vendors, taking the pressure off the couple and their families.

The cost of a day-of wedding coordinator can vary depending on their responsibilities and the scale of the event. Prices can range from $800 to $3,000, with the average cost being $2,000. The number of locations, hours worked, and the number of guests can all impact the final cost.

Couples who plan their own weddings often hire day-of coordinators to ensure their plans are realised and to reduce stress on the day. Day-of coordinators can also be useful for weddings at non-traditional venues, such as someone's home or a national park, to ensure the venue is set up correctly.

While a day-of wedding coordinator is primarily focused on the wedding day itself, they can also be involved in the weeks leading up to the event, including attending the wedding rehearsal and overseeing the final walkthrough of the venue.

Partial wedding planner

A partial wedding planner is a great option for couples who want to be involved in the planning process but would like professional guidance and support along the way. This type of planner is perfect for those who have already started planning their wedding but need help choosing vendors, styling the event, and coordinating on the day-of.

Partial wedding planning services typically include one monthly meeting prior to the wedding, design board creation, vendor research and selection, a ceremony and reception site walkthrough, unlimited email and phone correspondence, event timeline creation, and one hour for the ceremony rehearsal. On the wedding day, the planner will manage setup and teardown, execute the design and styling, manage the event timeline, and provide all-day coverage of coordinating assistance.

The cost of a partial wedding planner can vary depending on the location and scope of work. Some planners offer this service starting at $5,400, while others may charge a flat fee or a percentage of the overall wedding budget. It is important to note that partial planning packages do not usually include setup or teardown crews.

Frequently asked questions