How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost? Average Fees & Prices Explained

by Loverly Team 20 Mar 2025 •6 min read

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How much does a wedding planner cost when you tie the knot? If you're planning your big day, you might be wondering whether hiring a professional is worth it—and how much you'll need to budget. The average cost of a wedding planner or coordinator depends on factors like location, services, and experience level.

From full-service planners who handle every detail to day-of coordinators who ensure everything runs smoothly, pricing can vary widely. Learning more about the different fee structures can help you decide what works best for your wedding and budget. Let’s break down the typical costs, what’s included, and what you can expect to pay.

How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost?

There’s no simple answer to this question because wedding planner costs vary based on location, experience, and the level of service you need. However, the national average typically falls between $1,500 and $4,000, with high-end planners charging $10,000 or more for full-service planning.

Your final cost will depend on several factors, including whether you hire a full-service planner, a month-of coordinator, or just need help on the big day. In the next section, we’ll break down the biggest factors that influence pricing so you can better understand what to expect.

What Impacts the Average Cost of Wedding Planner Prices?

The cost of hiring a wedding planner isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several key factors influence pricing, from the size and type of your event to where and when it takes place. The level of service you need also plays a big role—whether you want full-service planning, à la carte assistance, or just a coordinator for the big day. Understanding these factors will help you determine the right planner for your budget while ensuring all wedding planning steps are covered.

Event Size

One of the biggest factors affecting cost is the size of your wedding. A small, intimate gathering requires less coordination than a large, elaborate event with hundreds of guests. This naturally raises the question: how much does a wedding planner cost for a small wedding in comparison to something grander?

In general, the more guests you have, the more logistics there are to manage, from seating arrangements to catering coordination, which increases the planner’s workload and, ultimately, their fee.

Event Type

The type of wedding you’re planning also plays a role in pricing. A traditional ceremony and reception might have different needs than a themed wedding, a multicultural wedding with specific customs, or an elopement.

Luxury weddings, for example, often involve high-end vendors and intricate details that require more planning hours, increasing the cost. Some local planners specialize in specific wedding styles, which can impact their pricing as well.

Location

Where your wedding is held can significantly affect the price of a planner. Weddings in major cities like New York or Los Angeles tend to cost more than those in smaller towns due to higher demand and living costs. Destination weddings, in particular, come with added expenses, as planners may need to arrange travel, accommodation, and logistics for vendors and guests.

If you’re considering an online wedding planner to assist with coordination from afar, this may offer a more budget-friendly alternative.

Season & Date

The time of year and specific date of your wedding also influence pricing. Peak wedding seasons—typically late spring through early fall—mean higher demand for planners, which can drive up costs.

If you’re booking a planner for a holiday weekend or a highly sought-after venue, expect to pay more. On the other hand, choosing an off-season date could help lower costs.

Scope of Work

The level of service you need directly impacts pricing. There are different wedding planners available, each offering a unique range of services:

Full-service wedding planners handle every detail, from vendor selection to design and timeline management. Because they oversee the entire event, the full-service wedding planner cost is typically the highest, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
Partial wedding planners step in partway through the process, helping with specific aspects like vendor coordination or finalizing details. The partial wedding planner cost generally falls between $2,000 and $6,000.
Month-of wedding planners take over about 4-6 weeks before the wedding to finalize logistics and ensure everything is on track. The month of wedding coordinator cost typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500.
Day-of wedding coordinators focus on execution, making sure the wedding day runs smoothly. The average wedding coordinator cost is usually between $800 and $2,500.
Destination wedding planners specialize in travel-based weddings, handling location-specific details, vendor sourcing, and accommodations.
À la carte wedding planners offer flexible services where couples can pick and choose the help they need, such as vendor referrals or budget management.
Wedding specialists focus on specific wedding styles or cultural traditions, ensuring every detail aligns with the couple’s vision.
Bilingual wedding planners assist couples who need services in multiple languages, making communication seamless with vendors and guests.
Decorators and designers concentrate on the wedding’s visual elements, from floral arrangements to venue styling.

It's also important to know the difference between a wedding planner vs coordinator. A wedding planner is a pro who handles the details of planning your wedding from start to finish, including vendor selection, design, and budgeting. A wedding coordinator, on the other hand, focuses on executing the plan, ensuring the day runs smoothly without last-minute stress.

Customization & Special Requests

Beyond the basics, your planner’s wedding planner responsibilities can expand to include custom services. If you need help with rehearsal coordination, clean up after the event, or booking additional vendors, these add-ons can increase your final cost.

Some planners offer venue scouting, décor rentals, or even honeymoon planning for couples looking for a one-stop service.

Experience & Expertise

Aside from the types of wedding planners you could use, a planner’s background can significantly impact pricing. Experienced planners with a strong portfolio, certifications, and industry recognition often charge more due to their expertise. Some may have professional affiliations or licensing, ensuring they adhere to industry best practices.

While hiring a newer planner may save money, investing in a seasoned professional can provide peace of mind and a seamless experience. Think of some questions to ask wedding planner candidates before making a decision on an experienced wedding planner.

Fee Structure

Wedding planner fee structure will vary based on the planner and their services. Here are the most common pricing models:

Flat fee: A set rate based on services provided.
Hourly rate: Some planners charge a wedding planner cost per hour, typically ranging from $75 to $250.
Percentage of wedding budget: Planners may take a cut (often 10-20%) of the total wedding cost.
Hybrid model: A mix of hourly, flat, and percentage-based pricing.

When budgeting, it’s also important to consider tipping. How much do you tip wedding vendors? While tipping isn't always required for planners, gratuity is appreciated if they go above and beyond.

Ultimately, understanding who pays for the wedding and how to allocate your budget will help you decide on the right planner. Before making a decision, be sure to research local wedding planners, review their experience, and go through a wedding coordinator checklist to ensure they meet your needs.

Why hire a wedding planner for a wedding? You can better answer this by preparing questions to ask so that you can help yourself make an informed choice about whether this is the right move for you.

Finally, if you decide not to move forward with a planner, it’s always good etiquette to know how to tell a vendor you are not using them—a simple, polite message is all it takes.

Our Conclusion On Wedding Planner Fees

So, how much is a wedding planner on average? The cost varies based on event size, location, and service level, but hiring a planner is often worth the investment to reduce stress and keep the planning process on track.

Key Takeaways:

Cost & Pricing Models: Wedding planners typically charge a flat fee, a percentage of the total wedding budget, or an average hourly rate—ranging from $1,500 to $10,000+.
Types of Services: From planners and day-of coordinators to full-service planners, options exist to fit your budget and help you put together a seamless event.
Why It’s Worth It: A good wedding planner will help you with everything from vendors and the seating chart to keeping your wedding day stress-free.
Choosing the Right Fit: When deciding how much a wedding planner costs, consider what’s included, compare event planners, and always ask the wedding planner about their experience and services.

If you’re planning your wedding, the right planner can make your wedding unforgettable. And when the big day is over, don’t forget to tip your wedding planner to keep everything running smoothly!

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