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| | | While many bridal consultants used to charge a percentage of the wedding budget -- usually 10 to 20 percent -- most now prefer to use an hourly, or more commonly, a package rate. Most planners have at least three types of packages: day of service, consulting and full-service planning. | | |
| Typical costs: | - For about $1,500, a day-of planner will help create a wedding timeline, confirm with vendors and handle the wedding day.
- For about $3,700, a planner will handle the wedding day and offer planning advice and guidance, but will make the couple do the pre-wedding footwork, such as making phone calls.
- For about $5,000, a full-service planner will plan the wedding and handle most details and the wedding day. That rate sometimes goes much higher -- possibly $10,000 or more for an in-demand planner with ten years or more experience, according to i-do Weddings.
- The cost varies greatly by region. The average total cost for a wedding consultant is $3,636 in the northeast and $2,635 in the south. The national average is $3,262, according to The Association of Bridal Consultants.
What should be included: | - For a day-of package, a planner usually will confirm with vendors, help the couple create a wedding-day timeline and handle wedding-day details from start to finish.
- For a consulting package, a planner might recommend venues and vendors, offer advice on colors and style, provide etiquette advice and help the couple stay on track with their planning -- but will not handle legwork and small details. On the wedding day, though, the planner will interact with vendors and make sure the day goes smoothly.
- A typical full-service planners help set the style and colors, help find ceremony and reception venues, recommend vendors, accompany the couple to food and cake tastings and screen vendor contracts. Some will even send invitations and track RSVPs. On the wedding day, the planner usually puts in a full day troubleshooting, handling last-minute details and keeping the event on schedule.
- Tip: Since packages and services vary from planner to planner, it is important to clarify in writing exactly which services are included.
Additional costs: | - While it is not expected, some couples tip a wedding planner about15 percent for excellent service -- but a gift of a restaurant or spa gift certificate is more common than a cash tip.
Discounts: | - One option is do-it-yourself planning, using online checklists or a book as a guide. TheKnot.com offers a 12-month checklist.
- Half.com offers a number of used books on wedding planning, and Amazon.com offers new books.
- Some brides link up with another local bride through message boards on sites such as TheKnot.com or IndieBride.com and trade day-of coordination services. Trusting a non-professional can be risky, but it saves money.
- Tip: According to the Association for Wedding Professionals International, many wedding professionals can lower their fees if you bargain.
- Some wedding planners can get discounts from vendors, and most pass those along to their clients.
- Wedding planners sometimes give a 10 percent discount for couples who get married in a slow month, such as January or February.
Shopping for a wedding planner: | - To find a wedding planner, ask friends or other vendors -- such as bridal salons, photographers or caterers. Or, The Association of Bridal Consultants can provide referrals to local consultants. When you get a few names, call or set up meetings to see which consultant fits best with your needs, budget and personality.
- It is important to make sure hiring a consultant will be worth the money, both in saving time and reducing stress, as well as getting discounts. TheKnot.com offers a list of questions to ask a wedding consultant before signing a contract.
- Tip: Start looking for a wedding consultant as early as possible. Most wedding consultants cannot handle more than one wedding on a single day, and popular dates and weekends book months in advance.
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Article updated July 2007 |
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Recent Posts |
| Amount: $3,000.00 |
Great Planners
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| Posted by: Sabrina Walker in Washington, DC. | Purchased: June, 2008 |
| Type: Wedding | Name: A & J Inovative Event Consulting |
| When I first started looking at wedding planners I could not believe the cost. I decided to go with a company A & J Innovative Event Consulting and I will say I feel as though I under paid for their services. They were hands on all the way and did much more than I expected. I would definitely use them for any event that I have. |
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| Amount: $3,000.00 |
Perfect Wedding
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| Posted by: A car painter in NY in Wallkill, NY. | Purchased: 2008 |
| From the moment we met my planner Nikki was wonderful to work with. She knew everything I needed before the time came to do it. I could have never had such a smooth wedding if it wasnt for her. She spent as much time as needed, and her price was cheap! She did my full wedding plans for only 3000 dollars.. it was impossible to find anything like that anywhere. I strongly reccomend her for any event. |
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| Amount: $2,000.00 |
Jackie Sorkin: My Personal Celebrity Wedding Planner! Love HER!
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| Posted by: Caroline & Gary's Wedding in Manhattan Beach, CA. | Purchased: November, 2008 |
| Type: Wedding and Pre Wedding Bash | Name: Caroline & Gary's Wedding |
| Our first meeting was Awesome! I felt like I knew her forever. She is energetic, fun, and handled everything we needed with authority and respect. She is well respected in the Orange County & Los Angeles areas and has a long list of Celebrity Clients but when she knew we were on a budget she gave us a huge break and made it work for us. What a Mitzvah this was! She has integrity and I never felt that she wanted to take advantage of us in any way. ( Many Wedding Vendors or so called specialist WILL)She not only provided me with amazing service, she took care of everything. If anything ever went wrong, I sure did not know about it. My wedding was Flawless and the best day of my life! I would highly reccomend her. Email her at Jackiesorkin@hotmail.com or call 714 837 7119. Tell her Caroline Chow sent you! Don't worry, I asked her if I could rave about her on-line. If you want a pro with a great attitude who will handle business, call her. I am a super reference! Good Luck Guys! xoxo- Caroline |
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| Amount: $1,500.00 |
Glorious Beginnings Events
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| Posted by: Jersey Girl For Life! in St Petersburg, FL. | Purchased: July, 2007 |
| Type: Weddings | Name: Carmela |
| My fiancee and I lived in NYC the entire time they planned our wedding here! Glorious Beginnings handle everything. It was such an enjoyable event that my mother in law wanted to tip them more!!!!! Ms. Sanchez is extremely resonable and she goes above and beyond.You will not regret using this planner. |
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| Amount: $2,500.00 |
Perfect from Start to Finish
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| Posted by: Melissa K in Orlando, FL. | Purchased: July, 2008 |
| Type: Wedding & Wedding Party and Dinner | Name: Melissa Kerner |
| I recently went with an experience wedding consultant out of Fairbanks Alaska. His services were fantastic, whenever we needed him he was there, I feel like we should have paid more, he took care of all the tinyest details that we ask for. Certain things that me and my husband didn't need,but wanted we had and it made the day more enjoyable for the entire event. I loved the moment. If you want his services call 907-799-1367 or email him at SymJasGroup@Gmail.com. |
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| Amount: $18,500.00 |
Overpriced Planner?
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| Posted by: Mo P in NY in New York, NY. | Purchased: 2009 |
| Type: Wedding Planner | Name: Rose Events |
| I just think its outrageous to be quoted that price for the day of by itself. You don't even want to know what their overall quote was. I can't seriously consider a wedding planner if the cost is so absurd. And to think, that's a discount! |
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| Amount: $3,500.00 |
wedding
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| Posted by: T & D Thomas in Blackwood, NJ. | Purchased: July, 2007 |
| Type: Wedding | Name: Dee Va Style Events |
| My planner from New Jersey was the most fantastic person to have worked with. She listen to what we wanted, and gave us so much more. Things that we didn't know that was needed, she had. And our wedding was beautiful. People still talk about it and it was two years ago. |
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| Amount: $3,500.00 |
The Best Southern California Wedding Planner
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| Posted by: Sari B Gabbay in Beverly Hills, CA. | Purchased: February, 2009 |
| Type: Wedding & Pre Wedding Coordination | Name: Sari B. Gabbay |
| I hired Jackie Sorkin after reading another brides review on this same site. I was skeptical with hiring anyone to help me as I thought I could handle and do everything myself. I WAS TOTALLY WRONG! I never knew how much actually goes into planning a wedding and I was completely over-whelmed. My fiance Joey and I are both working professionals and just had no time to plan and the last thing we wanted to do on weekends was deal with vendors. Our wedding day was perfect! Jackie said it would be as flawless as possible and it certainly was. She handled everything and went above and beyond for us. I honestly think I under paid her for the amount of services she provided us with. She is a legit pro and has the demeanor of someone who certainly knows her stuff, she is easy going but protects her couples against the highly inflated vendors of the wedding world. I used 90% of her suggested vendors, loved her ideas but most importantly, she listened to everything Joey and I wanted and needed. Now I am happy to be another one of her brides who are happy to give her a glowing reference. She rocks and you will be so happy to have found her like we were. She is already on board to plan my 1st Baby's Baby Shower... when -ever that happens ;). Email her at Jackiesorkin@hotmail.com or email me for a reference. Saribcohen@gmail.com |
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| Amount: $1,295.00 |
Jackie Sorkin- My L.A. Wedding Coordinator & Planner
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| Posted by: Camille Cohen in Palos Verdes, CA. | Purchased: March, 2009 |
| Type: Wedding Planning/ Day Of Coordination | Name: Camille Cohen |
My situation in regards to my hiring Jackie Sorkin to be my Wedding Planner is definitely not considered " the norm". I had a private ceremony on the beach and my reception was held at the Trump Golf Club in Palos Verdes. I hired a wedding planner from Los Angeles ( nameless, I'll be nice) who completely left me high and dry. One day we were discussing flowers and the next her phone was disconnected. I lost about $1,500 and when I searched online for another coordinator, I found Jackie. Don't believe everything you read but in this case "DO". She saved my day, saved my wedding and my sanity. I always asked her what I could do to thank her and she simply said, if you are pleased with my work and my service then a review would be great! Nothing is better then word of mouth so here is my review of this Awesome and so down to earth Wedding Planner. Don't get me wrong, she knows her stuff and then some and kept us all sane throughout. Even when my nerves got the best of me or my anxiety kicked in, she was always there for me to calm my nerves, give me a hug or assure me that everything would be great and it was. She comes highly recommended. Good Luck Brides.
PS- Always call referennces and check out the planners affiliatios like if they are members of ABC ( The association of bridal consultants) |
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| Amount: $2,000.00 |
Exceptional Service
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| Posted by: mherd217@gmail.com in atlanta, GA. | Purchased: May, 2009 |
| Type: Planner | Name: SMAE |
| SMAE helped plan my entire wedding. I think their services could go for a much higher cost. They were able to help me create a theme and everything. Things that I hadn't thought of, they were there recommending everything. They were a lifesaver for my wedding and my budget. |
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| Amount: $2,000.00 |
Traditionally Modern Wedding & Event Planners, Inc.
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| Posted by: briana bloodworth in Tyrone, GA. | Purchased: August, 2009 |
| Type: Wedding & Pre Wedding Coordination | Name: Briana Bloodworth |
From the moment I said "YES" I knew who I wanted to plan our wedding, Dawn with Traditionally Modern had planned two other weddings that I had been part of and they each were true to the bride. I knew what I wanted a “1940’s” theme wedding however I had no idea where to begin. From the first meeting with Dawn I felt so at ease she saw our image, she knew what I wanted and how to make it happen with in our budget.
Dawn and her team are very fun and energetic and are very respectful of our opinions. Traditionally Modern handle everything from the save the dates to the décor of the reception. The day of our wedding could not have gone any smoother. Our wedding was more than a theme; it was a 1940’s super club; when I walked into the reception hall I thought that I had walked onto a MOVIE SET, Traditionally Modern took another wedding and made it “OUR WEDDING”. This team is hard working and very creative. For the services that were provided you can not but a price on it. Well worth everything, |
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| Amount: $2,500.00 |
Best Planner in Chicago
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| Posted by: MIchelle Green in Chicago, IL. | Purchased: July, 2009 |
| Type: Day of Coordination | Name: Michelle Green |
| Naturally I surfed the net looking for a day of consultant for my wedding day, I ran across Kamileon Events and Shona was our planner. I can't imagine a better wedding experience. It was the best $2,500 we could have spent. I would recommend Kamileon Events to anyone for their events. |
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| Amount: $2,000.00 |
Orlando Premier Wedding & Event Coordina
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| Posted by: Wonda in Orlando, FL. | Purchased: July, 2009 |
| Type: 1 yr planning to wedding day | Name: Orlando Premier Wedding & Event Coordina |
| I had such a wonderful experience with this company. Sonya (The Coordinator) took care of everything and all the minor hicups that come with a wedding. This company comes highly recommended if you are in the Central Florida area. |
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| Amount: $1,500.00 |
Wedding Coordinator
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| Posted by: Brea T in Atlanta, GA. | Purchased: June, 2009 |
| Type: Planner | Name: Bev Gilliard Wedding & Event Planner |
| My planner was excellent and handled all my concerns leaving me worry free. handled everything and went above and beyond for us. I honestly think I under paid her for the amount of services she provided us with. She is a legit pro and has the demeanor of someone who certainly knows her stuff, she is easy going but protects her couples against the highly inflated vendors of the wedding world. I used 90% of her suggested vendors, loved her ideas but most importantly, she listened to everything. Best planner ever |
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| Amount: $2,500.00 |
THE BEST EVER
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| Posted by: CONNIE SMITH in WILMINGTON, NC. | Purchased: August, 2008 |
| Type: WEDDING | Name: WHITEHEAD EVENTS |
| My day was like a dream I had no worries and every thing went smoothly Ty the event planner was a champ. I changed my mind so many times and most of it at the last minute but she toke care of it all. My mom loved her so much that we will be using her for my moms 60th birthday. I will never forget my wedding day and no one that attended will forget it ether. Thanks Ty |
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| Amount: $4,500.00 |
Professional Event Planner
|
| Posted by: Rebecca Ashley in Wahington, DC. | Purchased: August, 2009 |
| Type: Wedding/Party Planner | Name: Tessa Kay Events |
| I had Tessa Kay Events plan my sister's engagement party as well as her wedding. The service was simply amazing. We were assinged two wedding coordinators who worked simultaneously on both events. I couldn't have asked for a better experience in planning both events. My sister's vision was executed with a combination of simplicity and elegance. They even did the wedding favors. BTW my sister couldn't have been more a happier and stress free bride, which was great for us! |
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| Amount: $1,500.00 |
EnFuZion Industries
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| Posted by: The best Coordinator in Lombard, IL. | Purchased: 2009 |
| Type: Wedding planner/coordinator | Name: Carmela Dalmacio |
| Carmela made it so simple.! She made all my wedding dreams come true. I never met such an amazing and multi-talented coordinator. Thank you for everything |
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| Amount: $1,595.00 |
Southern California Wedding Planner
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| Posted by: Jessica Cortez in Long Beach, CA. | Purchased: September, 2009 |
| Type: Wedding Planner | Name: Jessica Cortez |
| I hired Jackie Sorkin of Southern California Wedding Planner to coordinate my wedding both day of coordination and some pre coordination. I was really impressed and pleased with her honesty and service. She really wanted us to save as much as possible and helped us shave a couple thousand dollars off at the last minute. Our wedding was perfect and I did get to experience a perfect day. Jackie was even able to create my wedding candy buffet at a fantastic price since she also owns custom candy buffet bars. I would use her over and over again but then again I hope to have just one wedding in my lifetime ;) |
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| Amount: $1,000.00 |
Massachusetts Event Planner
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| Posted by: Lililan Roy in Wrentham, MA. | Purchased: November, 2009 |
| Type: Wedding & Events | Name: Kate Wells |
| We hired Kate to plan our entire wedding. She was (may still be) building her portfolio, so her cost was next to nothing. People thought we spent thousands on her service! We used her because she planned our friends' weddings, parties, showers. Her design makes your mouth drop from amazement. She was so laid back and easy to deal with. She is a natural with a million ideas. Hers events are ones that we will never forget! |
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| Amount: $2,100.00 |
My Fab Wedding
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| Posted by: Nylah in Chicago, IL. | Purchased: October, 2009 |
| Type: Wedding & catering | Name: The Super Club |
| I have the busiest life a child,having a home built and being a museum curator!!Alana and Marlena came in about 2.5 mos before my wedding catered my bridal shower and rehearsal dinner,the food was amazing and they were not only able to tie up some of my bridal loose ends but they did the all the floral arrangements on their own,because I'd completely forgotten u need flowers to get married! |
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| Amount: $3,000.00 |
Wedding Planner
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| Posted by: Jaime in Los Angelse, CA. | Purchased: 2009 |
| Type: Wedding and events | Name: Jaime Wells |
| I used a company called Krizzma. And they were great! They did everything from setting a budget and sticking to it with everything we were thinking of & wanted. The best part of it was that they are so organized and professional and they have the best advise and ideas. |
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| Amount: $1,000.00 |
Afaires-A Perfect Event
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| Posted by: Anita-Greensboro,NC in Greensboro, NC. | Purchased: October, 2009 |
| Type: Wedding | Name: Anita |
| My daughter was in search of a Wedding Planner and we met Lenore Phillips and from the minute we met her we felt an immediate connection. She took care of every detail from the planning to the decor she made sure Anitra was stress free. Our planner was extremly detailed and saved us money because of the great connections she has in the wedding industry. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND A PERFECT EVENT IN GREENSBORO, She will also travel to your location |
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| Amount: $4,500.00 |
GlamFab Affairs is the best
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| Posted by: Mallen in Baltimore, MD. | Purchased: August, 2009 |
| Type: Full Service | Name: Ava |
| I hired a planner by the name of Nicole at GlamFab Affairs, I can honestly say think I under paid her for the amount of services she provided us with. She was very easy to get along with, her service was out of this world. Our wedding looked absolutely fabulous as if we spent several hundred thousand but we didnt. The entire planning of my wedding was worry free. |
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| Amount: $3,000.00 |
Fairy Wedding
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| Posted by: Shardae in Memphis, TN. | Purchased: April, 2009 |
| Type: Wedding/Event planner | Name: Sharitta |
| Sharitta was very good at handling everything. She lives up to her promise.She took my thoughts and dreams and gave me the most wonderful wedding I could imagine. |
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| Amount: $1,500.00 |
Butterfly Wedding Outside
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| Posted by: Natasha in Port St. Lucie, Fl in PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL. | Purchased: April, 2010 |
| Type: Wedding | Name: Memorable Occasions Events & Catering |
| I would like to thank Curlinda of Memorable Occasions for making my day a success. She was always helpful to me and kept me stress free. She helped me choose my theme to coordinate with my colors, she contacted all my vendors--they were great and everyone arrived 2 hours before my wedding was to start. She also did my Invitations, RSVP Cards & Favors, she personalized my Champagne Bottles, everyone adored them!! My day was totally awesome, I had my dream wedding at a fraction of the cost that I expected to pay. I could not have asked for a better planner. If you are in the St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin or Palm Beach County areas, make Memorable Occasions your first choice. You can call Curlinda at 772-940-3759 |
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