Cost Of Wedding Planners: How Much?

Wedding planners can be a huge 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, and the level of service provided. On average, a wedding planner in the US costs $2000, but prices can range from $75 per hour to upwards of $10,000. So, how much should you expect to pay for a wedding planner, and what services do they provide?

Full-service wedding planner

A full-service wedding planner is the most comprehensive type of wedding planner you can hire. They will help you with every aspect of your wedding, from choosing your colour palette to finding your perfect venue, and overseeing the festivities on the day. They will also be able to advise on budgeting, finding vendors, design ideas, and logistics.

The cost of a full-service wedding planner varies depending on your location, the services you require, and the type of wedding you are planning. According to Wedding Spot, full-service wedding planning costs between $2,000 and $10,000 or more. Brides.com puts the cost of a full-service wedding planner at $5,000 to $25,000 and up, depending on the planner's market tier. Wedding Forward gives a range of $3,000 to $8,000 for a flat rate.

When budgeting for a wedding planner, experts suggest setting aside 5-10% of your wedding budget, or 15% if you are hiring a full-service planner.

It's important to note that wedding planner costs can be calculated in a few different ways. Some planners charge a flat fee, while others charge an hourly rate or a percentage of the total wedding costs. Some planners use a hybrid model that combines these methods.

When deciding whether to hire a full-service wedding planner, consider the amount of time and stress that planning a wedding can entail. A full-service planner can save you time and money and provide peace of mind on your wedding day.

Day-of wedding coordinator

A day-of wedding coordinator is a budget-friendly option to ensure your big day runs smoothly and you can enjoy your wedding stress-free.

The cost of a day-of wedding coordinator varies depending on location, the specific services provided, and the level of expertise. On average, a day-of wedding coordinator in the US costs between $600 and $3,395, with some coordinators charging up to $8,000.

Some day-of coordinators also offer additional services, such as planning tools, site visits, and assistance with vendor selection and confirmation. These extra services will be reflected in the overall cost.

When hiring a day-of wedding coordinator, it is important to meet with them beforehand to ensure you have a good working relationship and that they understand your vision for the day.

Wedding planner costs by tier

The cost of a wedding planner depends on a multitude of factors, and the average cost can vary depending on location and the type of planner hired. The national average cost of a wedding planner in the US in 2023 was $2,100, but this can range from $1,500 to upwards of $10,000.

• Budget Tier: Wedding planners in this tier typically work on lower-budget events and offer packages priced accordingly. Planners in this tier might charge a flat fee ranging from $5,000 to $7,000.
• Middle Tier: Vendors in this tier, often called "lovely", might charge a flat fee of $10,000 to $15,000 or take a percentage (10-15%) of a larger budget.
• Luxury Tier: Vendors in the luxury market typically charge a percentage (15-20%) of the total budget, with a minimum budget requirement of $15,000 to $25,000 or more.

It's important to note that these tiers are not set in stone and there can be significant variation within each tier depending on various factors such as location, experience, and the scope of services provided.

How are wedding planner costs calculated?

Wedding planner costs are calculated based on several factors, with the location of the wedding and the services required from the planner being the most significant determinants. Wedding planners typically charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the overall wedding budget.

The location of the wedding plays a crucial role in the cost, with planners in high-cost areas, such as New York City, commanding higher rates than those in less expensive regions. The scope of work and the level of service provided also influence the price, with full-service planners charging more than day-of coordinators.

The experience and expertise of the planner are other factors that impact the cost. More experienced planners with extensive industry connections and a strong reputation usually come with a higher price tag. Additionally, the size of the wedding and the complexity of the event can affect the planner's fees, as larger weddings with intricate details and multiple events require more time and effort to plan and execute.

Some wedding planners offer different levels of coordination or planning packages to match varying budgets and desired service levels. These packages can include day-of coordination, partial planning services, or full-service planning, each with its own pricing structure.

When calculating the cost of a wedding planner, it is essential to consider the value they bring to the wedding planning process. Wedding planners can save couples money by providing industry discounts and helping allocate funds strategically. They also save time, reduce stress, and ensure that every detail is managed efficiently, allowing couples to focus on enjoying their special day.

How much does a wedding planner cost in your area?

The cost of hiring a wedding planner in the UK depends on several factors, including the type of service, your wedding budget, the size of your wedding, and your location.

Full Wedding Planning

Full wedding planning is the main service offered by wedding planners and will cover almost everything associated with the planning of your wedding. Wedding planners typically charge a percentage of your total wedding budget spend, with most sources stating that this is around 10%-15% of your overall budget. Some wedding planners will also have a minimum fee, which can vary from £4,000 to £24,000.

Partial Wedding Planning

Partial wedding planning usually begins around three months before your wedding day. This service is often charged at an hourly rate or based on the number of hours of work the planner expects to put in.

Wedding Day Management/On-the-Day Coordination

This service usually begins around eight weeks before the wedding and varies greatly in price. It typically includes meeting with the couple, talking through all the details, contacting suppliers, and compiling a comprehensive schedule for the day.

Average Cost

The average cost of a wedding planner in the UK is around £2,436, but this can vary from £1,000 to £2,500 or even upwards of £10,000.

Location

The price of wedding planning also depends on your location, with prices in London and the South of England generally higher than in the rest of the country.

It's worth noting that wedding planners can save you money in the long run by using their industry connections to negotiate better rates with venues and suppliers.

Frequently asked questions