How Much Does a New York Wedding Planner Cost?
If you're engaged and planning a wedding in New York, you've probably already asked:
How much does a wedding planner actually cost?
The short answer is—it depends.
But let’s break it down so you know what to expect and how to make the right decision for your wedding.
What Impacts the Cost of a Wedding Planner?
A few key factors shape how wedding planners price their services:
Level of support (Month-of Coordination vs. Partial Planning)
Guest count and event size
Number of event days
Travel and logistics
Experience and team size
A 50-person weekday city wedding will have different needs than a three-day Hudson Valley celebration with 150 guests and a full vendor team.
What Are the Typical Rates in New York?
Here’s a general range for professional planning services in the New York area:
Event Management: $1,500 to $6,000
Month-of Coordination: $2,000 to $8,000
Partial Planning: $4,000 to $10,000
At Margo Events, most clients invest between $2,800 and $9,500, depending on event scope and planning needs.
What’s Included in the Cost?
Not all planning packages are the same, so make sure you understand what’s included.
Here’s how we structure support at Margo Events:
Event Management
Support in the final months, vendor oversight, timeline and layout development, and rehearsal coordination.
Month-of Coordination
8 weeks of support, walkthroughs, vendor confirmations, custom timeline creation, and full-day execution.
Partial Planning
Ongoing vendor sourcing, design guidance, budgeting support, and monthly planning calls.
We customize every proposal—but you'll always know what’s included and where your investment is going.
Why a Planner Can Help You Save (Yes, Really!)
Hiring a planner is an investment, but it often leads to real savings:
Avoid costly mistakes
Get vendor referrals that match your budget and priorities
Prevent overtime charges by keeping the timeline on track
Protect your energy and time
Couples often tell us that the peace of mind is worth the fee alone.
How to Budget for Planning Services
A good rule of thumb is to allocate 10-15 percent of your total wedding budget for planning.
That number can shift depending on:
Guest count and number of days
Whether your venue includes a coordinator
Your desired level of involvement
For example, If you're planning a wedding in New York with 100 guests and a $75,000 budget, setting aside $7,500 to $9,000 for planning is a smart starting point.
What to Look for Before Hiring
Before you sign a contract, make sure you:
Understand exactly what services are included
Ask how changes or additions are handled
Know the payment schedule and cancellation terms
Feel comfortable with how the planner communicates
Your planner should make the planning process feel easier—not more confusing.
Ready for a Custom Proposal?
Every wedding is different. Your planning support should reflect that.
If you're planning a wedding in New York or the Hudson Valley, I’d love to connect to discuss what would be most helpful for you.