What Goes Into Wedding Planning Pricing?

Beyond Labor: What Else Goes Into Wedding Planning Pricing?

Labor is only one piece of the puzzle. Professional planners invest heavily in the tools, systems, and protections that make your experience smooth, safe, and stress-free.

Here’s what else factors into pricing:

1. Marketing: How You Found Us

To be discoverable by amazing couples like you, planners invest in:

• Google Ads

• SEO

• WeddingWire and The Knot listings

• Website maintenance

• Social media content creation and advertising

Without marketing, we don’t exist. These are monthly business expenses that allow couples to find trusted, verified professionals rather than gamble on unknown vendors.

2. Insurance: Protecting You, Your Guests, and Your Venue

Insurance isn’t just a box to check—it protects everyone involved.

If a day-of assistant twists an ankle at your venue or a rolling cart accidentally damages property, insurance ensures:

• Medical bills are covered

• Damaged items are repaired or replaced

• No one comes after you, the couple, for reimbursement for our mistakes

Professional planners carry liability insurance to protect the not only us, but everyone around us.

3. Software & Systems

Behind every seamless wedding is a suite of professional tools, including:

• Aisle Planner

• Google Suite

• Zapier

These systems allow us to stay organized, connected, and efficient—but they also come with subscription costs that are built into pricing.

4. Education, Training & Certification

Many planners continually invest in:

• Workshops

• Conferences

• Certifications

• Floral and design courses

• Emergency management training

• Industry memberships

Ongoing education keeps us sharp, connected, and aligned with best practices.

5. Staffing, Payroll & Taxes

Even solo planners pay for:

• Assistant coordinators

• Travel time

• Mileage reimbursement

• Meals during long events

• Payroll taxes

• Bookkeeping support

A wedding requires a team—pricing reflects that.

6. Equipment, Supplies & Event-Day Tools

Your planner shows up with more than a clipboard. Behind-the-scenes items include:

• Emergency kits

• Radios and headsets

• Rolling carts

• Lighting and batteries

• Tools for setup

• Stationery items

• Backup essentials

These items require ongoing replenishment and replacement.

So, Why Does Wedding Planning Cost What It Does?

Because when done correctly, wedding planning is:

• A multi-month partnership

• A 200–300+ hour commitment

• A risk-bearing, insured profession

• A service supported by systems, tools, and staffing

• A responsibility that carries real stakes on one of the most meaningful days of your life

  
  

You’re not paying for someone to “show up on the day.” You’re investing in peace of mind, expertise, and a flawless experience.

And we are grateful every day for the trust our couples place in us to bring their dreams to life.