How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost? Packages & What to Expect
Planning a wedding is incredibly exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming when the numbers start adding up. Between finding the perfect venue, organizing guest lists, and designing stunning decor, one question comes up time and again: “How much does wedding planning cost?” More specifically, “Is it worth it?”
In this blog, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about wedding planner cost, the different packages planners offer, and what’s included in them. Think of this as your go-to guide to make informed decisions and plan a wedding that feels just right for you!
What Goes Into the Total Wedding Cost
The answer to how much a wedding actually costs can vary widely. In the U.S., the average wedding cost ranges from $30,000 to $50,000, but that number can go higher for South Asian or multicultural weddings, which often span multiple days and include intricate cultural details.
Guest count, venue location, and destination logistics all influence the total. And while planner packages may seem like an added expense, they often provide both clarity and long-term savings.
The Invisible Costs Couples Miss
What many couples miss are the “invisible” or “hidden” costs: vendor overtime, transportation surcharges, unexpected rentals, or extra staffing needs. These last-minute additions can derail even the best-planned budgets.
A seasoned planner anticipates these expenses, negotiates better rates, and buffers against potential setbacks, bringing valuable foresight to your celebration.
Types of Wedding Planning Services (And Who They’re Best For)
At Preeti Exclusive Events, we understand that every couple has a unique planning style. That’s why our planner packages are designed to meet you exactly where you are on your wedding journey. Here are our three main offerings:
Signature: Destination Wedding Planning
Planning your wedding in a dream location? Designed for couples getting married away from home, this service covers everything from international logistics to local vendor coordination. We specialize in creating culturally rich, multi-day celebrations in stunning locations: seamlessly planned, beautifully executed, and fully personalized to your vision.
Exclusive: Full-Service Wedding Planning
Dreaming big but short on time? This comprehensive package is for you. We cover everything from venue scouting and design to vendor management, cultural traditions, and travel logistics, and everything in between. It’s great for local weddings, multicultural celebrations, or busy professionals who want to enjoy the ride, stress-free.
Deluxe: Partial Planning / Month-of Coordination
This package is for you if you’ve started planning but need a professional polish to pull it all together. It works well if you’ve booked your venue or picked some vendors, but want someone to fine-tune the details like timelines and final touches. This one’s great for local weddings or couples who want expert input without giving up control.
Luxe: Day-Of Coordination
Typically booked 3-6 months before the wedding, this package is for couples who’ve done the planning and just want someone to execute it all flawlessly. We step in, handle the timeline, manage vendors, and make sure everything runs like clockwork.
Each service tier is made to meet the planner cost you feel comfortable with, while still maintaining luxury and elegance.
What Wedding Planner Packages Really Include
When exploring planner packages, it’s easy to focus on the price, but what are you really getting? We believe transparency is key, so here’s what goes into hiring a wedding planner and why it’s truly an investment for your peace of mind.
Behind the Price Tag
Strategy sessions, budget planning, vendor vetting, and design guidance.
Detailed timelines, site visits, and contingency planning.
For multicultural weddings, attention to ritual sequences and guest flow across multiple events.
Crisis Management & Emotional Buffer
Handling last-minute issues (weather, delays, vendor no-shows).
Acting as a diplomatic liaison between family members and managing guest expectations.
Reducing emotional stress so couples can be present.
Personalization at Its Core
From mehendi lounges to chuppahs, everything is curated to reflect the couple’s identity.
We design for intention and cultural resonance, not just aesthetics.
Everything is tailored to reflect your love story, ensuring your day feels authentically you.
Each of our planner packages is designed to bring expertise, elegance, and ease to your wedding journey.
How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost? A Realistic Breakdown
You’re not alone in asking, “How much does a wedding planner cost?” The price can vary significantly depending on the level of service you need, your wedding, and your planner’s experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown to help you understand where your money goes and when it’s worth investing more.
Typical Pricing Models
Most planners charge using one or a combination of the following pricing models:
Flat Fee (for planning services): A fixed amount charged for the core planning process, such as creating timelines, managing checklists, and overall coordination. This fee is not tied to your total wedding spend.
Percentage of Budget: Typically 10–20% of your total wedding budget or vendor totals, especially applied as a logistics or coordination charge.
Hourly: For consultation-based services, often ranging from $100–$300/hour, suitable for couples needing limited guidance.
Some planners combine these models, for instance, a flat fee for planning paired with a percentage of vendor costs for logistical execution.
Average Wedding Planner Costs
Here’s what you can expect across different planner packages:
Full-Service Planning: $25,000 to $30,000+, depending on guest count, number of events, and complexity. This includes everything from concept to execution.
Partial Planning or Month-of Coordination: $15000 to $25,000+, ideal for couples who’ve started planning but need help tying everything together.
Day-of Coordination: $5000 to $10,000+, often booked within 6 months of the wedding and focuses on managing final logistics and event-day flow.
Note: These figures may increase for multi-day South Asian or destination weddings requiring complex logistics.
What Influences Cost?
The wedding planner cost rises with factors like:
Guest count
Event complexity (e.g., sangeet, mehendi, reception)
Cultural elements
Travel coordination
Venue and vendor management needs
When It’s Worth Paying More
A skilled planner can actually save you money. Through vendor relationships, contract negotiation, and avoiding costly last-minute changes, planners offer real ROI, including the peace of mind that comes along. If your wedding is large, multicultural, or high-stakes, paying more upfront often means fewer surprises down the line.
Understanding how much a wedding costs starts with knowing what’s included and why planning support is truly priceless.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Wedding Planner
Before committing to a planner or signing a contract, it’s essential to ask the right questions, so you feel confident and in control from day one. Get clarity on:
What’s included in their planner packages vs. what’s not (e.g., site visits, travel fees, or décor sourcing)
Experience with specific wedding types, especially multicultural, fusion, or destination events
How they handle last-minute changes or family dynamics
A good planner does more than manage timelines; they become your partner in bringing your celebration to life, and the wedding planner cost should reflect that value.
Why the Right Planner Saves You More Than Just Money
When considering the wedding planner cost, it’s easy to focus on the price, but the real value lies in what you gain.
Save time by outsourcing hours of vendor research and coordination.
Access hidden perks, like vendor discounts, upgraded decor, and scheduling flexibility.
Reduce decision fatigue by trusting an expert with a proven track record.
But the biggest benefit? Peace of mind. On your wedding day, being fully present, without managing a million details, is priceless. Planners like Preeti Exclusive Events offer more than coordination; we bring cultural fluency, especially for South Asian and multicultural weddings, along with the polish of destination planning. With our thoughtful packages, you’re never just hiring a planner; you’re bringing a team that saves your time and elevates your vision with your unique story.
Browse our recent celebrations here.
Start Smart, Spend Wisely, Celebrate Fully
Planning a wedding isn’t just a financial exercise; it’s a deeply personal journey. While it’s natural to focus on budgets, what matters most is aligning your choices with your vision and values. The right planner doesn’t simply manage logistics; they bring calm to the chaos, clarity to the unknowns, and joy to the process.
At Preeti Exclusive Events, we specialize in crafting culturally rooted, emotionally resonant weddings, from New York City rooftops to sun-drenched destinations around the world. With our thoughtful planner packages, you’re not just investing in service, you’re investing in a smoother, more meaningful celebration.
Want planning to feel like joy, not a job? Contact us for a no-pressure consultation today.
