Your wedding is one of the most important events of your life. Friends and family will have certain expectations when you invite them to your wedding. They will be looking forward to seeing the bridal party attire, eating good food, and enjoying some great entertainment.
There are so many details to manage and someone that has never planned an event may find it overwhelming. This is why wedding planners exist. A good wedding planner will reduce the stress and headache of wedding planning.
If you want to hire one, you must first know what to budget for a wedding planner. So how much does a wedding planner cost?
Keep reading for more information on what you should expect and plan for when hiring a wedding planner.
Type of Wedding Planners
Wedding planners have the training and experience to ensure that your wedding is a memorable event for all the right reasons. They can also save you money by getting discounted rates on wedding services due to their relationships with wedding vendors. Their wedding planning experience may also help you avoid costly pitfalls that amateur planners may not know about.
There are different types of wedding planning services that you may choose depending on your budget and requirements. It’s best to review your budget and needs before starting your wedding planner search.
A full-service planner will arrange all the details of your wedding. Partial wedding planners will oversee certain aspects of your wedding such as the venue or catering. You would have to manage all the other aspects of the wedding.
Partial wedding planners cost less than full-service event planners. So it is a good idea to hire them if you have a limited budget and only need help with certain planning activities.
Certain wedding venues also provide an in-house wedding planner at no cost. This type of planner would only oversee details related to your wedding venue. They may make suggestions on other aspects of your wedding and suggest vendors that you should hire. But their scope covers services provided by the venue.
Finally, there are day-of wedding planners that are only hired to manage events on the wedding day. Their costs do include meetings before the wedding so you can brief them on the event and your expectations.
Wedding Planner Services in Dallas
Wedding planner services include planning meetings and correspondence. You should initially have monthly planning meetings with them to discuss vendors and the venue. As your wedding date gets closer you can then have weekly meetings to discuss finer planning details.
The planner should also provide you with a list of vendors that they have worked with and would recommend. They should be able to get preferential rates and discounts from their preferred vendors. They will confirm all the vendor bookings and pay them in good time.
You can also put your wedding planner in charge of the organization and preparation of all the wedding details. They should give you a schedule of when everything should happen. This includes the rehearsal, the cake delivery, the event décor, the bridal photo shoot, the speeches, and even the bouquet toss.
Wedding Planner Cost
Wedding planners charge between $50 to $200 per hour for their services. A wedding planner that is hired for basic planning but won’t need to manage activities on the wedding day itself will charge you $500 to $1,500 for about three hours of basic planning. Established and well-known planners typically cost more than those that are newer to the scene.
A basic or partial wedding planner would cost between $1,200 to $3,000. This would be for partial wedding planning and overseeing the actual day’s events.
A full-service wedding planner on the other hand will charge between $2,200 to $6,800 to take all the wedding planning out of your hands. They would be in charge of all the basics and other things including:
- Booking vendors
- Ensuring the set up for the wedding is perfect
- Overseeing the wedding day itself
- Paying and tipping vendors
As you can see, wedding planner cost varies greatly depending on how much you expect them to do.
What Should I Ask When Looking for a Wedding Planner?
Choosing the right wedding planner for your big day could be a daunting and confusing task. Before starting your search, make sure you have an idea of your budget, wedding date, and what services you need from a wedding planner. You can then shop online for local wedding planners.
Choose those with 4- or 5-star reviews. You can also ask brides in your circle if they have any recommendations. It is best to work with certified and licensed wedding planners.
They should have experience hosting weddings in the area you have chosen for your event. They get extra points if they have worked at your chosen venue and are members of a wedding planners association.
Make a list of at least three planners that fit your requirements. Meet with all the planners on your shortlist to establish who suits your personalities best. Your final choice should also be someone that understands your vision and can work with your budget.
The wedding planner should, of course, be available on your chosen wedding date. You will spend a lot of time with your wedding planner and they are your most important vendor. So listen to your gut and choose the person that you feel most comfortable and at ease with.
Learn About Wedding Planner Costs to Make Your Big Day Special
Wedding planner cost can range anywhere from $50 to $6,800 depending on the services you need. Plan about 15% of your wedding budget to cover wedding planner fees.
If you feel hesitant, remember that a wedding planner is worth every penny. They save you time, money, and stress and make your special day one to remember forever.
Before shopping for a wedding planner, have an idea of your budget and the services or help you need from a wedding planner. This will make it easier to choose the best planner for your needs.
Wondering about wedding planner cost in Dallas/Fort Worth? If you need help planning your Texas wedding, feel free to contact us today to make your vision a reality.