Wedding Planning: Partial vs Full

If you spend any amount of time researching wedding planner services, you will quickly find that bullet pointed packages and flat rate pricing aren’t readily available. This is because planners must calculate how many hours of wedding assistance and management you need. If you find yourself wondering what the difference is between full-service and partial-service planning, then this post is for you. We simplified it below by listing what your tasks are versus the planners for each level of service.

wedding checklist

To simplify the difference in services at a quick glance, take a look at our 12 month checklist. Full Planning is assistance with tasks on both pages. Partial planning is wanting assistance with part of page 1 and all of page 2. Day-of Coordination is page 2 only.

day-of coordination

When: Coordinator begins work 2-3 months before wedding (is best to book coordinator early)

Task you did/will complete:

• The design & styling elements of your wedding are selected, booked, and finalized
• You have all your vendors booked already
• You have a reception layout diagram with table numbers 
• You are about to (or did) send out official invitations
• Keep track of RSVPs & meal choices
• Assign guest to tables
• You alphabetized your guest list by last name
• You selected important wedding songs (ceremony, entrance, formal dances, cake…)
• You will alphabetize the place cards before the wedding day

Planner tasks:

• Review vendor contracts
• Follow up with all vendors confirming services, setup, delivery, and arrival times
• Assist with seating chart
• Provide template to alphabetical meal selection list & meals per table total for catering
• Create ceremony diagram (walking & standing order)
• Create detailed wedding day timeline
• Instruct wedding rehearsal
• Manage and oversee the timing of events on the day of your wedding
• Email final wedding timeline to vendors
• Assist with set up of key tables: welcome/signing, memory, place cards, and favors (if needed)
• Have an extensive wedding emergency kit on hand the day-of event

partial planning

When: Planner begins work anywhere from engagement to 3 months before wedding 

Task you did/will complete:

• Booked a wedding venue and have a wedding date
• Sent out save-the-dates to guest
• You have collected ideas for desired design & styling elements of your wedding
• Have booked some of your vendors but maybe need referrals for a few
• You will be hands on with the planning process: attend vendor  meetings, run errands, take on wedding related projects

Planner tasks:

• Everything in Day-of Coordination, plus…
• Wedding venue walk-through
• Give you vendor referrals within your budget (planner does not attend in-person vendor meetings)
• Assist with design & styling ideas for place cards, wedding signs, menus, programs, favors, etc.
• At minimum, monthly check-ins to ensure you are on track with planning
• Design a few reception layout options for you to choose from
• Create a final reception layout with numbered tables
• Assist you with alphabetizing your guest list
• Create alphabetical meal selection list & meals per table total for catering

full planning

Task you did/will complete:

• Selected wedding color palette but want assistance with design & styling
• Have an idea of desired wedding date or month
• Want a professional to lead the planning process and leg work but you make all the final decisions

Planner tasks:

• Everything in Partial Planning, plus…

• Budget planning and management
• Venue research & referrals with pricing outlines
• Walk through of selected wedding venue
• Vendor referrals, contract negotiations, and planner discounts if applicable
• Design & styling conception, compiling vendor team, and full design production
• Coordinate rentals needed and logistics
• Attend in person Floral & Design meeting
• Attend vendor meeting with you, if needed
• Remind you of upcoming vendor payments to be made
• Wedding timeline run through call with you & DJ/Band
• Wedding timeline run through call with you & Photo
• Wedding timeline run through call with you & Video
• Create wedding day itinerary for wedding party
• Concierge services week of wedding, if needed
• Assist with out-of-town guest experience (hotel selection, welcome bags, and transportation)

pricing

For full-service wedding planning you will find some planners charge around 10% of your total wedding budget or a percentage of all your vendor contracts combined. Some companies charge a flat rate of  several thousand dollars. At Eleventh Hour Co., we charge a flat rate base fee of $550.00 (the paperwork: ceremony diagram + wedding day timeline) and then an hourly rate. We determine how many hours total after speaking with you and evaluating where you are in the planning process. We use our wedding checklist above to determine where you are in the planning process.

staffing events

All of our weddings are planned by a Professional Wedding Planner Angeli who has 20 years experience. Each event staffed with a Certified Wedding Coordinator on the day of. Assistant coordinators are added depending on guest count or multiple venues for event. 1 assistant coordinator is added per every 75 guest over 100. 1 assistant coordinator is added if multiple venues, even if guest count is under 100. Option to add Bridal Valet Concierge instead of assistant coordinator.

our services

For more information and basic pricing please see our services >>> CLICK HERE <<<

Cover Photo | Madeline Paige Photography