A Wedding Planner’s Hourly Fee

A couple of years ago, I got a pricing inquiry from a bride. Her money was tight, so she wanted to know how much it would cost for me to show up at her wedding reception for a couple of hours on her wedding day. “Wha?!?  You want me to just show up for a couple of hours not knowing a thing about your wedding day?”

It Felt Like a Scene from A Funny Movie

I declined the bride’s inquiry, but her request to hire me for just a couple of hours reminded me of the scene in the 1980’s parody of blaxploitation movies, “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka!”  Do you know the scene I am speaking of? Have you seen it?  Everyone knows this move scene by the infamous line, “How much for just one rib?!?”  (Note:  There are a couple of instances when profanity is used.  We apologize in advance!)

This Is More Challenging Than Most People Realize

Now, I’m not trying to poke fun at this bride.  I just want you to see how challenging it is to extract a tiny portion of a wedding planner’s service and successfully experience the planner’s full value.  Before a wedding planner can fully execute your wedding day, we typically need to know and understand the details you have created, the wedding day stakeholders (i.e, your mama, your fiancé/fiancee), the players and most of all, your wedding day expectations. And, we can’t do that by just “showing up.”  If anyone tells you they can do it, you should run away as quick as you can.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Epic Wedding?

If you’re in the throws of planning the most amazing wedding, and you need guidance to make it feel elevated, artful and authentic, please contact your professional wedding planning team at Howerton+Wooten Events! We specialize in helping our couples create beautiful weddings that are intentional, loving, immersive, and beautiful.

Love and Soul Always, Kawania

Photo: Shutterstock

P.S. If you’re interested in booking me as a speaker or wedding industry expert, click here to learn more.