Average Cost of Wedding Planner?

Per2dream

If you are looking for a total wedding planner, what is the average price; what did you pay? I am getting quotes that are around 6K but I have one for 12K and trying to figure out why such a pricing difference when each one is saying they will do the same thing.

Any thoughts would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!

LaraCroft21

Hey I was actually thinking of getting a day of wedding planner and they are around $700 for that one day. I found a website called https://weddingful.com that's kind of Deal Find but for weddings! They always have deals on everything including wedding planners so keep checking that for your area. Also I read in a magazine that some wedding planners ask for 10-15% of total wedding cost. Hope that helps

AmJam04

I'm in the same boat. My two prospective WPs are $8500 and around $5000 (pretty much all-inclusive)

For me, what it comes down to is what they can do for me. I flat out asked the more expensive one why she was worth the extra money. I'm pretty satisfied with her answer, but I have yet to speak with the "cheaper" one.

I've heard that typically you can expect to pay 10% of your overall budget for your planner. That's not the case for me though - I could only wish to have an 85k wedding! haha.

LeiselEB

Mine had an outright fee of $2000 to book her, then we pay for each item we rent such as the candelabras, votive holders, chairs, etc. I was able to design and order custom linens through her, which was an additional fee but cheaper than if I were to have had linens made elsewhere because she can then rent the linens to another bride. We also are charged for any extra set up she does, like draping or lighting, etc. 

We'd have spent more money if we were to rent these things ourselves than if we rent through her, so I think the cost was worth it. Plus, I don't have to worry at all about set up or tear down, and I know that someone will be there to take care of any issues that arise with other vendors or with guests. 

We didn't spend 10% on our wedding planner in terms of services, but we spent well over that on what we were able to book/rent through her, if that makes sense.

Per2dream

Thanks everyone. I have one that is at 20% and I am trying to figure out why. That 20% is for a 50K wedding which I think is pretty darn high, the percent would be much higher obviously with a lower budget.

We are going to continue interviewing wedding planners. I feel like finding the right one is just so important for the whole wedding, really sets the foundation for everything.

Thanks so much!

futuremrsbruno

I have been looking in to becoming a wedding planner, and through what I have read so far, here is what I know:

Wedding planners offer different services, which is why the price for one can be vastly different depending on who you call. Some planners do just the day of stuff. Basically they step in at the very end to make sure your day goes smoothly and you don't have to worry about anything. They typically run under $1000. It's a flat fee for the day, and usually they will actually start working with you for the rehearsal.

Other wedding planners offer a wide variety of services. Some are the person between you and the vendor. They have a lot of contacts and are good at getting people you want for your budget. These types are probably around $2000 and under.

Anyone over that amount is generally someone who is full service. Meaning they will help you plan every single detail of the wedding and also do the work you would do on your own. Think favors, centerpieces, seating charts. These people generally have either a background in fine arts or design, or they have taken a wedding planner certificate course (that's what I'm working on). These people can also have a background in hospitality. They tend to run anywhere from $4000 and up. Basically you don't have to go anywhere but their office to get your wedding planned, unless you want to scout locations with them. Some of them have their own arsenal of supplies they will allow you to rent, and others work with distributors and are able to get you things at a discount. The great part about these planners is that they are basically there to make whatever comes out of your head into a reality. Think David Tutera. The downside is, you are going to pay a lot for these types of planners, and they have much stronger opinions about things, so you may end up butting heads over ideas.

Regardless of who you choose, make sure to get references, and check their reviews. Everyone looks wonderful and will tell you what you want to hear, but check them out before booking. Also, make sure to lay out exactly what you are paying for and what you want from the wedding planner, as well as things you want final say on and don't want to negotiate on. Basically, you give up some of the say to some of these planners. That's not always bad, since they want to give you the day of your dreams, but, again, they may not be going in the same direction you are. Get everything in writing on a formal contract.

Good luck!!

Per2dream

Thank you!

Yes that is what I am going for though looking for someone that won't butt heads with me.  What I am surprised is in one area such a wide range in pricing. I am looking for a few things, someone who will be able to give me more ideas than I have thought of and really help take it to a different level. To really see to all the small details so that guests are just wowed by how catered to that they are. The other areas is their contact list, the ability to step in when I am wrapped up with work and I can't work on things, their ability to help neg. contracts based on background in the industry/vendor list, and to handle the small details and make sure the day of is a breeze for us.

So still interviewing planners. I have been surprised by some of the contracts as well. Yes I plan on redlining.

futuremrsbruno

I would ask to see some of the pictures from weddings they have previously worked on, as well as some of their references from previous brides. Wedding planners build a portfolio just like other wedding vendors. You will be able to see the work put into the wedding. Look at the details. You want to see pictures where you can see the tables, or the layout of the place, or how the ceremony was done. These are things the wedding planner would coordinate.

This is especially helpful if you are a picky person. You can tell the type of planner they are if everything is straight, all of the things on the table are in equal distances to each other, those small things that most people wouldn't notice. That's the mark of a good planner.

Finding out information is also key. These are people who get a name for themselves because of the work they do, so it's largely by word of mouth. People love to talk, so if a wedding planner has ever been not so great to a client, you will be able to find that out.

Do you mind if I ask why you want a wedding planner? The popular route now is to hire someone for the last minute and day of details. A lot of women are not seeking full service planners, unless they come with the venues. I also think it's good to know why you want one, because it will help you find the one you are looking for.

I give you major props, I could not hand over the wedding to someone else. I go crazy when my mom starts talking about who will deal with the day of preparations! I keep looking at her funny and saying I have a phone you know. LOL