How much should I budget for a wedding planner?

A wedding planner can charge for services in a lot of different ways. Some charge a flat rate for all services (anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000), while others charge a percentage of the wedding budget (usually about 10 to 15 percent), and others charge by the hour. But if you’re considering hiring a planner, don't be put off by price. Some planners are willing to negotiate to better meet your budget needs. Plus, a planner can help you save money. They know all the ins and outs to the wedding industry, including deals and vendors who offer special wedding packages. Most planners also have personal relationships with wedding vendors in their areas, which is definitely to your advantage. When it comes to tipping them after the wedding is over, there aren’t really any rules, but brides and grooms commonly give them about 10 percent of their services if they’ve planned the entire wedding. Aug 05, 2009