How Much Does A Wedding Planner Cost By The Hour?

The hourly rate of a wedding planner varies depending on their level of experience and location, among other factors. In the United States, the average starting cost of a wedding planner is around $75 per hour, with higher-end professionals charging between $100 and $275 per hour. In New York City, the average salary for a wedding planner is $42.56 per hour, while in other areas, day-of wedding planners may charge as little as $15 per hour. Couples are typically advised to budget 15% of their overall wedding budget for this service, which can amount to a significant proportion of the total cost.

Hourly rate vs other pricing structures

Wedding planners can charge in a few different ways: a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the overall wedding bill. Some planners may also use a hybrid model. The average starting hourly rate for a wedding planner is $75, but higher-end professionals typically range from $100 to $275 an hour.

The hourly rate is a good option for those who only need a wedding planner for a few tasks. However, it's important to note that not all wedding planners offer this service and only provide packages.

There are pros and cons to charging by the hour. On the one hand, it can be a more transparent pricing model, as clients know exactly what they are paying for. It can also be a good option for wedding planners who are just starting out, as they can scope out the competition in their area and see how most of them price their services. Additionally, charging by the hour can help wedding planners ensure they are fairly compensated for their work, especially if a project ends up taking more time than expected.

On the other hand, charging by the hour may not always be the most profitable option for wedding planners, as they are limited by the number of hours they can work in a day or week. It can also be more difficult to predict revenue when charging by the hour, as the number of hours worked can vary greatly from project to project.

In contrast, charging a flat fee or a percentage of the overall wedding bill can provide more predictability and stability in terms of revenue. However, these pricing structures may not always accurately reflect the time and effort put into each project. Ultimately, the best pricing structure for a wedding planner will depend on their individual business model, level of experience, and comfort level.

Location and level of experience

The location of a wedding planner's business will likely determine their profit ceiling. 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. This also applies to certain areas within states. This can impact planners who charge a percentage, an hourly rate, or a flat fee.

The hourly rate for a wedding planner in New York City is about ten times that of a wedding planner in Oaxaca, Mexico. However, location is not the only factor when determining an average price. Other factors include the type of planner hired (full-time, partial, month-of, or day-of), the services hired, and the type of wedding being planned.

The average cost of a wedding planner in 2023 was $2,100, with couples spending $2,700 on average for a destination wedding planner and $1,900 for a hometown wedding planner. In 2024, the national average cost of a wedding planner is $2,000.

The average starting cost for a wedding planner is approximately $75 per hour, according to Wedding Wire research. Billable hours include consultations with clients, onsite visits, and planning the event.

A wedding planner's salary is likely to increase as time goes on and experience is gained. A wedding planner who has been in the industry for six months will not be able to charge as much as a planner who has been running their own agency for 20 years.

Average starting cost

The average starting cost for a wedding planner is $75 per hour, according to Wedding Wire research. Billable hours include consultations with clients, onsite visits, and the actual planning of the event. Freelancers should carefully define parameters around expectations so that both parties agree on the services to be provided. As an event planner, you should include a reference to billing for all reasonable business expenses that may be incurred. This means that your contract should specify what clients will and will not be billed for.

The average cost of a wedding planner in the U.S. in 2020 was $1,500, according to The Knot research. However, this is a national average and the cost of a wedding planner depends on a multitude of factors. Couples are advised to budget 15% of their overall wedding finances for this service, but this can vary. For example, those who hosted a destination wedding spent more on a planner than those who hosted a hometown wedding ($2,700 vs. $1,900).

The cost of a wedding planner will depend on the type of planner you hire (a destination wedding planner, a day-of coordinator, etc.), where the wedding is located, the planner's experience and pricing tier, and more. The average cost for a wedding planner is $2,000, but this number is not reflective of today's couples' actual spend. Wedding planner costs differ based on the planner's level of expertise, among many other factors, as more experienced pros typically come with a higher price tag.

If you don't need a full wedding planner, but just want a coordinator to assist with a few wedding-related tasks, you may hire a planner by the hour (be aware that not all planners offer this service and only offer packages). As an hourly rate, the average starting cost of a wedding planner is around $75, but higher-end professionals typically range from $100 to $275 an hour.

Full-service vs partial vs day-of

The cost of hiring a wedding planner varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and the scope of work. On average, couples are advised to budget 15% of their overall wedding finances for this service, but this can be anywhere from $14 per hour to $420,000 per year. The average cost of a wedding planner in the US in 2020 was $1,500, while in 2023, the average was $2,100.

There are different types of wedding planners, and understanding the differences between full-service, partial, and day-of coordination will help you choose the right option for your needs and budget.

Full-Service Wedding Planner

Full-service wedding planners offer the most comprehensive package available. They cover everything from hiring vendors and managing logistics to obtaining necessary permits and even designing and producing the event. They are typically the most expensive option, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 and up. Full-service planners are ideal for couples who want or need a lot of help and guidance throughout the entire planning process. They serve as your advocate and biggest supporter, guiding you through the entire process and helping to alleviate stress.

Partial Wedding Planner (or À La Carte)

Partial wedding planners, also known as à la carte pros, offer a more flexible and customizable service. They can help with specific tasks such as managing the budget or organizing the venue floor plan, and are generally less expensive than full-service planners. This option is ideal for couples who have a clear vision for their wedding but need guidance in certain areas. Partial planning is perfect if you've already booked your vendors and need help figuring out the next steps. It's also a good choice if you're highly organized but want to save time and benefit from a planner's industry knowledge and relationships.

Day-Of Wedding Coordinator

Day-of wedding coordinators typically start working with you a month before the wedding to ensure that all the details are in order and that the day runs smoothly. They handle logistics, serve as a point of contact for vendors, and solve any problems that arise. Day-of coordination can cost between $800 and $3,000, depending on the vendor's involvement. This option is suitable for couples who have the ability and confidence to plan everything themselves but want a professional to tie up loose ends and manage communications with vendors in the lead-up to the wedding.

When deciding between full-service, partial, and day-of wedding planning services, consider your budget, the complexity of your wedding, your organizational skills, and how much time you can dedicate to planning.

Saving money

Wedding planners can be a sizable investment, but they can also save you money in the long run. Here are some ways to save money when hiring a wedding planner, and how wedding planners can help you save money on your wedding.

Wedding planner fees can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of planner you hire. Here are some ways to save money:

• Hourly rates vs. flat fees: Wedding planners may charge an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the total wedding cost. If you only need help with specific tasks or partial planning, hiring a wedding planner by the hour may be more cost-effective than paying a flat fee.
• Compare rates in your area: Research the rates of wedding planners in your area to find one that fits your budget. Rates can vary significantly depending on location. For example, the average hourly rate for a wedding planner in New York City is about ten times higher than in Oaxaca, Mexico.
• Hire a day-of coordinator: If you are on a tight budget, consider hiring a day-of wedding coordinator instead of a full-time planner. Day-of coordinators handle the logistics on your wedding day, such as solving any problems that arise and ensuring that everything runs smoothly between vendors. This option is more affordable than a full-time planner but will still help ensure your wedding day goes smoothly.

How Wedding Planners Can Help You Save Money

• Stay within your budget: Wedding planners are experts at creating and managing budgets. They can help you allocate your funds to different categories, such as venue, catering, and flowers, and ensure you don't overspend. They can also review contracts for hidden fees and help you avoid costly mistakes.
• Recommend the right vendors: Wedding planners have strong relationships with vendors and can recommend those that fit your budget and style. They may even be able to negotiate discounts or special packages on your behalf due to their industry connections.
• Save time: Wedding planners can save you time by handling all the research, sourcing, and communication with vendors. This frees up your time for other things and can help you avoid the stress of planning a wedding.
• Reduce guest list: Wedding planners can advise you on trimming your guest list, which can significantly reduce costs. Catering, invitations, venue size, and rentals are all costs that increase with the number of guests.
• Suggest affordable alternatives: Wedding planners can suggest affordable alternatives to expensive options, such as choosing a naturally beautiful venue that requires less additional decor or recommending affordable vendors and decor options.
• Prevent wasted dollars: Wedding planners can help you avoid wasting money on unnecessary expenses or costly DIY projects. They can guide you on where to focus your budget to make the most impact and ensure you don't regret any decisions later.

Frequently asked questions