Please watch the video first: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdNENCvM/
I thought hiring a wedding planner would make everything easier.But the moment I Googled “wedding planner near me,” I was more confused than ever. There were full-service packages, partial planning, day-of coordination… And every website made it sound like everything was included but somehow, nothing was clear.Do they just show up on the wedding day? Will I still be answering vendor emails at midnight?Am I paying someone to organize, or am I still the organizer? Honestly, I had no idea what was actually covered.
So I decided to break it down not just for myself, but for every bride asking the same thing.
Your Lily
How Much Time Does Wedding Planning Take?
Planning a wedding is magical… until the to-do list starts growing faster than your guest count. Between designing the look, managing the budget, meeting vendors, and answering emails, it’s easy to feel like planning your wedding is a full-time job because for many, it is. According to industry research, the average couple spends between 250 and 300 hours planning their wedding. That’s about 6 to 8 full-time workweeks. Let that sink in.
Where Does That Time Go?
✔️ Researching and comparing vendors
✔️ Reading and negotiating contracts
✔️ Managing RSVPs, guest lists, and travel info
✔️ Creating and adjusting timelines and checklists
✔️ Coordinating site visits and walkthroughs
✔️ Styling, layout planning, and backup options
✔️ Answering constant questions from vendors and guests
✔️ Solving last-minute issues (because there are always some)
And that’s on top of work, daily life, and staying sane.
So… What Does a Full-Service Wedding Planner Do?
A full-service planner is exactly what it sounds like someone who guides, manages, and executes every step of your wedding, from the first vendor quote to the final toast. Here’s a breakdown of what’s usually included:
✔️ Pre-Wedding Planning and Strategy
- Budget creation and ongoing management
- Wedding vision and theme development
- Vendor sourcing and shortlisting
- Venue scouting and walkthroughs
- Timeline creation for the planning process
- Checklists and planning tools tailored to your event
✔️ Vendor Management
- Reaching out to and booking trusted vendors
- Attending key vendor meetings (florist, caterer, photographer, etc.)
- Contract reviews and negotiations
- Communication and confirmation with vendors throughout the planning process
- Payment reminders and deadline tracking
✔️ Design and Styling
- Creating a visual concept and mood board
- Color palette and theme consultation
- Recommending rental items and décor
- Coordinating with florists and designers
- Managing layout and seating charts
✔️ Guest Experience and Logistics
- Managing guest list, RSVPs, and dietary requirements
- Creating transportation plans
- Rehearsal dinner planning
- Coordinating room blocks or travel logistics
- Handling wedding website or communication tools
✔️ Wedding Day Coordination
- Finalizing and distributing a detailed timeline
- Point of contact for all vendors on the day
- Overseeing setup and tear-down
- Coordinating ceremony flow and reception events
- Managing behind-the-scenes issues (so you never even hear about them)
- Keeping everything on schedule, so you can actually enjoy it
How Much Time Will the Couple Still Spend?
While a full-service planner handles the heavy lifting, the couple is still involved in the fun parts like picking colors, tasting cake, and choosing what matters most to them.
Average time the couple spends (with a full planner):
✓ 30–50 hours over the course of 8–12 months
✓ Compared to 250–300+ hours doing it all alone
What’s Next?
Once you understand what a wedding planner really does, the next step is choosing the right one. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why asking the right questions matters. In the next post, you’ll find ten smart, simple questions to help you choose the planner that truly fits you.
Thank you for your time and stay tuned! Yulia
