It's universally acknowledged that planning a wedding can be stressful. Although it's a happy occasion, getting hitched is considered by many as one of the top 10 most stressful life events. It's usually the first time people plan such a large-scale event. When you get engaged, you suddenly embark on a new role, wedding planner, and believe us, this is a full-time, all-encompassing job! With many factors to manage – including finances, suppliers, relationships, your own expectations and the expectations of your guests, wedding planning can be a daunting process.
For many couples, the thought of enlisting professional help is appealing. However, the idea of having to spend a portion of the wedding budget can be off-putting. But how much is a wedding planner or wedding coordination actually going to cost and is it worth the investment?
Here, we discuss the cost of hiring a wedding planner and the hidden costs of not hiring one…
The Difference Between a Wedding Planner and Wedding Coordinator
Hiring a wedding planner might seem like a luxury you can't afford. But investing in a wedding expert doesn't have to break the bank. There are different levels of wedding planning support out there, depending on your needs and your budget.
Full Wedding Planning Service
A full wedding planning service will guide you through every aspect of your wedding. The wedding planner will offer support from the moment you book them. They will work with you from the initial brainstorming session through to the final goodbyes on the wedding day. With this service, your planner will help you find your dream venue select suppliers, handle your RSVPs, create a wedding day schedule, manage your budget, bring your styling visions to life and be your sole point of contact for all wedding correspondence.
Partial Wedding Planning Service
If you have started planning but need help pulling everything together, you might book a partial wedding planning service. Here, your planner will step in later down the line, typically in the final few months before the wedding. Partial planning usually includes managing the suppliers you have already chosen, organising the timings for the day, finalising logistics, doing budget analysis, and coordinating the wedding day. If your budget is tight, this is a more affordable way to have expert help leading up to your wedding.
On-The-Day Wedding Coordination
Perhaps you want to plan the wedding yourself but need a point of contact for everyone on the day. In this case, you could consider a wedding coordination service. Similarly to partial wedding planning, a wedding coordinator will meet with you in the final weeks before the wedding date.
They are there to ensure your wedding day unfolds exactly as you have planned. They will set up your decorations, direct suppliers and manage all your timings, leaving you free to enjoy your celebrations without the stress of things going wrong. This is an especially popular option for those who have chosen a dry hire wedding venue, wanting to plan the majority of the big day themselves but simply have someone on the day to manage the smooth running of the event.
How Much Is A Wedding Planner Going To Cost You?
The cost of wedding planning or wedding coordination varies widely depending on experience, the level of service, and the location of your wedding.
Full Service Wedding Planning Cost
Full-service planners offer the highest level of involvement, which comes with the highest price tag. The wedding planner will work with you for months (or even years) leading up to the big day. You can typically expect a wedding planner to charge between 10-12% of your overall wedding budget or a minimum fixed fee for those with smaller budgets. The cost can therefore be anything between £3,000 to £20,000+, with varying factors like experience, specific skill sets and location impacting the price.
When you start looking for a wedding planner, we recommend allocating around 10% of your overall wedding budget for a full wedding planning service, but it's also important to note that there is usually a minimum fee!
Partial Wedding Planning & Wedding Coordination Costs
Partial planners step in for the last few months of planning, making it a more affordable option for those who need mid-level support. While on-the-day coordinators are the most budget-friendly, offering peace of mind during the critical final weeks and on the wedding day itself. For wedding coordination, expect to spend between £750 and £2,500.
Hire A Wedding Planner To Make Your Budget Go Further
Hiring a wedding planner may seem like a luxury, but they can actually help save you money in several ways. Both wedding planners and coordinators have established relationships with trusted suppliers. They can recommend options that fit your style and budget that you might not otherwise have known about. They might even be able to negotiate ways to bring down costs. A planner's connections and expertise can unlock unique opportunities and ensure you get the best value for money – something you might miss out on when going it alone.
We asked luxury wedding planner, Siobhan Craven-Robins, about the reason why wedding planners are worth their weight in gold when it comes to helping you save on key areas of your wedding...
Wedding planners are skilled at repurposing decorations for maximum impact, too. For example, they might suggest reusing ceremony flowers for the reception tables or options that double up as favours and place name cards. With their experience, they have the unique ability to suggest versatile wedding ideas that could cut costs. An experienced planner also knows which areas of your wedding will make the biggest impact and where you can save money. For example, they might advise splurging on photography and spending less on wedding favours that may be left behind.
The Hidden Costs of Not Hiring a Wedding Planner
While it's tempting to forgo a wedding planner to save money, the hidden costs can outweigh the perceived savings. Firstly, there is time to consider, wedding planning often takes hundreds of hours. So this could mean sacrificing quality time with your partner or having zero downtime. Think about whether your schedule allows room for you to focus on wedding planning in the timeframe you have given yourself.
Without professional support, the stress of managing every detail can take its toll. Wedding planners have usually witnessed many difficult situations, from family disputes to avoidable last-minute disasters. They will be able to guide you through dilemmas and offer a listening ear throughout planning and on the day.
Planning your own wedding could lead to overpaying for services or unexpected expenses if contracts are misunderstood. Inexperienced planning can result in overlooking key details, like transport or giving notice of marriage. A planner ensures no detail is overlooked, helping you avoid these pitfalls.
Hiring a wedding planner or coordinator is an investment in your peace of mind and the overall success of your big day. Whether you opt for full-service planning, partial planning, or on-the-day coordination, the right professional can save you time, money, and stress.
