How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide for Couples)

Bella Olah Weddings
Sep 9
3 min read

Updated: Oct 13

In this guide, we’ll break down the typical fees that wedding planners charge in 2026

Autumn '25

One of the first questions couples ask when they start planning is: how much does a wedding planner cost in the UK? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Costs depend on the level of service you need, the size and complexity of your wedding, and whether you’re celebrating in the UK or abroad. In this guide, we’ll break down the typical fees for wedding planners in 2026, explain what affects the price, and help you decide what’s right for your celebration.

Average Wedding Planner Costs in the UK

Here’s a breakdown of what couples can typically expect:

	Typical Cost (UK)
Full-Service Planning	10–15% of total budget; minimum £4,000–£10,000+
Partial Planning	£1,500–£6,000
On-the-Day Coordination	£450–£1,500 (sometimes up to £3,000 for larger events)
Hourly Consultation	£50–£150/hr (can reach £300/hr for senior planners)

Full-service planning means your planner manages everything from venue searches to guest logistics.

Partial planning suits couples who’ve booked some suppliers but need help pulling it all together.

On-the-day coordination ensures things run smoothly, while hourly consultation works well if you just need expert advice.

Factors That Affect Wedding Planner Costs

Location – London and large cities often cost more than countryside weddings.
Wedding Size & Complexity – More guests, more suppliers, and multi-day events increase fees.
Planner Experience & Reputation – Established planners with strong portfolios charge more.
Luxury vs Intimate Weddings – A luxury wedding with a £100,000 budget naturally commands higher fees.
Extra Events – Welcome dinners, rehearsal parties, and post-wedding brunches add to the cost.

Is a Wedding Planner Worth It?

Many couples wonder if hiring a planner is worth the investment. Here’s why it often is:

Saves You Money: Planners negotiate better rates and prevent costly mistakes.
Reduces Stress: They handle logistics so you can enjoy your engagement.
Saves Time: No more endless supplier searches or admin headaches.
Problem-Solving Experts: From weather issues to timeline hiccups, planners have seen it all.

“Hiring a planner was the best decision we made—we actually got to enjoy the day instead of worrying about details.” – A Bella Olah Weddings couple.

Destination Wedding Planner Costs

If you’re dreaming of a wedding abroad, expect slightly different pricing structures:

Starting Costs: Many destination planners charge from £3,000–£5,000.
Luxury & Complex Weddings: £10,000–£20,000+ depending on destination and guest numbers.
Percentage-Based Fees: 10–15% of your total wedding budget is common.
Additional Expenses: Couples usually cover the planner’s travel, accommodation, and on-site logistics.

Example: A 100-guest wedding in Tuscany with a £60,000 budget → Planner fee around £7,000 (12%), plus travel costs.

Real Couple Experiences ✨

London Wedding: £50,000 budget with 120 guests → Planner fee £5,500 (11%).
Lake Como Destination Wedding: £80,000 budget with 90 guests → Planner fee £9,600 (12%), plus travel.
Intimate Cotswolds Wedding: £20,000 budget with 40 guests → Planner fee £2,500 (partial planning).

These examples show how planner fees scale with wedding size and location.

FAQs About Wedding Planner Costs

Do wedding planners charge flat fees or hourly?

Both. Full-service is often percentage-based with a minimum fee, while consultations are hourly.

Do planners save you money overall?

Yes. Planners often negotiate supplier rates, recommend budget-friendly alternatives, and stop you overspending.

Can I hire a planner just for the wedding day?

Absolutely. Day-of coordination ensures your vision runs smoothly without you lifting a finger.

How much does a destination wedding planner cost?

From £3,000–£5,000 for boutique services, £10,000+ for luxury multi-day events.

Final Thoughts

While the cost of a wedding planner in the UK varies, most couples find the investment invaluable. From saving money to saving sanity, planners turn wedding chaos into calm, seamless celebrations.

At Bella Olah Weddings, we help couples across the UK and abroad create beautifully stress-free celebrations. Every wedding is unique, so we tailor our services to your needs.

👉 Get in touch today to discuss your vision and receive a personalised quote. Drop us a message via bella@bellaolah.com