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On average, a full-service wedding planner can cost between $3,000 and $10,000. It depends on where you live and where you’re getting married. Planners in areas with high costs of living, like New York City and San Francisco, may charge upwards of $20,000. If you’re having a destination wedding, consider using a planner local to the area—you’ll avoid paying extra for travel, accommodations, and meals. Day-of coordinators cost less. They may have a flat fee between $1,000 and $5,000, or charge hourly. Always ask about pricing up front so nothing comes as a surprise later.

Think of wedding planners as jack-of-all-trades experts when it comes to weddings. Many offer different levels of service to meet your needs. If you just want day-of coordination, for example, your planner will be there to make sure your ceremony and reception go off without a hitch. This may mean setting up vendors or directing your wedding party and guests to make sure everyone is where they need to be at the right time. On the other end of the spectrum, full-service planning may involve:

• Starting the planning far in advance
• Budget management
• Coordinating with your venue
• Recommending vendors and negotiating contracts
• Staying on top of trends and making suggestions
• Ironing out all-important last-minute details
• Running interference with family members if conflict arises
• Making a schedule and ensuring everything runs smoothly
• Executing on your vision, from the rehearsal dinner to the reception

Planners are great resources and can make planning your wedding much less stressful. If you’ve got the budget, a wedding planner is well worth the investment. Planners offer different service levels at varying price points. Choose the amount of help and cost that makes the most sense for you. At the bare minimum, you need someone (hired or delegated) to help manage the event day-of so you will be able to enjoy yourselves without worrying about too many logistics. If you decide to enlist a friend or family member to take on this role, keep in mind that this person will need to prioritize your needs over their own, and will no longer be attending or enjoying the wedding simply as a guest.