Wedding Planning True Cost
Did you know couples spend an average 6 hrs per week planning their wedding?
Planning your own wedding can save serious cash, but it comes with a different cost - time. 6hrs might not sound like a lot, but when you consider what you typically make at work + all the great ways you might use that time… self wedding planning is actually pretty pricy.
Each of those 6 hours might be reason enough to invest in a professional planner! But we'll break down how much it really costs to plan your own wedding, how much wedding planners costs, and what you can do instead to make the most out of your wedding journey.
Reason 1: The true cost of self-wedding planning
Time for a little math and how we break down the cost.
Couples spend 6hrs per week in wedding planning. The research isn't clear if that's 6hrs for both people, or 6 hrs each... We'll stick to the lower end and assume 6hrs total.
Typical wedding engagements last 18 months. And most couples start seriously planning 1 year before the big day. That gives us at least 52 weeks of planning.
Lastly, we'll quantify the value of the couple's time by looking at the average American income of $67,000. This translates to $33/hr .
When we multiply all of these numbers, we see that couples invest $10,000 worth of their time planning for their wedding day (6hrs/wk x 52 weeks x $33/hr = $10,296)
Alternative: You can hire a wedding planner. Full-service planning typically ranges from $5,000 - $15,000 for professionals who'll help you get the best vendors for your wedding vision. When you spread that fee over 52 weeks, you're investing $100-300/week for an expert to take work off your plate & freeing up your time to do other things. We do it for home cleaners and repair experts, so why not for wedding planning?
Our planners are even more affordable starting at $4,000 for our Crunch Planning package. We hone in on planning essentials to keep costs low while also giving you time back.
Reason 2: Invest that time into work
Speaking of freeing up time, hiring a wedding planner means you can keep being a rock star at work. You won't fall behind.
Oftentimes self wedding planning leads to people borrowing time from other places in their life. That typically means work takes a back seat. Colleagues are usually so excited for this next chapter in your life that they turn a blind eye to missed deadlines and reduced performance. While your job is likely safe, you might be missing out on growth opportunities and potential promotions.
Alternative: Commit to your work goals and make sure they don't get placed on the back burner. One year of mediocre work performance because of wedding planning could set you back tens of thousands of dollars in income potential. Don't let one day (while important!) completely take over your life and result in costly sacrifices.
Reason 3: Enjoying this special engagement!
Engagement is such a magical time! And often overlooked. This is perhaps the last time it can be just the two of you before it becomes "you + me+ in-laws + familial expectations + maybe kids??". We should enjoy it to the fullest!
How do you want to look back on your engagement? Spending 6 hrs each week visiting venues, and knee-deep in vendor appointments and spreadsheets? OR...
Our recommendation: HAVE A BLAST TOGETHER. Instead of wedding planning, focus on all the ways you can continue cementing your bond with one another and build upon a foundation of love that you'll carry into your marriage.
Maybe perhaps a pre-wedding engagement vacation?
OR buying a house and taking other steps that help set up your marriage for success?
OR magical dates every month or even every weekend to remind you why you chose to marry this wonderful person?
Reason 4: Pick up a side hustle
What could you do with 6 hrs each week?
Start that cafe you've been dreaming of?
Create the Instagram shop you've been talking about for years?
Become a tutor?
Pick up a new gig; uber, door dash, lime bike recharge, childcare, lawn care...?
Create that consultancy on the side?
What we recommend: DO IT! Just because you're getting married, doesn't mean your dreams get put on hold. This is the time to make sure your goals are nurtured. It's a great way to maintain your sense of self and help set the tone as you embark on your beautiful union.
Reason 5: You can actually save money with the right planners
Spend $5K to save $10K? Here's how. Wedding planners have lots of knowledge about the industry and all the ways to achieve your wedding dream. Budget-focused wedding planners like our team will make sure you secure the right caterer, venue, and all your other vendors at the best price.
These planners can even present new wedding paths you didn't originally consider that could save you thousands of dollars.
Reason 6: Self Wedding Planning is still a viable option!
When you choose to plan your own wedding, you're investing your time, and that's still a great option.
Some people really love the process of learning their local community, getting introduced to new parts of their city, and connecting with small businesses. You might even make new friends along the way :) If you opt-out of hiring a professional wedding planner, make sure you have a professional wedding coordinator present to manage all the moving pieces for your big day.
Wedding Planner Alternative? We recommend choosing a Day of Coordinator instead. For Austin area brides, we offer Affordable Day of Coordination Services. Think of us as your backstage crew who'll make sure all your vendors are in their places and help ensure your day runs smoothly.
There you have it!
Our 6 reasons that wedding planning is worth the investment. Check out our different wedding planning and wedding coordination services to see which one is right for you.
