How much does a wedding planner cost?
Columbus, OH

How much does a wedding planner cost?

Columbus, OH

How much does a wedding planner cost?

$1,200 – $3,500average total cost

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$1,200 – $3,500 average total cost


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tara Farmer
Written by
Tara Farmer
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

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.

Wedding planner cost - chart
Wedding planner cost - chart
Wedding planner cost
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.

Get free estimates from wedding planners near you.

Average cost of wedding planner

The following table shows the average cost of a wedding planner.

Average cost of 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.

Wedding planning packages and prices
Package Type Average cost Details
Day-of / month-of $700 – $2,200
  • Begins 4 to 6+ weeks before the wedding day
  • Identify gaps or missing plan details
  • Create and finalize a wedding day timeline
  • Help build the seating chart
  • Confirm wedding venue and vendors
  • Oversee and manage the wedding day events
  • 10 to 20 hours of planning and communication
Partial $2,300 – $3,800
  • Begins 3 to 6+ months before the wedding day
  • Includes day-of / month-of coordination services
  • Planning assistance with 1 to 3+ areas
  • 20 to 80+ hours of planning and communication
Full-service $2,500 – $8,500
  • Begins 12+ months before the wedding day
  • Includes day-of / month-of coordination services
  • Planning and assistance with every detail
  • Regular meetings and unlimited communication
  • 80 to 200+ hours of planning assistance

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.

Wedding planner and client discussing day of coordination
Wedding planner and client discussing day of coordination

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:

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.

Get free estimates from wedding planners near you.
Wedding planner price list by location
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.

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.

Get free estimates from wedding planners near you.

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?


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