A Professional Planner Tells All
How much time does it really take to plan a wedding?
At the best of times, planning your wedding can feel like no big deal, but at the worst of times, it can feel like a full-time job. Why? Because it kind of is.
If you sat down and tracked every single hour you and your future husband or wife spent organising the details of your big day, you'd probably be surprised by the findings.
How many hours do most couples really devote to planning their ceremonies and receptions? Here, as a wedding planner, lay it all out, plus offers tips for cutting that number down.
Time Spent on Planning
Based on a typical engagement length of 10 to 18 months, I say that couples who are not working with a planner will spend between 300 to 500 hours planning their wedding.
That's the equivalent of twelve to eighteen full days. This number will vary from couple to couple, and it really depends on your venue, its location, and the type of wedding you're hoping to plan.
Another factor? How much time you're willing to put in.
Some couples care a great deal about every small detail, but weighing various options for each element requires more time and energy.
Time Saving
I estimate that hiring a wedding planner can reduce the total number of hours a couple will spend planning by at least half, if not 70%!
I always educate my couples that as a wedding planner, I have vetted vendor referrals and can get answers very quickly in terms of venue availability, vendor availability, and pricing, as I work with venues and vendors on a regular basis.
By having great relationships already in place, I am able to make recommendations quickly and they know how best to manage their time and their clients' time.