Wedding coordinator?

Question

I am planning to have a small wedding (150-175 people) but since I have never done this before, I am planning to meet with two sisters, friends of mine, who do wedding planning on the side. Again since I have never done this before I am wondering how much to expect, in terms of cost. Can you give me an idea?

Answer 1

There is a big difference between a wedding planner and a wedding day coordinator. A wedding planner will assist you with all aspects of your wedding based on your interest (e.g., researching vendors, helping you establish a budget, picking your color scheme, attending appointments with you, coordinating your rehearsal, etc). Some planners charge you a flat fee like 10% of your budget, while others will provide several packages that can fit within different budgets. Of course the largest packages includes the most assistance. Prices for planners vary greatly based their client base (clients with modest budgets or clients with unlimited budgets) and geography. You could pay anywhere from $1000 to $10,000 or more depending on the planner, what is being asked of them, etc.

While a weddding day coordinator assists you a few weeks prior to your wedding day with finalizing timelines and schedules with your vendors and wedding party, confirming final plans, coordinating your wedding rehearsal, and coordinating your wedding day. A wedding day coordinator can cost as little as $500 or exceed more than $3000 depending on their client base (clients with modest budgets or clients with unlimited budgets). In the Detroit area, you can expect to spend around $1000 for a good coordinator to assist you beginning 4 weeks prior to your wedding day.

Your best bet is to research the different coordinators and planners in your area to see what the going rate is. Try visiting http://www.theknot.com and get a list of coordinators in your area. Most of them will give you a free consultation and details on their prices. If having control over every detail of your wedding planning is important to you, be sure to pick your coordinator carefully. While there are many coordinators who will assist you plan the wedding of "your" dreams, there are some who'd rather plan your wedding the way they see fit.

Answer 2

Not sure on the cost, but I know planners can vary depending on how much you want them involved. If you just want someone to manage things on the Big Day, then it won't be too expensive. On the other hand, if you want someone to help you make all the major decisions (wedding/reception locations, florist, baker, catering, entertainment, etc) and handle the details of such, it will cost you considerably more.

Also, ask yourself if you really NEED a wedding coordinator. Wedding coordinators are great if you are really busy and don't have time to devote to planning a wedding, researching locations, interviewing vendors, etc. They will handle all the major issues and details, leaving you with less stress and more time on your hands. On the other hand, if you've got time to spare or really want to plan it yourself, you really don't need a coordinator or only need one to handle a few things.

If you decide not to use one, I highly recommend investing in a Wedding Planning binder. You can find them at any major bookstore. They detail everything you need to plan a wedding, including questions to ask your vendors and tips about signing contracts. It's been a huge help for planning my wedding in November. I have always felt prepared when I interviewed vendors and they were all impressed that I was so thorough with my questions (all I did was read off the checklist). I haven't once felt like I needed a wedding coordinator, but that's just me. I'm very detailed oriented and want to plan my own wedding. Whatever you do, good luck and CONGRATS!

Answer 3

Wedding coordinators charge between 5 - 15% of the total budget. But, there is great variation in what a wedding coordinator does, which will change the price greatly.

After you and your fiance set the budget (if you haven't, go to www.weddingchannel.com and use their free comprehensive budget calculator to see where your money will go), then decide what you want from these sisters:
Are they going to assist you in every step of the planning and the day of?
Are they going to meet with you just once or twice to make sure you are on track, then coordinator the day of?
Are they going to do only the rehearsal and day-of coordination?

Decide which of those is which you want and make sure to be specific with the girls. Ask for their hourly rate or their per-wedding rate.

Be upfront, have a budget prepared, and go with what makes you comfortable.

Answer 4

I in the same boat as you. Getting married in October and planning arounf 200 people. Trust me you dont need a wedding planner. I have done it all on my own. Start by going to bridal shows in your area. I have gone too 3 already and have got tons of info from flowes to table decorations. Even if you dont go with that company you have their flyer with pics and prices. Plus at the shows there always giving away prizes. I got my pics free, free makeup for the bridal party and 200.00 off my dress. Then I put together a book by each catagory. ex- flowers, dress, food etc. Make a estimated budget and then when you begin to pick things up for put that total into you actual budget. Anymore questions feel free to email me [e-mail]

Answer 5

Before you meet with the "professionals," you and your fiance sit down and discuss the kind of wedding and reception YOU want. Have a general idea of what you can afford - it will all be more than you expect and you will spend more than you had thought - but you can help keep it in bounds if you know before you start what you REALLY want.

Wedding planners want to sell you stuff - services and flowers and cakes and gowns - and they're all gorgeous. Is it what YOU want?

Do your own browsing and exploring BEFORE you get caught up in the professionals and you'll stand a much better chance of not going heavily into debt.

Answer 6

If your looking for costs expenses it really depends on how long you will be needing the wedding planner. It's about $15.00/hr. on average. you may find some that are less and others more costly. Also look for quality in their work. Don't be shy to ask them about previous events or viewing their portfolio. If you tell them what you would and would not like on your day, they should be able to in-vision your special day almost instantly.

I know this because I would like to become an event coordinator once I complete my schooling

Answer 7

It's really hard to say because each wedding planner is free to set his/her prices as they see fit. However, if you live in a major area, they should be competitive in their pricing and, since you are a friend, they may consider giving a discount. It is completely up to them what they charge, but if they want your business, they will be reasonable. If you think their prices are out of line, check out other coordinators in your area to see what they are charging.

Answer 8

Not sure what it will cost you, but whatever it is...go for it. You can't do this stress free without a planner. And believe me...you don't want the stress.

Answer 9

First off let me say CONGRADULATIONS! i also do wedding planning its called happily ever after weddings. i will be willing to help you with No charge. because its valentines day soon of course. i will be able to help you a great deal. e-mail me at [e-mail] well it all depends on you're price range. you can probable do a wedding at 3,500$ if you wanted to be of a lower cost. i can help you no matter what you're spending limit is. email me

Answer 10

Get out a notebook and start looking!!!!!!! Congrads!!!!