Wedding planners range from people who handle everything, from the first venue visit to the last guest's cab, to coordinators who only run the wedding day. Knowing which kind you need, and how they are paid, is most of the decision.
Full, Partial or Day-of Planning
- Full planning: budget, venues, vendors, design, guest logistics and the days themselves.
- Partial planning: you book some things; the planner handles the rest and coordinates everyone.
- Day-of coordination: you plan; they run the timeline and the vendors on the wedding days.
If you are unsure whether you need a planner or an event company, read wedding planner vs event management.
How Planners Charge
Common models are a fixed fee, a percentage of the total wedding budget, or a fee per function. Each can be fair. What matters is knowing exactly what the fee covers: number of functions, travel, hospitality staff and design work, and what would be charged extra.
Vendor Commissions and Your Own Vendors
Some planners also earn a commission from the vendors they book. That is not necessarily a problem, but you should know about it. Ask directly, and ask whether you can bring vendors you have found yourself, such as a photographer you already love.
The Team on the Day
Ask how many people from their team will be present at each function, who your main contact will be, and who makes decisions on the day if something goes wrong. Big multi-day weddings need more than one person on the ground.
Check Their Work
- Ask for weddings they have planned of a similar size and style, and speak to those couples if possible.
- Ask how they track the budget and share updates with you.
- Read the contract carefully: deliverables, payment stages and cancellation terms.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- Which kind of planning do you offer: full, partial or day-of?
- How are you paid, and what is not included in your fee?
- Do you take commission from vendors? Can we use our own?
- How many of your team will be at each function?
- Can we speak to couples whose weddings you planned?
- How will you update us on the budget?
Finding Planners on Wedding Bharat
Browse wedding planners and event management companies by city on Wedding Bharat and contact them directly on WhatsApp. Use our vendor booking timeline to see when to book everyone else.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I hire a wedding planner?
For full planning, as early as possible, ideally before you book the venue, since the planner can help choose it. Day-of coordinators can be booked later.
How do wedding planners charge?
Common models are a fixed fee, a percentage of the wedding budget, or a fee per function. Ask exactly what the fee covers and what costs extra.
Do planners take commission from vendors?
Some do. Ask directly, and ask whether you can bring your own vendors.
Do I need a planner if I have a lot of family help?
Not always. Many families plan themselves and hire a day-of coordinator so relatives can enjoy the wedding instead of running it.
Can I contact wedding planners directly on Wedding Bharat?
Yes. Sign in and you see the vendor's own WhatsApp number, so you message them yourself with no middleman. Your first 3 vendor contacts are free; after that, membership is ₹49/month.