Planning A Wedding: How Much For A Planner?

Wedding planner costs can vary depending on a multitude of factors, including location, services required, type of planner, and level of expertise. On average, a wedding planner costs $2,000, but this can range from $500 to upwards of $10,000. It is recommended that couples spend around 15% of their total wedding budget on a wedding planner, but this can be adjusted based on individual needs and priorities.

There are several types of wedding planners to choose from, including full-service, month-of, day-of, and partial planners, each with different cost structures. Full-service planners offer the most comprehensive package and are usually the most expensive, while day-of coordinators handle the logistics on the wedding day to ensure the event runs smoothly.

When deciding how much to budget for a wedding planner, couples should consider their overall budget, venue and location, guest count, and how much time they can invest in planning. Wedding planners can save couples time and money by helping them create and stick to their budget, providing money-saving strategies, and leveraging their network of trusted vendors to negotiate the best deals.

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 the couple through the entire wedding planning process, help them deliver on their vision, and exceed their expectations.

A full-service wedding planner manages the couple's financial investment, provides expert advice, and develops a stress-free plan leading up to the wedding day. They are responsible for managing the wedding planning process from start to finish, including creating a wedding checklist, establishing priorities, developing and tracking the budget, and confirming all details with the appropriate vendors.

The cost of a full-service wedding planner can vary depending on various factors, such as the planner's market tier, location, experience, and pricing tier. According to sources, a full-service wedding planner can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 or more for their services. Some sources suggest that a good rule of thumb is to spend around 15% of your total wedding fund on a full-service wedding planner.

It is important to note that the pricing of a full-service wedding planner is not regulated, and the services included in their packages can vary significantly. When hiring a full-service wedding planner, it is essential to understand what services are included and set clear expectations to ensure a memorable and stress-free wedding day.

Day-of wedding coordinator

A day-of wedding coordinator is responsible for making sure that all the logistics of the wedding are handled. They are in charge of overseeing vendors, managing the timeline, and troubleshooting any problems that arise during the festivities.

The cost of a day-of wedding coordinator can vary depending on their responsibilities and level of involvement. They typically charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of your budget. The cost can range from $800 to $3,000, with an average cost of $1,000 to $1,500.

• The number of locations, hours, and expected guest count: The more locations and guests, and the longer the hours, the higher the cost is likely to be.
• The level of involvement: Some coordinators may be involved only on the wedding day, while others may start working with the couple a few months in advance to help with planning and logistics. The earlier they are involved, the higher the cost is likely to be.
• The services included: In addition to day-of coordination, some coordinators may offer additional services such as wedding rehearsal coordination, venue walkthroughs, vendor confirmation, and contract review. The more services included, the higher the cost is likely to be.

When deciding on a day-of wedding coordinator, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. Be sure to discuss the coordinator's services in detail to ensure they can provide the level of support you require.

Wedding consulting

When deciding on a wedding consultant, it is important to do your research. You want to ensure that they have liability insurance, that their portfolio features styles that match yours, and that they are honest about their strengths and weaknesses. It is also beneficial to find a wedding consultant who specializes in what you are looking for and who has the time to prioritize your wedding.

While wedding consulting is a more affordable option, it is important to note that the average cost of a wedding planner was $2,100 in 2023. Wedding planners can save you time and money by helping you create and stick to your budget, and they have strong relationships with vendors, allowing them to get you the best deals.

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 would like professional help in the final month leading up to their wedding. This type of planner typically offers help with final walk-throughs, tastings, reception layouts, rehearsal dinner prep, RSVP management, and day-of requirements.

The cost of a month-of wedding planner can vary depending on the services included and the location of the wedding. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $8,000 for this service, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 in some areas.

• Creating a detailed wedding day timeline: A month-of coordinator will create a timeline that incorporates all conversations with vendors and the couple's unique requests, such as specific photo ops or surprise moments for guests.
• Rehearsal coordination: They will introduce everyone at the rehearsal and facilitate the entrance of each bridal party member during the ceremony. The rehearsal is also a great time to drop off decor items for the coordinator to set up.
• Day-of coordination: On the wedding day, the coordinator will be the point of contact for all vendors and will handle any last-minute stressors or emergencies. They will also assist the photographer in wrangling family members for photos and ensure the reception area is set up before guests arrive.
• Decor setup and pack-up: A month-of coordinator will typically be responsible for setting up decor items before the event and packing them up at the end of the evening.

When deciding on a month-of wedding planner, it's important to consider their experience, the services included in their package, and their availability. Be sure to ask about their communication style and how many other weddings they will be handling during the same time frame.

While a month-of wedding planner can be a more affordable option, it's worth noting that their limited involvement may not be sufficient for more complex weddings or those with a large number of vendors and guests. In such cases, a full-service wedding planner may be a more suitable choice.

Partial wedding planner

A partial wedding planner is for those who have already done some of the planning but would like assistance in choosing vendors, event styling, and having a coordinator onsite on the day of the wedding. This type of planner is best for those who prefer to manage everything throughout their wedding planning journey but only want to focus on saying "I do" on their big day.

A partial wedding planner will save you time and money by helping you create and stick to your budget. They also have ample money-saving strategies and a wide network of trusted vendors, so they can negotiate to get you the best deal without sacrificing quality.

The cost of a partial wedding planner can vary depending on location and the planner's experience. A partial planning package offered by Marzano Events in Seattle starts at $5,400, with a suggested minimum overall event budget of $70,000 to get the most from their services. Jubilee Weddings and Events, also in Seattle, offers day-of coordination for $950. Bridal Bliss, another Seattle-based company, offers partial planning services in addition to full-service wedding planning and day-of coordination.

According to a survey by Brides and Investopedia, the average cost for a wedding planner is $2,000, though this number can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, the planner's experience, and the scope of work. A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 15% of your total wedding fund on a wedding planner, and that is for full-service coordination.

Frequently asked questions