How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost?

Hiring a wedding planner can be one of the smartest investments you make for your big day, but understanding the costs upfront helps you make the right choice for your budget.

Whether you're considering full-service planning, partial support, or just day-of coordination, knowing what to expect financially puts you in control of this important decision. This guide breaks down the real costs, explains what's included in different packages, and helps you figure out which option makes the most sense for your wedding and your wallet.

How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost on Average?

The national average cost for a wedding planner is $4,047, according to The Zola Wedding Cost Index. Most couples spend between $3,200 and $4,900 for planning services. This typically accounts for about 8% of a total wedding budget.

This price range is wide because the cost depends heavily on the level of service you need, where you're getting married, and how complex your wedding is. A full-service planner who manages every detail from the beginning will cost more than a day-of coordinator who just handles wedding day logistics.

Location is one of the biggest factors influencing price. For example, a wedding planner in Manhattan, New York costs an average of $5,922, while the same services in St. Louis, Missouri average around $3,654. Ultimately, these numbers are just a guide, and you can find planning help that fits your specific needs and budget.

What do Different Types of Wedding Planners Cost?

Wedding planner prices are directly tied to the amount of work they do for you. There are three main levels of service, each with a different cost and set of responsibilities. Understanding them will help you decide what kind of support is right for your wedding.

Full-service wedding planner costs

A full-service wedding planner is your dedicated partner for the entire planning process, usually starting 12 to 18 months before your wedding. They handle everything from creating your budget and finding pre-screened local vendors to designing the look of your event and managing every detail on the wedding day. This option provides the most comprehensive support.

This is the most expensive level of service, with costs often ranging from $4,000 to over $10,000. A full-service planner is a great investment for couples with demanding careers, those planning a destination wedding, or anyone who feels overwhelmed by the idea of planning and wants an expert to guide them every step of the way.

Partial wedding planning costs

A partial wedding planner is a perfect middle-ground option. They typically join the process three to six months before your wedding to help you cross the finish line. You might handle the initial big decisions, like booking a venue, and then bring them in to help with remaining vendors, finalize logistics, and create a detailed timeline.

Partial planning services generally cost between $2,500 and $6,000. This is ideal for couples who enjoy being hands-on with research and planning but want professional guidance to pull all the details together and ensure nothing is missed. It offers a great balance of expert help and budget control.

Day-of wedding coordinator costs

Despite the name, a day-of coordinator doesn't just show up on your wedding day. They typically begin working with you two to four weeks beforehand to understand your vision and all the plans you've made. Their job is to execute your plans flawlessly so you don't have to.

This is the most affordable professional planning option, with costs usually falling between $1,200 and $2,500. A day-of coordinator is perfect for couples who have handled all the planning themselves but want to relax and be fully present on their wedding day, trusting a professional to manage the timeline and any last-minute issues.

"A lot of couples tell me they really regret not having a day-of coordinator." -Melissa, Zola's Couple Advisor

What's Included in Wedding Planner Fees?

When you hire a wedding planner, their fee covers a wide range of expert services that simplify the planning process. While the specifics depend on the package you choose, most planners provide support in these key areas:

• Budget management: A planner helps you create a realistic wedding budget and stick to it. They use their experience to advise on where to save and where to splurge, helping you avoid common financial mistakes and get the most value from your vendors.
• Vendor coordination: This goes beyond just giving you a list of names. Planners help you find the right vendors who match your style and budget, review wedding planner contracts to protect your interests, and manage all communication, saving you countless hours of back-and-forth emails.
• Timeline creation: Planners are masters of organization. They create a comprehensive planning timeline with key deadlines to keep you on track, as well as a schedule for the wedding day itself to ensure everything flows smoothly.
• Design assistance: A planner can help translate your vision into a cohesive event design. They assist with everything from choosing a color palette to designing the floor plan, ensuring all the visual elements of your day feel connected and beautiful.
• Day-of logistics: On your wedding day, your planner is the command center. They oversee vendor setup, cue the wedding party for the ceremony, keep the reception on schedule, and discreetly handle any unexpected problems that arise, allowing you and your family to simply enjoy the celebration.

What Factors Affect Wedding Planner Costs?

Several variables determine the final price of a wedding planner. Knowing what they are can help you understand quotes and find a planner that fits your budget.

• Location: Where you get married has a huge impact on cost. Planners in major cities with a high cost of living will naturally charge more than those in smaller towns or rural areas to cover their own business expenses.
• Experience level: A seasoned planner with a decade of experience and a strong portfolio will command a higher fee than someone just starting out. You're paying for their expertise, extensive vendor network, and ability to solve problems you haven't even thought of yet.
• Wedding complexity: The scale of your wedding directly affects the planner's workload. A 250-person, multi-day destination wedding requires significantly more coordination than an intimate, 50-person celebration at a local restaurant.
• Time of year: Planners are busiest during peak wedding season, which is typically from late spring to early fall. You may find more competitive pricing or flexibility if you're getting married during the off-season, like in January or February.
• Additional services: Some planner packages are all-inclusive, while others offer à la carte services for an extra fee. These might include planning other wedding weekend events like a welcome party or farewell brunch, assembling and delivering welcome bags, or managing your invitation RSVPs.

How do Wedding Planners Charge?

Wedding planners typically use one of three common pricing models. It's helpful to understand how each one works so you can compare proposals and find the structure that feels most comfortable for you.

Flat fee With this model, a planner charges a single, fixed price for a clearly defined set of services. This is the most common pricing structure, as it offers predictability for your budget. You know exactly what you'll pay from the start, with no surprises.

Percentage of budget Some planners, especially those who work on large-scale, high-end weddings, charge a percentage of your total wedding budget—usually between 10% and 20%. Their fee is directly tied to the overall scope and cost of your event.

Before signing a contract, make sure you understand the planner's fee structure completely. If it's a percentage-based fee, clarify which parts of your budget it applies to.

Hourly rate A few planners offer their services at an hourly rate, which can range from $75 to over $200 per hour. This option can be great if you only need a few hours of professional consultation or help with a specific task, like creating a budget or reviewing vendor contracts.

Pricing Method	How It Works	Best For
Flat Fee	One set price for agreed services	Couples wanting predictable costs
Percentage	Percentage of total wedding budget	Luxury or complex weddings
Hourly	Pay per hour of service	Limited assistance needs

How to make wedding planning work for your budget

While hiring a professional planner is a great option, it may not fit every couple's budget—and that's completely okay. You can still have a beautifully organized and stress-free planning experience by using the right tools and resources.

Think of yourself as the project manager of your own wedding. You can absolutely handle the planning with a little support. Many couples successfully use a combination of digital tools and help from organized friends or family to bring their vision to life.

Zola’s free planning tools are designed to give you the same level of organization as a professional planner. You can track your spending with our free budget tool, which helps you allocate funds and stay on top of payment due dates. Our guest list manager simplifies collecting addresses and tracking RSVPs. Our customizable checklist provides a step-by-step timeline so you always know what to do next.

You can also lean on your venue coordinator for support. While they work for the venue and not for you directly, they are experts in their space and can manage all the venue-related logistics on your wedding day. By combining their help with your own organized plans, you can create a seamless event.

Ultimately, whether you hire a planner, lean on your loved ones, or use a suite of online tools, the goal is to have a support system in place. This will allow you to enjoy the process and focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love.

Your wedding planner cost questions answered

Do I need to tip my wedding planner?

Tipping is not required, especially if your planner owns their planning business. However, it is a thoughtful gesture to thank your planner for exceptional service. If you had a great experience, a tip of $50 to $200 per planner or coordinator is a kind way to show your appreciation.

Can I negotiate wedding planner prices?

While most planners have set package prices, some may offer flexibility, especially for off-season dates. It's often more productive to ask if they can create a custom package that fits your budget by adjusting the services included.

Is a wedding planner worth it for a small wedding?

Yes, even a small wedding has many moving parts that need coordination. A day-of coordinator can be particularly valuable for an intimate wedding, as they handle all the logistics so you can be fully present with your closest friends and family.

What's the difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding planner?

A venue coordinator works for the venue and manages everything related to their property, like catering and room setup. A wedding planner works for you and coordinates all aspects of your wedding, managing all your different vendors to ensure your entire vision comes together.