General Advice

Do I Need a Wedding Planner? (Is a Wedding Planner Worth it Even?)

by Loverly Team 01 Nov 2024 •6 min read
Do I need a wedding planner? This is a question many engaged couples grapple with as they embark on their wedding planning journey. Why use a wedding planner? These professionals can offer invaluable expertise, save you time and stress, and potentially even reduce costs. However, hiring a planner isn't necessary for everyone. This article will explore the pros and cons of working with a wedding planner, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your big day.

Do I Need a Wedding Planner?

Is a wedding planner necessary? Not necessarily. Many couples successfully plan their weddings without professional help. However, a wedding planner can significantly reduce stress, save time, and potentially even save you money. They bring expertise and industry connections that can be invaluable, especially for complex or large-scale weddings.
If you're wondering how to plan a wedding without a wedding planner, it's certainly possible. Many couples successfully navigate the wedding planning process on their own, using wedding planning tools and resources available online. These tools can help you create a timeline, manage your guest list, and even find vendors. However, be prepared to invest significant time and energy into planning your wedding.
Only about 30% of couples hire a wedding planner, meaning 70% plan their weddings themselves. However, if it's within your wedding budget, we strongly recommend considering hiring a planner for the invaluable expertise and stress reduction they provide.

Yes! Is a wedding planner worth it? YESSSSSSS. Not to be dramatic but a ship without a captain is an epic disaster.

Alyssa Pettinato, Alinato Events
Wedding planning takes a lot of work. On average, couples spend 200-300 hours planning their wedding. This can be challenging if you have a full-time job or other significant commitments. A wedding planner can take on much of this workload, allowing you to focus on enjoying your engagement period.
If you're wondering how to plan a wedding without a wedding planner, it's certainly possible. Many couples successfully navigate the process on their own, using free planning tools and resources available online. However, these tools don't replace the personalized expertise of a professional planner.
When considering hiring a wedding planner, it's important to understand the different types of wedding planning services available although keep in mind that each planner works differently:
  1. Full-service wedding planner: This type of planner is going to be involved from the very beginning, helping with everything from wedding venue selection to day-of coordination. While areas of expertise vary from planner to planner, many will consult on the overall design of the wedding. They typically work with you for 12-18 months leading up to your wedding day. Additionally, they help source all your vendors from wedding photographers to florists to DJs, and all the details in between. 
  2. Partial wedding planner: If you've already done some planning but need help bringing it all together, a partial planner might be the right choice. They usually start working with you 6-8 months before the wedding and they may help with key wedding vendor selections.
  3. Month-of wedding coordinator: Also known as a "wedding management" service, this type of planner begins working with you about 4-8 weeks before the wedding to ensure all the details are in place.
  4. Day-of wedding coordinator: Despite the name, a day-of coordinator typically starts working with you a few weeks before the wedding to create a detailed timeline and coordinate with vendors. On the day of your wedding, they ensure everything runs smoothly. Your coordinator may liaise between you and the venue and also help with event setup.
  5. Venue coordinator: Many wedding venues provide an on-site coordinator. While helpful, it's important to note that their primary responsibility is to the venue, not necessarily to you as a couple. They focus on venue-specific tasks rather than overall wedding planning. If you want someone working just for you, this is likely not the best option!
Additionally before you book a wedding planner make sure to review this list of questions to ask wedding planner helpers.

Is a Wedding Planner Worth It?

Are wedding planners worth it? For many couples, the answer is yes. A professional wedding planner can save you time, reduce stress, and potentially even save you money in the long run. They have insider knowledge of the wedding industry and can often negotiate better rates with vendors. How much does a wedding planner cost? Typically, couples allocate about 15% of their total wedding budget to hiring a planner. While this might seem like a significant expense, many find that a wedding planner is worth the cost.
Pettinato explains, "We work with our clients to make up our fee in the invaluable knowledge we give them on vendor recommendations, design tricks, corners that can be cut (and ones that should not), what to lock in on contracts, etc. We give vendors repeat business so especially venues (which is the biggest price tag) are much more willing to work with us on negotiating fees."
The worth of a wedding planner extends beyond just organizing details. They act as a guide through the entire wedding planning process, offering expert advice on everything from etiquette questions to design decisions. Their industry knowledge can help you avoid common pitfalls and make informed choices about every aspect of your wedding.

Why Hire a Wedding Planner?

So, what does a wedding planner do that makes them worthwhile hiring? There are several compelling reasons why you need a wedding planner that you need to understand.
Below are the key benefits of a wedding planner:
  1. Time-saving: Planning a wedding can be a full-time job and a lot of work. A planner takes care of time-consuming tasks, allowing you to focus on your daily life and enjoy the engagement period. 
  2. Vendor connections: Wedding planners have established relationships with vendors in the wedding industry, often securing better rates and ensuring quality service. This helps couples get access to vendors they may not have considered!
  3. Budget management: They can help you stay within your wedding budget by allocating funds efficiently and finding cost-effective solutions.
  4. Stress reduction: A planner handles the details and potential problems, reducing your stress levels as the wedding day approaches.
  5. Design expertise: They can help bring your wedding vision to life, creating a cohesive and beautiful aesthetic for your ceremony and reception.
  6. Day-of coordination: Ensure a smooth flow of events on your wedding day, allowing you and your guests to fully enjoy the celebration. Coordinators take a lot of the headache out of the day of details. 
  7. Problem-solving: Wedding planners are experienced in handling last-minute issues that may arise, from vendor no-shows to weather concerns. They know the right way to handle unexpected situations.
Pettinato asks, "Who is going to handle the issues that arise the day of (i.e., the wedding photographer is running late because of a street closure, mom is about to faint because she did not drink water, you do not know how to stand at altar, when should the bridesmaids walk, etc.)?" She adds, "We have literally handled weddings during a flood, a hurricane, COVID, wedding crashers, people leaving in an ambulance, venue forgot a cake!"
Pettinato draws an apt comparison: "If you wanted to demo your house - technically if you really wanted to you could attempt it yourself, but wouldn't you rather focus on your full-time job and outsource it to someone who has demoed 100 houses?" 
Deciding whether a wedding planner is worth it all comes down to cost! If you are curious to learn more, here is more information on how much a wedding planner costs.

When to Hire a Wedding Planner

When should you hire a wedding planner? Ideally, you should start working with a wedding planner as soon as you get engaged or at least 9-12 months before your wedding date. This timeline allows for:
  • Securing your preferred wedding date and venue
  • Booking popular vendors before they're fully booked
  • Managing your budget efficiently and being your advocate for cost-saving opportunities
  • Keeping your vendors organized
  • Developing a comprehensive wedding planning timeline
  • Allowing ample time for design and decor decisions
  • Addressing potential challenges without rushing
  • Put together a list of special moments that make all the difference on your day
  • Creating a timeline for the day of the wedding
  • Finalize all details with florals, caterer, rental items, 
However, even if you're closer to your wedding date, a planner can still be beneficial. Many offer partial planning or day-of coordination services that can be invaluable in the final months or weeks leading up to your wedding.

As a destination wedding couple, hiring a wedding planner was crucial. She knew all the best vendors and venues and helped us navigate local customs and regulations we weren't aware of.

Emily Feig, a Loverly bride
Remember, the best wedding planners often book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. It's best to start your search early to ensure you can secure your preferred planner.

Do You Need a Wedding Planner?

If you're still unsure whether you need a wedding planner, consider the following factors:
  • The complexity of your wedding vision: If you're planning a large, elaborate wedding or a destination event, a planner can be particularly helpful. 
  • Your available time for wedding planning: If you have a demanding job or other significant commitments, a planner can take on the time-consuming tasks of wedding planning. 
  • Your budget and desire for potential cost savings: While hiring a planner is an additional expense, their expertise and vendor connections can often lead to overall savings. 
  • Your stress levels and desire for professional support: If the idea of planning a wedding feels overwhelming, a planner can provide invaluable peace of mind. 
  • The size and location of your wedding: Larger weddings or those in unique locations often benefit from professional planning services.
Remember, wedding planners come with various service levels, from full-service planning to day-of coordination. You can choose the option that best fits your needs and budget.

Should I Get a Wedding Planner? Our Conclusion

While it's possible to plan a wedding without professional help, many couples find that the expertise, time-saving, and stress reduction provided by a wedding planner are well worth the investment. Here are the key takeaways to consider:
  1. Time and stress management: Wedding planners can save you countless hours and reduce the worry associated with planning a major event.
  2. Budget optimization: Their industry connections and negotiation skills can often save you money, potentially offsetting their fee.
  3. Problem-solving: Planners are experienced in handling unexpected issues, ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly.
  4. Design expertise: They can help bring your vision to life and create a cohesive aesthetic for your wedding.
  5. Flexibility: With options ranging from full-service planning to day-of coordination, you can choose the level of support that fits your needs and budget.
As Pettinato puts it, "It's a wild industry. You want the one person beside you that is YOUR advocate." With a range of service levels available, from full-service planning to day-of coordination, you can choose the option that best fits your needs and wedding budget.

It's a wild industry. You want the one person beside you that is YOUR advocate.

Alyssa Pettinato, Alinato Events
So, do you really need a wedding planner? A wedding planner can ensure that your wedding day is everything you've dreamed of. They can coordinate with your wedding photographer, DJ, caterer, florist, and other vendors to create a seamless event. They can help you finalize contracts, arrange rentals, and put together a cohesive decor plan.
Remember, a professional wedding planner is not just a luxury; they're an investment in your peace of mind and the success of your big day. They're there to worry about the details so you can focus on enjoying the day of your wedding. Whether you need help with venue selection, negotiating with vendors, or just want someone to coordinate the day-of logistics, a wedding planner can be an invaluable asset.
Ultimately, whether you decide to hire a planner or go the DIY route, the goal is to create a beautiful, memorable celebration of your love. Working with a wedding planner can help couples navigate the complex world of weddings and ensure a stress-free experience. If you do choose to work with a professional, take the time to find the right fit for you – it could make all the difference in your wedding planning journey.
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