After the ring and the toast, comes one of the first big decisions: plan the wedding yourself or hire a wedding planner to help you out? The answer depends on how much time you have, how you envision your dream day, the location of the celebration… and, of course, how much you’re willing to invest, because the cost of a wedding planner is undoubtedly one of the most common questions.
Planning a wedding isn’t just about choosing flowers and tasting cakes (although that sounds great). There are a million details that must fall into place perfectly, and that’s where these professionals of love work their magic. Not only do they take a significant weight off your shoulders, they also often help you save a lot of money in the long run. Of course, it’s important to remember that they also represent an investment.
The cost of a wedding planner varies greatly, not only depending on the type of service you choose (whether coordination only for the big day or full assistance from day one), but also on their experience, rates, and, above all, the location where your wedding is being held. For example, what a couple pays per hour in New York can be ten times more than what it costs in a charming town in Mexico.
The good thing is that all of them, without exception, save you time. And most of them also help you with your budget, thanks to their money-saving tricks and their excellent contacts. They know the ideal suppliers, know how to negotiate like no one else, and make sure you get exactly what you want.
We won’t keep you waiting any longer: how much does it really cost to hire a wedding planner? We’ll tell you everything according to the type of service and level. Keep reading!
But what do a wedding planner’s fees include? Spoiler alert: much more than you might imagine!
Okay, you’ve taken the plunge and decided to hire a wedding planner. But… what does the cost of a wedding planner actually include? What are you paying for with that investment? Because yes, hiring a wedding professional isn’t just about telling you whether the flowers match the napkins or not.
The least you can expect is help organizing everything that happens before, during, and sometimes after the big day. That means: planning from the very first minute, creative ideas to give your wedding your personal touch, budget management, vendor selection, venue coordination, timing, details… everything!
And on the day of the wedding, while you relax, take photos, and live the moment, she’s in full ninja mode: making sure everything runs perfectly, resolving any unforeseen issues without you even noticing, and making the event flow like a waltz.
Some even take care of the entire wedding weekend design (yes, the one that includes the pre-wedding dinner, accommodations for guests, brunch the following day, etc.). So, you’re not just hiring someone to organize: you’re hiring peace of mind, style, and a headache-free dream day.
Now, let’s tell you:
The cost of a wedding planner according to the different types of services
Not all wedding planners do the same thing, nor do you need the same things your cousin or best friend did when they planned their weddings. Some are with you from the first “I do!” to the last toast on the dance floor. Others just make sure everything goes perfectly on the big day. That’s why, before taking the plunge, it’s key to figure out what kind of help is best for you.
Is all the planning overwhelming you? Maybe a comprehensive service is more your style. Do you already have almost everything sorted but need someone to coordinate everything while you relax and enjoy a drink? Then a day-only coordination may be enough.
And since the cost of a wedding planner varies depending on the type of package you choose, we’ve provided the most common ones here (with approximate prices) so you can compare and choose the one that suits you, your event… and your budget!
Find out what your ideal planning style is:
Full-Service Wedding Planner
This is the ultimate package. The most comprehensive. If you want to completely forget about stress, this option is for you. These professionals take care of everything: finding suppliers, organizing meetings, managing permits, monitoring the budget, coordinating the big day… they can even design your entire wedding concept!
Of course, such dedication pays off. The cost of a full-service wedding planner ranges from €4,500 to €22,000, depending on their experience and level.
Wedding Planner for Destination Weddings
Are you getting married on the beach, in another country, or in a remote, dreamy spot? Then you’ll need a destination wedding expert. They’re your on-site right-hand person, manage everything remotely, know the local vendors, and make sure you only have to worry about enjoying yourself.
They typically offer a comprehensive service (yes, like the one above), so the cost of a wedding planner for this type of wedding is also high, and can range from €6,000 to over €20,000, depending on the complexity and the destination.
Monthly Wedding Planner
Do you already have almost everything organized but would love someone to help you tie up the final loose ends? This option is for you. Many planners offer a package that covers the final weeks: they accompany you on visits, coordinate confirmations, help you with the seating plan, the rehearsal dinner… and, of course, they take care of the big day.
The price of this service ranges between €900 and €7,000, depending on how many tasks you include.
Wedding Day Coordinator
This is the simplest (and most affordable) option. This type of planner springs into action right when you need them most: on your wedding day. They ensure everything is completed, coordinate vendors, resolve unforeseen issues, and allow you to enjoy your wedding without worries.
Prices typically range between €700 and €2,800, depending on the venue and whether they also cover the rehearsal dinner or preparations the day before.
Think first about what kind of help you need!
Although the average price is around €1,800 to €2,500, this number doesn’t reflect the full range of options available on the market. There are more affordable planners and others that work at a premium level. So before you jump in, think carefully about what kind of help you need… and adjust your budget accordingly!
How is the cost of a wedding planner calculated?
When you speak with a wedding planner for the first time (whether in an in-person meeting or via video call over coffee), one of the key questions is: How do you charge? And not all of them do it the same way.
Some have a fixed rate from the start. Others prefer to work with a percentage of the total wedding budget. There are also those who charge by the hour (ideal if you only need help at specific times) or even those who combine a bit of everything with a hybrid model.
So, how do you know what it will cost you? Well, although it depends on the professional, on average, the cost of a wedding planner usually represents between 20% and 25% of your wedding total. That is, if you are planning a €20,000 wedding, you could invest between €4,000 and €5,000 in this service, approximately.
Of course, each planner has their own system, so ask without fear and make sure you fully understand what is included and how their fee is structured!
What factors influence wedding planner fees? Why does the price of a wedding planner vary so much?
You may have heard that hiring a wedding planner costs “more or less €2,000”… but the reality is that number can go up (or down) quite a bit. Why? Because the price isn’t fixed: there are many factors that influence the cost of a wedding planner, and it’s important to know them to fully understand what you’re paying.
One of the key elements is the location of the wedding. Planning an event in your city isn’t the same as organizing one in a rural location or another country. If you have to cover transportation, accommodations for the team, per diem, etc., the price goes up. The type of work being asked of the planner also has a big impact: is it just for the wedding day? Or from day one until the “I do”?
Experience also counts. Wedding planners with years of experience, a solid network of suppliers, and a list of dream weddings under their belts usually command higher rates. Added to this is training and certification: some professionals have licenses or diplomas that validate their knowledge, and depending on the reputation of the course or institution, this can significantly influence the cost of a wedding planner.
Did you know that at Perfect Venue, we offer an internship course to become a professional planner? We teach you everything from the basics of planning to how to start your own business. A great opportunity if this world appeals to you!
The best wedding planner course on the market
If weddings fascinate you, you always pay attention to the details of each event, and you dream of making it your profession, we have a super recommendation! Our course has it ALL: comprehensive training, a practical approach, and specialization in destination weddings and events.
Yes, it’s the most comprehensive and up-to-date on the market. Not only will you learn how to plan weddings step by step, but you’ll also learn how to manage events from scratch, negotiate with suppliers, design unique spaces, and… launch your own career!
And the best part: it includes real-life practical training so you can experience it firsthand from day one. Decoration, purchasing, setup, coordination… you’ll immerse yourself in the real world of event planning.
Can you imagine transforming spaces and making other people’s dreams come true with your personal touch? Well, stop imagining it and take the plunge.
Click here to sign up for the Wedding Planner course at Perfect Venue.
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