| Service Level | Cost Range | What’s Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day-of coordinator | $1,500–$4,000 | Timeline creation, vendor coordination on the day, problem-solving | DIY planners who want help on the actual day |
| Month-of coordinator | $2,000–$5,000 | Day-of duties + 4–6 weeks of pre-wedding coordination, vendor confirmations, rehearsal management | Couples who have booked vendors but need someone to tie it all together |
| Partial planner | $3,000–$8,000 | Help booking key vendors, design guidance, budget management, plus full day-of coordination | Couples who want expert help with the big decisions |
| Full-service planner | $5,000–$15,000+ | Everything from engagement to wedding day: budget, vendors, design, logistics, timeline, RSVP management | Busy couples, large weddings, or anyone who wants a stress-free process |
| Luxury / destination | $10,000–$30,000+ | Full service + custom design, site visits, multi-event planning, concierge services | High-budget weddings, destination weddings, multi-day celebrations |
A full-service wedding planner manages the entire planning process over 8–14 months. This includes setting and managing the budget, recommending and booking vendors (venue, catering, photographer, DJ, florist, etc.), negotiating contracts, designing the event aesthetic, managing RSVPs and seating, creating and running the day-of timeline, coordinating the rehearsal, and handling any problems that arise. Most planners attend 3–5 planning meetings, have unlimited email and phone communication, and conduct 1–2 venue walkthroughs. On the wedding day, they arrive hours early, manage all vendor load-ins, cue the ceremony, coordinate the reception flow, and stay until the last vendor leaves.
About 60% of wedding planners charge a flat fee and 40% charge a percentage of the total wedding budget (typically 10–20%). Flat fees are more predictable and budget-friendly for larger weddings. Percentage pricing means the planner’s fee increases as your budget increases, which some couples find misaligned since it can theoretically incentivize higher spending. However, percentage-based planners argue they invest more time and effort into higher-budget weddings. For weddings under $30,000, flat fee is usually cheaper. For weddings over $75,000, percentage pricing can get expensive ($7,500–$15,000+).