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2026 Pricing Guide

How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost?

Complete pricing breakdown for wedding planners, coordinators, and full-service planning in 2026.

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$1,500 - $15,000+
Planner Fee Range
10-15%
Typical % of Wedding Budget
12-18 Months
Average Planning Timeline
$35,000
Average US Wedding Cost

Wedding planning costs vary significantly based on the level of service you need, your location, and the complexity of your celebration. In 2026, couples can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 for basic day-of coordination to $15,000 or more for full-service luxury wedding planning. Most professional wedding planners charge either a flat fee or a percentage of your total wedding budget, typically ranging from 10% to 15%.

Understanding the difference between a day-of coordinator, partial planner, and full-service planner is essential before comparing prices. A day-of coordinator manages logistics and vendor communication on the wedding day itself, while a partial planner helps with key decisions like vendor selection and design direction over several months. Full-service planners handle every detail from engagement to honeymoon departure, offering a truly turnkey experience.

Geographic location plays a major role in pricing. Wedding planners in major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago charge significantly higher rates than those in smaller markets. Destination weddings also carry premium fees due to travel requirements and remote vendor coordination. The national average wedding cost in the United States now exceeds $35,000, making professional planning guidance more valuable than ever for protecting that investment.

This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay at each service level, what factors drive costs up or down, and how to determine which level of planning support makes sense for your wedding vision and budget. Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a lavish celebration, understanding planner pricing helps you invest wisely and avoid costly surprises.

Typical Events Agency Pricing

Below are some pricing tier examples

Day-Of Coordinator

$1,500 - $3,500

Best for: Couples who planned everything but want stress-free execution

A day-of coordinator steps in during the final weeks to manage vendor confirmations, build a detailed timeline, and run the show on your wedding day so you can relax and enjoy every moment.

  • Wedding day timeline management
  • Vendor coordination on event day
  • Ceremony and reception oversight
  • Emergency kit and troubleshooting
  • Final walkthrough (1-2 months before)
  • Setup and breakdown supervision
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Partial Planning

$3,500 - $8,000

Best for: Couples who want guidance on key decisions

Partial planning provides professional guidance on the decisions that matter most, from vendor selection to design direction, while including full day-of coordination for seamless execution.

  • Vendor recommendations and booking
  • Budget management
  • Design and decor direction
  • Timeline creation
  • Rehearsal coordination
  • Day-of coordination included
  • 3-6 months of planning support
  • Monthly check-in meetings
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Full-Service Planning

$8,000 - $15,000+

Best for: Couples wanting a turnkey wedding experience

Full-service planning covers every element of your wedding from initial concept through final send-off, giving you a completely customized, professionally managed celebration.

  • Complete wedding design and vision
  • Full vendor sourcing and management
  • Budget creation and tracking
  • Venue selection assistance
  • Guest management and RSVPs
  • Custom design boards and concepts
  • Unlimited planning meetings
  • Full weekend coordination
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Factors That Affect Wedding Planner Costs

Geographic Location
Wedding planner costs vary dramatically by region. NYC, LA, and destination wedding planners charge 2-3x national averages. Rural and suburban planners offer more competitive rates. Major metro areas have higher vendor costs across the board, which influences planner pricing as well.
Guest Count
Larger weddings require more vendor coordination, logistics management, and day-of staffing. A 50-person intimate wedding costs significantly less to plan than a 300-guest celebration. Guest count affects venue options, catering complexity, seating arrangements, and overall coordination effort.
Wedding Complexity
Multi-day celebrations, destination weddings, and events with elaborate themes or cultural traditions require additional planning hours and expertise. Weddings with multiple ceremonies, welcome parties, and farewell brunches involve substantially more coordination than a single-day event.
Venue Requirements
Some venues include coordination services, reducing planner costs. Raw or non-traditional venues such as barns, private estates, or outdoor spaces require more extensive logistics planning including tent rentals, power generators, restroom facilities, and weather contingency plans.
Vendor Management Scope
The number of vendors to source, negotiate with, and coordinate directly impacts planning fees. A wedding with 20+ vendors including caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, band, DJ, lighting, and transportation requires significantly more management than one with 5-8 vendors.
Season and Date
Peak wedding season (May through October) and popular dates like Saturdays command higher rates for both planners and vendors. Holiday weekends, Valentine's Day, and New Year's Eve weddings carry premium pricing. Off-season and weekday weddings can reduce both planner and vendor costs substantially.

What's Included at Each Level

Feature Day-Of CoordinatorPartial PlanningFull-Service Planning
Day-of timeline management
Vendor coordination Day-of only Booking + Day-of Full sourcing + Day-of
Budget management
Design direction Full custom design
Venue selection help Recommendations Full search + tours
Guest list management
Rehearsal coordination Limited
Full weekend coverage Day-of only
"Our wedding planner handled every detail so we could actually enjoy our engagement. The investment saved us from countless stressful decisions and vendor mishaps."
Bride , 150-Guest Wedding, Coastal Venue

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a wedding planner cost on average?
Wedding planners cost between $1,500 and $15,000+ depending on the level of service. Day-of coordinators average $1,500-$3,500, partial planners run $3,500-$8,000, and full-service planners charge $8,000-$15,000 or more. In major cities like New York or Los Angeles, expect rates 2-3x higher than national averages.
What is the difference between a day-of coordinator and a full wedding planner?
A day-of coordinator ($1,500-$3,500) manages logistics only on your wedding day and during a brief preparation period. They assume all planning is already complete. A full-service planner ($8,000-$15,000+) handles everything from concept to completion over 12-18 months, including vendor sourcing, design, budgeting, and complete day-of management.
Are wedding planners worth the cost?
For most couples, yes. Wedding planners save significant time (200+ hours of planning), negotiate better vendor rates (often saving 10-20% on total vendor costs), prevent costly mistakes, and manage day-of stress so you can enjoy your celebration. The vendor savings alone often offset a substantial portion of the planner fee.
When should I hire a wedding planner?
Hire a full-service planner within one to two months of getting engaged, ideally 12-18 months before the wedding. Partial planners should be engaged 6-9 months out. Day-of coordinators can be hired as late as 6-8 weeks before, though 3 months is preferable to allow proper preparation and vendor introductions.
How much does a destination wedding planner cost?
Destination wedding planners typically charge $5,000-$20,000+ depending on location complexity. International destinations, language barriers, and remote vendor coordination add to costs. Many destination planners charge flat fees plus travel expenses. Some destination venues include planning services, which can offset standalone planner costs.
What is included in wedding planning services?
Full-service planning includes venue selection, vendor sourcing and contracting, budget management, design and styling, timeline creation, RSVP management, seating arrangements, rehearsal coordination, and complete day-of execution. Partial planning covers select elements like vendor recommendations and design guidance plus day-of coordination.
Do wedding planners get vendor discounts?
Experienced wedding planners often have established relationships with preferred vendors who offer discounts or priority booking. These savings can range from 5-20% on individual vendor contracts. Additionally, planners know fair market rates and negotiate effectively, preventing couples from overpaying for services they could get at better prices.
How much should I tip my wedding planner?
Tipping wedding planners is optional but appreciated. If you choose to tip, 10-15% of their fee is standard for exceptional service. For day-of coordinators, $200-$500 is common. Some planners include a gratuity clause in their contracts. Always check your contract before adding a tip to avoid double-counting.
Can I plan my own wedding without a planner?
Yes, many couples plan their own weddings successfully. However, DIY planning requires 200+ hours of work, strong organizational skills, and comfort negotiating with vendors. Common risks include overpaying for vendors, missing deadlines, and managing day-of logistics while trying to enjoy the celebration. At minimum, a day-of coordinator is strongly recommended.
How much do luxury wedding planners charge?
Luxury wedding planners charge $15,000-$50,000+ or 15-20% of the total wedding budget. For weddings exceeding $200,000, planner fees can reach $30,000-$50,000. Luxury planners offer white-glove service, exclusive vendor access, bespoke design concepts, and often manage multiple pre-wedding events like engagement parties, showers, and rehearsal dinners.
How do wedding planners charge for their services?
Wedding planners charge through three primary models: flat fees based on service level, percentage of total wedding budget (typically 10-15%), or hourly rates ($50-$150 per hour). Flat fees are most common for day-of coordination and partial planning. Full-service planners may use percentage-based pricing, especially for higher-budget weddings.
How much does a wedding planner cost for a small wedding?
Small weddings (under 50 guests) typically cost $1,500-$5,000 for professional planning. Day-of coordination for small events runs $1,000-$2,500. While small weddings involve fewer logistics, they still benefit from professional vendor negotiation, timeline management, and day-of coordination. Many planners offer scaled-down packages for intimate celebrations.
What are the hidden costs of hiring a wedding planner?
Potential additional costs include travel fees for venue visits, overtime charges for events exceeding contracted hours, costs for additional planning meetings beyond the package allocation, assistant coordinator fees for large weddings, and rush fees for last-minute bookings. Always clarify what is and is not included in your planner's contract before signing.
What should I look for when hiring a wedding planner?
Evaluate portfolio quality, client testimonials, industry experience, vendor relationships, communication style, and availability for your date. Request references from recent clients. Ensure their aesthetic aligns with your vision. Confirm insurance coverage, contract terms, and cancellation policies. A strong personal connection matters since you will work closely together for months.

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