A UK wedding planner typically costs £900-£1,600 for on-the-day coordination and £2,500-£10,000+ for full planning, with many planners instead charging 10-15% of your total wedding budget. The level of service is what drives the price: full planning runs the whole process from venue search to the wedding day, while partial planning (around £1,200-£3,500) or day-of coordination covers a defined slice. Before booking, ask exactly which tasks are included, how many hours and meetings you get, and whether the fee is fixed or a percentage, so you can compare quotes on a like-for-like basis.
Typical UK cost: Most UK wedding planners charge around £1,000-£2,500 for on-the-day coordination and £2,500-£10,000+ for full planning, or roughly 10-15% of your overall wedding budget.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wedding planner cost in the UK?
On-the-day coordination typically costs £900-£1,600, partial planning around £1,200-£3,500, and full planning from £2,500 up to £10,000 or more for high-end and city weddings. Many planners price as a percentage of your total budget instead, usually 10-15%. The figure depends mainly on the level of service, your guest count and complexity, the region, and the planner's experience.
How far in advance should we book a wedding planner?
Aim to book a full-service planner as early as possible, ideally 12-18 months before the wedding and before you commit to a venue. Booking them first means they can guide venue choice, recommend suppliers, and help negotiate before deposits are paid. For on-the-day coordination only, 3-6 months ahead is usually enough, though popular planners get booked up for peak-season dates well in advance.
What's the difference between full planning, partial planning, and on-the-day coordination?
Full planning covers the entire process from concept and budget to booking every supplier and managing the day itself. Partial planning hands over a defined portion, such as finishing off suppliers or styling once you've booked the venue. On-the-day (or month-of) coordination means you plan the wedding yourself and the coordinator takes over in the final weeks to confirm timings, brief suppliers, and run the day. Always confirm in writing exactly which tasks each package includes.
What should we ask a wedding planner before hiring them?
Ask what is and isn't included in the fee, how many meetings and hours you get, and whether the price is fixed or a percentage of your budget. Check whether they take commission or kickbacks from suppliers, how many weddings they handle on the same weekend, who actually attends on the day, and what happens if they fall ill. Also ask to see full real weddings from their portfolio and to speak to recent couples for references.
Is a wedding planner worth it, or can we plan the wedding ourselves?
A planner is most worthwhile if you have a large budget, a complex or destination wedding, limited time, or simply want the day handled stress-free, as their supplier relationships and negotiating can sometimes offset part of the fee. If your wedding is smaller and you enjoy organising, you can plan it yourselves and book just on-the-day coordination so you can relax knowing someone is running the schedule. The key question is how much of the work you want to do versus delegate.