As couples start wedding planning, one question is typically top of mind: Should we hire a wedding planner? It may surprise you to learn that, as a wedding planning team, we don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all answer! There are pros and cons to hiring a wedding planner, and your unique situation will determine which advantages (or disadvantages) resonate the most. So, it’s helpful to have the whole picture before deciding whether to book a planner or not. Today, we’re here to guide you through making this important decision!

Pros of Hiring a Wedding Planner

Stress Reduction

You’ll offload all the vendor calls, contract reviews, and logistics headaches to a pro. Meanwhile, you’ll have time and energy to focus on celebrating your engagement!

Budget Mastery

Planners know where to allocate funds for maximum impact so that your wedding day is the best it can be. They’re also skilled at spotting hidden fees before they pop up and throw your budget off balance.

Vendor Connections

Years of event-planning experience mean an insider Rolodex of florists, caterers, venues, and more, so you never have to question your vendors’ trustworthiness. Even better? Those connections are usually the ticket to snagging the best rates.

Timeline & Flow

From the relaxing morning spent getting ready with your VIPs to the last dance of the night, your planner will choreograph every moment of your special day. That way, nothing overlaps or stalls. Hello, stress-free celebrating!

Problem Solving

Rainstorm? Vendor cancellation? No sweat—your planner has backup plans and quick fixes on standby. They’re your wedding day superhero, ready to swoop in whenever they’re needed to ensure you have nothing but joyful memories from your big day! 

Creative Direction

Your planner will help you refine your vision, source décor, and ensure your day feels uniquely “you.” Whether you have a wedding aesthetic in mind or want expert guidance, your planner will work with you to design a beautiful celebration worthy of your love story.

On-Site Coordination

You—and your family—won’t be running errands or corralling guests when the big day arrives. Your planner will handle it all, minute by minute.

Pros of Not Hiring a Wedding Planner

Lower Up‐Front Costs

You’ll save on planner fees, which usually comprise 10–20% of a couple’s total wedding budget. In doing so, you’ll free up a significant amount of money to put toward décor, catering, or honeymoon splurges.

Total Creative Control

Every decision, from the colors to the vendors to the timeline, is yours to make. This is your time to shine if you’re a creative at heart! No need to translate your vision through someone else’s “planner lens.”

Flexibility & Spontaneity

Want to swap centerpieces at the last minute or try a new vendor you just found? You can pivot on the fly without extra change fees. This can be especially beneficial if you’re planning your wedding over several years, since tastes change.

Personal Satisfaction

Many couples love the sense of knowing they planned their wedding themselves. Moreover, DIY projects—from invitations to favors—can feel especially meaningful. They’re an opportunity to put your creative stamp on your special day!

Closer Family & Friend Involvement

Assigning planning tasks to loved ones becomes part of the celebration. You’ll build excitement and make lasting memories along the way! This could look like staying up late to arrange bouquets with your mom or designing invitations featuring a friend’s calligraphy. 

Transparent Budget Tracking

When you manage every vendor contract and payment, there’s no middleman. You see exactly where every dollar goes.

Hands‐On Vendor Negotiation

You call the shots when it comes to price-haggling and contract terms. There’s no need to fear “planner mark-ups” or opaque add-on fees.

Learning & Skill‐Building

Planning your wedding will hone event-planning chops, which come in handy for all of life’s celebrations! Think future children’s birthday parties, your next office shindig, or even a side hustle using what you know.

Should You Hire a Wedding Planner?

Maybe you’ve read all of the above and still aren’t sure if hiring a wedding planner is for you. Fear not! Here are a few ways we counsel couples who aren’t sure about hiring a planner:

Start with Your “Why”

Think about what you want most on your wedding day. Is it a relaxed smile? A flawless timeline? More time to spend sipping champagne with friends? A planner helps you protect your priorities so you don’t get bogged down in inspiration boards and expectations.

It’s Not Just About Logistics

Sure, as wedding planners, we handle vendor calls, floor plans, and timelines. But we’re also your creative sounding board. If you have a wild vision (say, a midnight taco truck or glow-in-the-dark dance floor), we’re the ones who make it happen.

Peace of Mind > Planning Stress

Imagine waking up on your wedding day without a single to-do lingering in your inbox. That calm, confident feeling that comes to mind? That’s what we want every couple to experience on their special day.

Budget Friend, Not Budget Buster

Planners don’t just add a fee to your budget, though it may seem that way at first glance. They actually save you money by spotting hidden costs, negotiating discounts, and steering you away from costly pitfalls.

You’re Still the Boss

You don’t hand over the reins when you hire a wedding planner—you access expert advice while staying in control. We guide, you decide!

Alternatives to Full-Service Wedding Planning

Most wedding planners’ services aren’t one-size-fits-all, including ours! If your budget won’t accommodate full-service planning or you want to DIY some details, there are alternatives to consider. For example, you might feel comfortable skipping vendor vetting and design assistance, but want help ensuring all your carefully laid plans fall into place. Our six-week coordination package would be a great fit!

We’ll link up with you six weeks before your wedding date to organize your vendors’ arrival times and assist with timeline creation. Then, we’ll be on-site from start to finish on the big day, quietly moving everything along and putting out last-minute fires—so you can savor every hug, laugh, and dance move.

For the DIY divas, we also offer a wedding planning membership! The membership is the best of both worlds for couples who decide not to hire a wedding planner but still want expert guidance. You’ll access wedding planning templates, instructional videos, exclusive playlists, and our weekly live Q&A session. You’ll even have the opportunity to connect with other engaged couples and swap ideas—all for just $27/month. Sign up today and get your first month FREE!