How Much Do Wedding Planners Earn Annually?

Wedding planning is a lucrative career choice, with top wedding planners in the United States earning upwards of $120,000 per year. The average salary for a wedding planner in the US is around $22.17 per hour, but this can vary significantly depending on experience, location, and the type of services offered. For example, wedding planners in Boston earn an average salary of over $100,000, while those in rural areas may earn significantly less. Additionally, the way planners charge for their services, whether it be hourly, by percentage, or per wedding, can also impact their earnings. With the wedding industry in the US generating over $80 billion in revenue annually, there is ample opportunity for dedicated and business-savvy wedding planners to succeed and earn a substantial income.

Salary range

The salary range for wedding planners varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, and the type of services offered.

Hourly Rates

According to Wedding Wire research, the average starting cost for a wedding planner is $75 per hour. However, some sources report lower hourly rates, with one source stating that wedding planners earn an average of $10.02 per hour, with salaries ranging from $6.05 to $16.57 per hour. Another source reports an average hourly wage of $22.17.

Annual Salaries

The reported annual salaries for wedding planners show an even wider range. One source states that the average wedding planner salary is $44,260 per year. However, other sources report significantly higher salaries, with some wedding planners earning over $120,000 per year. The highest reported salary range is from $14 per hour to $420,000 per year.

Location and Experience

Location also plays a significant role in determining a wedding planner's salary. For example, a wedding planner in a small town in rural Wyoming is unlikely to earn as much as a planner working in a major city like Boston, where the average salary exceeds $100,000.

Experience is another critical factor influencing earnings. Wedding planners who have been working regularly for at least five years and have built a solid client base can expect to earn between $70,000 and $90,000 per year. Those with ten or more years of experience can command even higher salaries, regularly grossing over $100,000 annually.

Type of Services

The type of services offered also impacts a wedding planner's salary. Full-service wedding planners, who handle all aspects of the wedding planning process, typically earn more than those who only offer day-of or month-of coordination services. Additionally, planners who offer additional services, such as providing decorations or rental items, can supplement their income and attract a higher-end clientele.

Packages and Customization

The way services are packaged and offered to clients can also affect a wedding planner's earnings. Premade packages with tiered pricing and customization options can help planners attract a wider range of clients and increase their income. A la carte services can be offered as add-ons or allow clients to create a bespoke package tailored to their specific needs.

Salary by experience

Experience plays a significant role in determining a wedding planner's salary. While the average salary for a wedding planner in the United States is around $22.17 per hour, with salaries ranging from $6.05 to $16.57 per hour, there is an opportunity for higher salaries with more experience and time spent in the industry.

Wedding planners who have been working regularly for at least five years and have been building their client base report earning between $70,000 and $90,000 annually. This increases further for those with ten or more years of experience, with annual salaries regularly exceeding $100,000. The longer one stays in the industry, the better their reputation becomes, and the more in-demand they become, leading to higher salaries.

In addition to time spent in the industry, the number of weddings planned and the location of the business also impact a wedding planner's salary. For example, a wedding planner in a high-cost area like Boston is likely to earn more than someone in a small town in rural Wyoming.

Experience also brings a different set of skills and knowledge, allowing planners to understand the business aspect better and make more informed decisions regarding accounting, budgeting, and expenses. This can lead to significant cost savings and contribute to higher salaries for experienced wedding planners.

Furthermore, the type of services offered and the size of the business can also impact earnings. Planners who offer full-service planning and design typically earn more than those who only provide day-of or month-of services. Additionally, larger businesses with more staff can handle multiple weddings simultaneously, increasing their revenue compared to smaller operations.

To summarize, a wedding planner's salary increases with experience, and those with extensive industry experience, a solid reputation, and a diverse range of services can expect to earn well over $100,000 per year.

Salary by location

The salary of a wedding planner can vary depending on location. For example, the average salary for a wedding planner in Texas is $42,817 per year, while the average salary in the United States is $44,260 per year. In some cities, such as Boston, the average salary for wedding planners can exceed $100,000.

The cost of a wedding planner can also vary depending on the services offered and the experience of the planner. For instance, a full-service wedding planner who has been in the industry for many years will likely charge more than a day-of coordinator. Additionally, the average cost of a wedding planner can differ based on the location of the wedding. 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.

The type of couples that wedding planners target can also impact their salary. Planners who specialise in luxury events for celebrities and CEOs are likely to charge more than those who target young college graduates.

Wedding planners can also offer packages or a la carte services, which can affect their overall salary. Packages with tiered pricing and customisation options can help planners attract more clients and increase their earnings.

Overall, the salary of a wedding planner can vary significantly depending on various factors, including location, experience, services offered, and target audience.

Salary by type of planner

The salary of a wedding planner varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and the type of services offered.

Full-Service Wedding Planners

Full-service wedding planners tend to be the most expensive option as they handle all aspects of planning, from negotiating contracts to coordinating vendors. They may also offer design services, creating mood boards, themes, and colour palettes. These planners typically cost more, but not always. For example, a full-service wedding planner in Charlottesville, VA, charges $6000 for her services, while a husband-and-wife team in the south of France and Italy charges €6500 or 10% of the final vendor costs.

Wedding Coordinators

Wedding coordinators step in about two months before the wedding date to ensure smooth execution. They may also offer day-of services, such as keeping the wedding on track and assisting the couple. The cost of wedding coordinators varies, with some charging a flat fee of around $1500, while others charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $89 to $296 per hour.

Day-of Coordinators (DOC)

Day-of coordinators typically take over a few weeks to a month before the wedding to start coordinating with vendors and developing schedules. They are responsible for ensuring the wedding day runs smoothly and addressing any last-minute issues. DOC fees can range from $175 to $2500, with the average cost being around $1000.

Partial Wedding Planners

Partial wedding planners offer a combination of full-service planning and day-of coordination. They may work with the couple for several months leading up to the wedding, providing guidance and support. Partial planners typically charge a flat fee, with prices ranging from $3000 to $10,500, depending on the level of service provided.

Location-Specific Wedding Planners

The location of the wedding also impacts the planner's fee. For example, a wedding planner in Texas earns an average of $42,817 annually, while the average salary for a wedding planner in the United States is around $44,260. Additionally, planners in high-cost areas, such as Boston, tend to charge higher fees than those in smaller towns or rural areas.

Salary by services offered

Wedding planners can offer a variety of services, and their salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the type of services offered. Here is a breakdown of how a wedding planner's salary can be influenced by the services they provide:

Full-Service Planning

Full-service wedding planners typically handle all aspects of wedding planning, from negotiating contracts to coordinating vendors and managing the overall design. As it is the most comprehensive and hands-on service, full-service planning is usually the most expensive option. Wedding planners who offer full-service planning can charge higher fees, with rates ranging from $3,000 to $10,500 or more, depending on their experience and location.

Partial Planning or Day-of Coordination

Some wedding planners offer partial planning services or day-of coordination, which involves stepping in a few weeks or months before the wedding to ensure everything runs smoothly. These planners may offer assistance with final vendor confirmations, creating and distributing schedules, and overseeing the wedding day itself. The cost for these services can vary, with day-of coordination fees ranging from $250 to $3,000, depending on the specific tasks included and the experience of the planner.

A La Carte Services

In addition to full-service or partial planning, some wedding planners offer a la carte services, allowing couples to customise their planning experience. These services can include tasks such as venue scouting, vendor recommendations, or design consultations. A la carte services can be charged at an hourly rate, typically ranging from $75 to $200 per hour, or as flat fees for specific tasks.

Percentage-Based Fees

Another pricing structure wedding planners may use is charging a percentage of the overall wedding budget. This is often around 20% of the total budget and can result in higher earnings for planners, especially for more extravagant weddings. For example, a wedding with a budget of $50,000 would include a planner fee of $10,000 at a 20% rate.

Package Deals

Wedding planners may also offer package deals, which include a combination of services at a set price. These packages can vary in terms of the services included and the level of customisation offered. Package deals can range from a few thousand dollars to $10,000 or more, depending on the specifics of the package and the experience of the planner.

Frequently asked questions