Lily’s Wedding Diary: The Planning Options No One Explains Clearly

That’s when I started looking into planners.
At first, I thought it would be too expensive just another thing my budget couldn’t handle. But I was surprised to find there were different types of support somewhere between “do it all” and “just help me survive the big day.” Curious what I think?

Watch the video to hear my thoughts: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdLqDwb1/

Your Lily

 Types of Wedding Planning Services and Their Costs in Europe

Hiring a wedding planner can be one of the best decisions a couple makes during the planning process. But one of the first questions that often comes up is: How much does it actually cost? In Europe, prices for wedding planning services can vary significantly. They depend on multiple factors, that’s why the prices listed below are very approximate averages designed to give you a general idea, not a guaranteed quote. Let’s take a closer look at the three most common types of wedding planning services and their typical pricing ranges in EUR.

  1. Full-Service Wedding Planning

This is the most comprehensive option available. Full-service planning covers everything from initial concept to the final moments of your wedding day. It’s ideal for couples who want to hand over the logistics and enjoy the process without stress.

What’s typically included:

✔️ Venue selection and vendor recommendations
✔️ Budget creation and management
✔️ Styling and design assistance
✔️ Timeline and logistics planning
✔️ Full wedding day coordination and execution

Average cost in Europe:
€5,000 – €20,000+
For luxury or high-end weddings, prices can exceed €25,000

Best for:
✔️ Busy professionals with limited time
✔️ Large or destination weddings
✔️ Couples looking for an expert to handle every detail

  1. Partial Wedding Planning

Partial planning is perfect for couples who have already begun planning but need expert support to bring everything together. This service can be tailored to specific needs such as vendor help, timeline adjustments, or design advice.

What’s typically included:

✔️ Vendor referrals and contract review
✔️ Budget guidance and adjustments
✔️ Timeline development
✔️ Style advice and some logistics support
✔️ Limited day-of involvement

Average cost in Europe:
€2,000 – €7,000

Best for:
✔️ Couples who’ve booked their venue but need help with the rest
✔️ Brides and grooms who want to stay involved but still value expert input
✔️ Smaller weddings that need professional structure without full outsourcing

  1. Day-of Coordination (or Month-of Planning)

This is the most minimal form of wedding planning, yet still incredibly valuable. It’s designed for couples who have done all the planning themselves but need a professional to take over in the final stretch and ensure everything goes smoothly on the big day.

What’s typically included:

✔️ Creation of a detailed wedding day timeline
✔️ Final vendor confirmations and coordination
✔️ Management of the rehearsal (if needed)
✔️ Full coordination on the wedding day
✔️ Troubleshooting any last-minute issues

Average cost in Europe:
€800 – €3,500

Best for:
✔️ Couples who have planned everything and just need execution support
✔️ Weddings with many moving parts that need oversight
✔️ Brides and grooms who want to enjoy the day without managing details

What Affects the Cost of a Wedding Planner?

Wedding planner pricing can vary widely based on several key factors:

✔️ Location – Planners in major cities or popular destinations tend to charge more than those in smaller towns.
✔️ Guest Count – More guests mean more logistics, which increases the workload and cost.
✔️ Complexity – Custom designs, multi-day events, or destination weddings require more time and coordination.
✔️ Experience – Seasoned planners often charge higher rates for their expertise and industry connections.
✔️ Scope of Services – Full-service planning costs more than partial or day-of coordination due to the level of involvement.

That’s why it’s essential to contact planners directly to get tailored quotes based on your specific needs. Some planners offer packages, while others customise their pricing based on hours or the scope of work involved. At the end of the day, hiring a planner is an investment in peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for full-scale support or just someone to run the show on the big day, there’s an option to fit nearly every couple and budget.

How a Wedding Planner Helps You Save Money

Many couples hesitate to hire a planner due to the upfront cost. But a skilled planner can actually help you save money in several important ways:

  1. Vendor Discounts and Negotiations

✔️ Planners often have trusted relationships with vendors and can secure better rates.
✔️ They know how to avoid hidden fees and unnecessary markups.

  1. Budget Management

✔️ A planner helps you track expenses and stay within budget.
✔️ They guide you on where to invest and where to cut back without compromising quality.

  1. Preventing Costly Mistakes

✔️ Planners catch errors in contracts, scheduling, and logistics before they become expensive problems.
✔️ Their experience ensures you don’t overpay or overlook important details.

  1. Avoiding Last-Minute Expenses

✔️ Last-minute changes often come with rush fees planners help avoid these by keeping everything on track.
✔️ They ensure timelines are met, minimising surprises and extra costs.

What’s Next?

Now that you know what planning services cost, here’s the real question:
How much time does it all take? In the next post, we’re breaking down exactly how many hours go into wedding planning and how a full-service planner can save you from burnout. Don’t miss it watch next to find out what you’re really signing up for.

Thank you for your time and stay tuned! Yulia

Yulia

Hi, I’m Yulia! I’m a Marketing Master’s student with a big passion for weddings and event planning. I’ve seen how stressful planning can get, and I want to help brides feel supported not overwhelmed. That’s why I created this series with Lily a bride who represents the real challenges many of us face while planning a wedding. In few short episodes, you’ll follow Lily’s journey and learn how a wedding planner can make everything smoother, calmer, and more joyful. Let’s make your dream day stress-free from start to “I do.”

View all posts by Yulia →

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