Wedding Planner / Coordinator Costs
Average cost: $2,200 (6% of typical wedding budget)
Overview
A wedding planner helps you navigate every aspect of your wedding, from budgeting and vendor selection to design and logistics. Full-service planners handle everything from engagement to reception exit, while day-of coordinators focus on the final weeks and wedding day execution. Many couples find that a planner actually saves them money through vendor relationships and budget management expertise.
Recommended booking timeline: 12-14 months before the wedding
Pricing Tiers
Day-Of Coordinator
$800 - $1,500Manages logistics on the wedding day itself
What's typically included:
- ✓Final venue walkthrough
- ✓Vendor confirmation
- ✓Timeline management
- ✓Day-of point of contact
- ✓Setup and breakdown oversight
Partial Planning
$1,500 - $4,000Assists with specific aspects of planning plus day-of coordination
What's typically included:
- ✓Vendor recommendations
- ✓Budget management
- ✓Design consultation
- ✓Month-of coordination
- ✓Rehearsal management
- ✓Timeline creation
Full-Service Planning
$4,000 - $10,000Complete wedding planning from engagement to reception
What's typically included:
- ✓Complete vendor sourcing
- ✓Contract negotiation
- ✓Budget management
- ✓Design and styling
- ✓Guest management
- ✓Full day-of coordination
Luxury Planning
$10,000+White-glove planning with custom design and production
What's typically included:
- ✓Custom event design
- ✓Destination planning
- ✓Multi-event coordination
- ✓Vendor team management
- ✓Guest experience curation
- ✓Post-wedding brunch planning
Tips to Save Money
- $Hire a day-of coordinator instead of a full planner
- $Use online planning tools for what you can do yourself
- $Book a planner who offers a la carte services
- $Consider a newly certified planner with lower rates
- $Get vendor referrals from married friends instead
- $Use a planner for the most complex elements only
Questions to Ask
- ?How many weddings do you plan per year?
- ?What is your planning process and communication style?
- ?Do you have preferred vendor relationships?
- ?What is included in your fee vs. additional costs?
- ?How many events will you be managing on our wedding weekend?
- ?Can we speak with recent clients?
Red Flags to Watch For
- !Takes kickbacks from vendor referrals without disclosure
- !Overbooking weddings on the same weekend
- !No emergency backup plan
- !Poor communication during the inquiry process
- !No professional insurance or certifications