How much does a wedding planner cost?
How much does a wedding planner cost?
$1,200 – $3,500 average total cost
Wedding planner cost
A wedding planner costs $1,200 to $3,500 on average, depending on location, event size, and whether you select a day-of, partial, or full-service package. Wedding planner prices start at $700 to $2,200 for a day-of coordinator and $2,500 to $8,500 for a full-service planner.
| Type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Day-of / month-of wedding coordinator | $700 – $2,200 |
| Partial wedding planner | $2,300 – $3,800 |
| Full-service wedding planner | $2,500 – $8,500 |
| Destination wedding planner | $1,500 – $6,000* |
| Wedding weekend coordinator | $11,000 – $20,000 |
| Wedding planner hourly rates | $60 – $200 |
| Virtual / online wedding planner | $150 – $550 |
*Not including travel expenses.
Average cost of wedding planner
The following table shows the average cost of a wedding planner.
| National average cost | $2,200 |
| Minimum cost | $100 |
| Maximum cost | $25,000 |
| Average cost range | $1,200 to $3,500 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by Fash members.
Wedding planning packages and prices
Wedding planning package prices may be a flat fee, a percentage of the total wedding budget, or a combination of fixed retainer, production fees, and a percentage for vendor management and coordination. Most planners offer a la carte services for an hourly rate or a flat fee per service.
| Package Type | Average cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Day-of / month-of | $700 – $2,200 |
|
| Partial | $2,300 – $3,800 |
|
| Full-service | $2,500 – $8,500 |
|
Day-of wedding coordinator
A day-of wedding coordinator costs $700 to $2,200 and works best for couples wanting to ensure seamless execution of their wedding day plans. Day-of coordination includes timeline and vendor management and overseeing the event, so your big day is worry-free.
Most wedding planners refer to "day-of" coordination as "month-of" because they begin the process 4 to 6 weeks before your wedding day.
Some day-of coordinators assist with related events like showers, rehearsal dinners, or post-wedding brunches.
Many wedding venue packages include an on-site day-of coordinator, but remember that on-site coordinators primarily work for the venue to ensure things run on schedule.
Partial wedding planner cost
Partial wedding planning costs $2,300 to $3,800 on average. Partial planning works well for couples who want to be hands-on in the planning process but need some outside expertise and guidance in a few areas. Most partial wedding planning packages include day-of coordination and assisting with last-minute tasks.
Full-service wedding planner cost
A full-service wedding planning package costs $2,500 to $8,500 or 10% to 15% of your wedding budget. Full-service planning is ideal for couples needing assistance with every aspect of wedding planning, from the initial design to full supervision and coordination of wedding day events.
Full-service wedding planners spend 80 to 200 hours or more planning and managing every detail of your event.
Consider full-service planning for a large-scale event or when your total budget is $25,000 or more.
Multi-day and whole weekend wedding planning cost $11,000 to $20,000+, depending on the size and associated events.
Virtual / online wedding planner services
Online wedding planner services cost $150 to $550, depending on the number of sessions and the assistance level needed. Virtual planning services include event design, budgeting, vendor research, and timeline management assistance through email, phone, or video call communication.
Wedding planner hourly rates
Wedding planner hourly rates are $60 to $200 per hour or more, with a 2-hour minimum. Many wedding planners offer flat-rate packages and charge an hourly rate for additional services not included in your chosen package.
Wedding event planner services and charges
A wedding planner may include some or all the following services, depending on your needs:
Assist with determining your budget
Consult with you in detail to ensure they understand your dream and vision
Create and manage a checklist and timeline
Help narrow your guest list and seating chart. Wedding invitation suites cost $5 to $8 per person, including save-the-date cards, invitations, RSVPs, reception cards, and thank you cards.
Recommend and secure a wedding venue.
Recommend and hire vendors, manage contracts and payments, and negotiate with vendors to get you the best quality and price within your budget.
A wedding decorator costs $550 to $800 on average.
Wedding flowers cost $500 to $3,500.
A wedding photographer costs $1,600 to $3,600.
A wedding videographer costs $1,400 to $3,600.
A wedding DJ costs $800 to $1,600. A wedding band costs $550 to $900.
Wedding cake costs $3 to $8 per person. Wedding cupcakes cost $2 to $6 per person.
A wedding bartender costs $480 to $1,200 on average.
Wedding catering costs $20 to $110 per guest on average.
A wedding officiant costs $200 to $500.
Book hotels and make travel arrangements
Assist with floor plan and seating
Handle legal requirements and permits
Schedule fitting, hair, and make-up appointments
Organize and oversee your rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, reception, and other wedding-related events
Handle any day-of emergencies
Schedule and oversee transportation. A wedding limo costs $125 to $460.
Wedding planner price list by location
Wedding planner prices vary by location. The cost of a wedding planner in California or New York is higher due to the higher cost of living.
| City, State | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $1,300 – $3,900 |
| Austin, TX | $1,400 – $4,100 |
| Boston, MA | $1,800 – $5,300 |
| Bridgeport, CT | $2,000 – $5,800 |
| Chicago, IL | $1,500 – $4,300 |
| Cleveland, OH | $1,400 – $4,100 |
| Dallas, TX | $1,500 – $4,300 |
| Denver, CO | $1,600 – $4,600 |
| Honolulu, HI | $1,800 – $5,300 |
| Houston, TX | $1,500 – $4,300 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $1,400 – $4,000 |
| Long Island, NY | $1,900 – $5,600 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $1,700 – $4,900 |
| Miami, FL | $1,400 – $4,200 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $1,500 – $4,400 |
| Nashville, TN | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| New Orleans, LA | $1,300 – $3,900 |
| New York, NY | $1,900 – $5,600 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $1,900 – $5,400 |
| Portland, OR | $1,600 – $4,500 |
| Richmond, VA | $1,400 – $4,200 |
| San Antonio, TX | $1,400 – $4,100 |
| San Diego, CA | $1,700 – $4,900 |
| San Francisco, CA | $1,900 – $5,500 |
| Seattle, WA | $1,600 – $4,700 |
| Washington, DC | $1,800 – $5,200 |
Costs factors to hire a wedding planner
Several factors affect the cost to hire a wedding planner:
Wedding date – Planners may charge more if your wedding date falls during peak wedding season.
Geographical location – Planners in big cities and popular coastal wedding destinations typically charge more.
Guest count – A large-scale wedding requires a bigger day-of team to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Experience – Well-known, highly rated, and experienced planners charge more than a newly certified wedding planner just starting to grow a business.
Insurance – Most wedding planners carry liability insurance. Individual wedding insurance policies cost $75 to $200 or more and cover things like theft and relocation or cancellation due to sickness or weather.
Services – The more services you hire a planner to assist with, the more planning time required and the higher the total cost.
Support type – Hiring a planner for day-of wedding coordination costs much less than having someone plan a weekend-long wedding event from start to finish.
Destination wedding – A destination wedding requiring long-distance communication, lodging, and travel arrangements takes more time to plan and coordinate. A wedding planner may not include reimbursable travel expenses like airfare or car rental in their package pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What do wedding planners do?
Wedding planners design, schedule, and oversee every aspect of your wedding, including budgeting, timeline, venue, and vendor management in the months leading up to and on your wedding day.
Most wedding planners offer packages with varying levels of planning or assistance, so you may opt for little or as much help as you need.
Is a wedding planner worth it?
A wedding planner is worth it for couples who don't have the time or expertise to secure and manage all the moving parts leading up to and on the big day. Many wedding planners save you money with discounted rates through vendor relationships, offsetting the planning service cost.
How are wedding planners paid?
Wedding planners charge a flat rate, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the overall wedding cost—typically 10% to 15%. A hybrid fee structure combining flat rates for some services and a percentage for others is gaining popularity. Always confirm your wedding planner's fee structure and payment timeline expectations.
Avoid "free" wedding planning service offers as the free service may result in a higher overall wedding cost. Some wedding planners get a commission from vendors they recommend. The commission amount is determined by how much you spend.
Do you tip a wedding planner?
Tipping a wedding planner is not necessary or expected, though some couples tip 10% to 20% of the total planning cost for exceptional service. Write a positive review on their website or social media platforms and refer friends and family to show your appreciation and support the planner's business.
How long does it take to plan a wedding?
Planning a wedding takes 6 to 12 months or more, depending on the event size and location. Most experts recommend starting the planning process when you become engaged. Wedding planners often charge a flat rate for full-service planning, so you get the most benefit by starting as early as possible.
What do you need to start planning a wedding?
Planning a wedding requires time and organization. Envision your perfect day and determine your must-haves. The desired event size, location, and features impact the level of planning needed. Consider hiring a wedding planner for a seamless process if you are not sure where to start.
How to find and hire a wedding planner
Before hiring a wedding planner, be sure to:
Ask for referrals from friends and family.
Check out their reviews on Fash and Google.
Look for licensed or certified wedding planners who are members of one or more of the following organizations:
American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP)
Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC)
Association for Wedding Professionals International (AFWPI)
National Association of Wedding Professionals (NAWP)
Meet and have a few conversations to ensure your personalities are a good fit before signing a contract.
Make sure their portfolio matches your style.
Look for planners who specialize in what you're looking for if you have specific features or details in mind.
Ask for references and contact them for their feedback.
Review all contract terms before signing.
Questions to ask a wedding planner before hiring
Are you available on my wedding date?
How long have you been a wedding planner? What is your background?
What experience do you have planning events in my area?
What size and type of weddings have you planned in the past?
Do you offer a free consultation?
How does your planning process work?
How often will we meet throughout the planning process?
Do you work with a team or independently?
What services do you outsource, if any?
How do you keep track of everything?
How do you manage vendors?
Do you plan multiple weddings for the same date?
Will you be there personally on my wedding day?
How many weddings do you plan per month or year?
What is your preferred communication method (email/phone/text)?
What services and planning packages do you offer?
Do you charge a flat fee, a percentage, or a blend of the two?
Do you have hourly rates?
Do you offer add-on services, and what do you charge for them?
Do you assist with legal paperwork, like the wedding license or permits?
Is tear down after the wedding/reception included?
Are you connected with local venues and vendors? Do you negotiate with them?
Which venues do you recommend in my city?
Do you require or accept referral fees?
Can you provide a contract detailing costs and payment schedules?
Are there any wedding aspects you do not have experience with where I will need additional assistance?