How Much Do Wedding Planners Really Make? (And How to Earn More in 2025)

Last Updated on July 11, 2025 | 10 : 11 pm by Fiestasline

Wedding planning is a dream career for many β€” but how much does it actually pay? Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, this guide gives you clear income expectations, pricing models, and 10 proven ways to increase your earnings as a wedding planner.

Bride and groom share a tender kiss under a veil, showcasing love and romance on their special day.

πŸ“Œ Quick Facts

  • Wedding planners typically earn $40,000–$100,000+ annually, depending on experience, location, and business model.
  • Common pricing models: Flat fee ($500–$5,000+), hourly rate, or % of budget (10–20%)
  • Demand for planners is rising: the wedding industry is expected to surpass $500B globally by 2030
  • Most planners handle 8–15 weddings per year (or more with a team)

Table of Contents

  1. How Wedding Planners Make Money
  2. Wedding Planner Income by Country (Updated 2025)
  3. What Influences a Wedding Planner’s Salary?
  4. How to Earn $100K+ as a Wedding Planner
  5. FAQs About Wedding Planner Earnings

1. How Wedding Planners Make Money

πŸ’΅ Common Pricing Models

  • Flat Fee per Wedding:
    $1,500 – $5,000+ depending on experience and services
  • Percentage of Budget:
    10–20% of total wedding spend (e.g., 15% of $40,000 = $6,000)
  • Hourly Rate:
    $50–$150/hour for consulting or a la carte planning

2. Wedding Planner Income by Country (Updated 2025)

CountryAvg. Annual SalaryRange (Low – High)
USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$46,000$30,000 – $100,000+
Canada πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦CA$68,000CA$55,000 – CA$95,000
UK πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§Β£30,000Β£24,000 – Β£45,000
Australia πŸ‡¦πŸ‡ΊAU$80,000AU$60,000 – AU$100,000+
New Zealand πŸ‡³πŸ‡ΏNZ$70,000NZ$58,000 – NZ$90,000

πŸ’‘ Top earners tend to be in large metro areas or offer niche/luxury services.


3. What Influences a Wedding Planner’s Salary?

🧩 Key Factors:

  • Years of experience
  • City or region (cost of services + demand)
  • Full-time vs part-time commitment
  • Specialization (luxury, destination, eco-friendly)
  • Your business model (solo, team, or agency)

Pro Tip: Planners in NYC, Toronto, or Sydney often charge 2–3x more than rural planners.


4. How to Earn $100K+ as a Wedding Planner

These 10 strategies can dramatically increase your income in 2025:

βœ… 1. Get Professionally Certified

Credentials help you build trust fast and justify premium pricing. Choose programs like Lovegevity, QC Event School, or Certified Wedding Planner Society.

βœ… 2. Offer Full-Service + Add-Ons

Go beyond basic coordination. Offer:

  • Design & styling
  • Vendor sourcing
  • Rehearsal dinners
  • Honeymoon coordination

βœ… 3. Build a Premium Brand

Invest in a cohesive, professional brand β€” including logo, site, copy, and photos. Clients pay more when they feel like they’re hiring a luxury service.

βœ… 4. Charge More, Book Less

Don’t compete on price. Target fewer high-paying clients rather than trying to scale volume alone.

βœ… 5. Specialize in a Lucrative Niche

Stand out with a niche like:

  • Luxury weddings
  • Elopements & micro-weddings
  • Cultural weddings
  • LGBTQIA+ weddings
  • Destination or adventure weddings

βœ… 6. Get Found Online (SEO + Pinterest)

Create blog posts like β€œTop Wedding Venues in [Your City]” to rank locally. Optimize your Pinterest boards β€” it’s still a top discovery platform.

βœ… 7. Leverage Referrals

Build long-term relationships with venues, florists, and photographers. Offer referral bonuses or commission.

βœ… 8. Build Packages β€” and Tier Them

Offer three levels of service (e.g., Coordination, Partial, Full). Use price anchoring to guide clients to your mid or top tier.

βœ… 9. Run Workshops or Group Consults

Package your expertise for brides who want to DIY and sell it as a digital service or monthly membership.

βœ… 10. Track Profitability Closely

Know what each wedding actually earns you after expenses. Drop low-margin offerings. Focus on scalable, profitable services.


5. FAQs About Wedding Planner Earnings

Q: Is wedding planning profitable in 2025?

Yes β€” demand has surged post-pandemic. With the right positioning and client flow, six-figure incomes are realistic, especially in high-end markets.

Q: How many weddings does a full-time planner do per year?

Anywhere from 10 to 30+, depending on pricing and workload. Luxury planners may do 6–10 high-ticket weddings/year.

Q: Do planners earn money outside of weddings?

Yes. Many diversify by offering:

  • Private party planning
  • Corporate events
  • Styled shoot design
  • Content creation / influencer partnerships
  • Online courses or e-books

Final Thoughts

Wedding planning isn’t just creatively fulfilling β€” it can be highly lucrative. Whether you’re just starting or scaling to 6 figures, the key is clarity:

  • Know your numbers
  • Know your audience
  • Know your value

If you’re ready to grow or shift your pricing model, now’s the time β€” the 2025–2026 wedding boom is already here.

Sources

  1. LinkedIn Wedding Industry Report
  2. Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC)
  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
  4. Payscale – Wedding Planner Salary
  5. Glassdoor – Wedding Planner Insights
  6. QC Event School