If you’re wondering about the cost of a wedding planner and whether it is the best use of your budget, you’re not alone!
Hiring a planner can be a game-changer, helping manage everything from timelines to last-minute hiccups, but costs vary widely. In this article, we’ll break down how much a wedding planner costs, what services they typically cover, and, best of all, a few smart ways to save. Whether you’re dreaming of full-service support or just need help with the essentials, we’ve got you covered.
How much does a wedding planner cost in Australia?
“Every couple needs different levels of support when planning their wedding—some want guidance throughout the whole journey, while others just need help tying up the final details.” — Darcy, Wedding Planning Specialist
We asked Darcy to break down the estimated costs of different kinds of planners in Australia:
Day-of Coordinator: Around $1,500-$2,000 AUD to oversee all the details on your wedding day, keeping everything on schedule and stress-free.
Full-Service Planning: $5,000-$6,000 AUD for complete support, from supplier selection and budgeting to styling and logistics, ensuring every step aligns with your vision.
Hourly Consultations: $75-$100 AUD per hour, ideal for advice on specific details like finding suppliers or finalising your timeline.
What are some of the duties of wedding planners?
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from day-of coordinators versus full-service planners.
Day-of Coordinator:
- Timeline management. Creates a detailed timeline for the day and coordinates with suppliers to keep things running smoothly.
- Vendor communication. Acts as the main point of contact for suppliers, confirming schedules, deliveries, and logistics.
- Setup and packdown. Manages the setup of décor, seating, and other elements to your specifications and ensures everything is packed up after the event.
- Problem-solving. Handles any last-minute issues that arise, from seating mix-ups to unexpected weather changes.
- Guest coordination. Manages guest flow, ensuring everyone knows where they need to be, from the ceremony to the reception.
Full-Service Planner:
- End-to-end planning. Assists with everything from budget management to selecting venues, theme design, and overall planning.
- Supplier sourcing and coordination. Recommends and secures suppliers such as photographers, florists, caterers, and stylists, often negotiating contracts and managing communications.
- Design and styling. Collaborates with the couple to create a cohesive aesthetic, guiding decisions on colour schemes, florals, lighting, and decor.
Budgeting and payment schedules. Helps set a budget, track expenses, and schedule payments to ensure everything stays on target financially. - Logistics and guest management: Coordinates guest transport, accommodation, and seating plans, and may even help arrange wedding favours, welcome bags, or on-the-day stationery.
Find a wedding planner in your state
The Easy Weddings directory is the perfect place to find a passionate and experienced wedding planner in your state. Browse exclusive deals, photos of past weddings, and honest reviews from other couples.
- Sydney Wedding Planners
- Melbourne Wedding Planners
- Adelaide Wedding Planners
- Perth Wedding Planners
- Brisbane Wedding Planners
How to save money with packaged wedding services
If you’re looking to make room in your budget for a wedding planner, consider scaling back to a day-of coordinator or bundling essential services. You may find that moving from full-service planning to on-the-day coordination frees up funds without sacrificing peace of mind.
To make things even easier, our Easy Weddings packages bundle top-rated vendors, each backed by years of experience, into streamlined packages with one easy payment schedule. Whether you want end-to-end support or just a little guidance on the big day, our trusted team makes planning straightforward, letting you focus on what matters most!
Oh, and don’t forget we have a free digital wedding planner app for iPhone and Android.
Going to DIY route? We’re here to help!
Taking on a DIY wedding doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. At Easy Weddings, we’ve got a suite of planning tools and resources to guide you every step of the way. Start with our Free Printable Wedding Planning Checklist, a great way to map out what needs doing and when, ensuring you stay on track. From there, you can dive into our Wedding Planning Guide for advice, tips, and timelines tailored to every stage of planning.
Our digital Planning Tools make it even easier. With features like the Budget Calculator and To-Do List, you can manage your finances and keep tabs on tasks with ease. For guest logistics, our Guest List and Seating Planner tools are invaluable, helping you organise RSVPs and seating arrangements effortlessly. Wherever you are in your DIY journey, Easy Weddings is here to support.
Where does the cost of a wedding planner fit within the average wedding budget?
A $6000 full-service wedding planner fee accounts for almost 17% of the average Australian wedding budget of $35315, per our 2025 Wedding Industry Report.
For some couples, that 17% can feel well-justified given the convenience, peace of mind, and expert coordination a planner provides, especially for complex weddings or when time is tight. However, it’s essential for each couple to assess if the value offered aligns with their priorities, as other aspects like venue, catering, or photography may also command substantial portions of the budget.
Learn more about the average wedding costs in your state:
- NSW Wedding Costs
- Queensland Wedding Costs
- Victoria Wedding Costs
- Western Australia Wedding Costs
- South Australia Wedding Costs
