In this article, we’ll be going over the importance of wedding planners, what they do, and I’ll provide a list of the best Seattle Wedding Planners I’ve had the honor of working with!
For the most part, wedding designers/stylists are focused on the aesthetics of weddings; whereas planners focus more on the logistics of bringing everything together. Day of coordinators typically provide less help on the front end of wedding planning. They are focused on vendor coordination for the wedding day itself.
A lot of wedding planners provide a mix of these services. Full design & execution is a luxury service, and day-of-coordination is typically on the more economical side.
At the bare minimum, you’ll want a day-of-coordinator, or at least somebody in charge of those duties. Without one, you’ll be faced with every single logistics related question on the day of your wedding. This can cause weddings to run hours late, and couples to take on much more stress than anticipated.
Still not sure where you want to get married? Check out the best Seattle Wedding Venues & Washington Wedding Venues here!
Stunning florals, an improv acoustic set during toasts & an active dance floor were all managed wonderfully by Luxe Productions. You think this kind of vibe could be done without an awesome planner?!
Photography by Emett Joseph Photography (hey that’s me!)
According to Wikipedia, a wedding planner is in charge of a LOT;
“The services of a wedding planner may include;
Every wedding planner offers different services and takes on more/less responsibilities, so it’s very important to take your time finding the right planner.
As a wedding photographer, I fully support and encourage couples to hire full-service wedding planners (if budget allows). They remove a ton of stress and mental load from the couples’ life, and keep everything organized on their behalf. They can provide professional recommendations and referrals for other vendors that match your vibe, and manage your budget.
In the Pacific Northwest, cities like Seattle have lots of unique qualities about their venues. Some of them are on boats, some of them are in the mountains, and some take a ferry to get there. Having an industry expert like a wedding planner to help/support you can help create a lot of peace of mind.
A wedding planner takes stress off your plate so you can be present during the moments that matter most.
Photography by Emett Joseph Photography (hey that’s me!)
According to Aisle Less Traveled, LGBTQ+ wedding planner, wedding planners cost anywhere from $2,500 – $15,000 in the Seattle area. Some planners have a flat rate, whereas some planners charge based on the overall budget/size of the event itself.
According to Shutterfly, couples can expect to spend 5-10% of their overall wedding budget for a wedding planner.
Other sites suggest up to 15% which also sounds accurate.
If you’re reading this, you’re already doing your own research so you’re off to a great start. The next step is to keep in mind that the “right” wedding planner is right for each couple for different reasons. The same reasons you may want to hire a certain wedding planner are the same reasons why another couple may not, and that’s okay! This is your wedding planner, so pick the one that feels right for you.
Google is a great place to start your search. There will be an overwhelming number of planners to pick from. I suggest looking for the planners that have portfolios and branding that matches the vibe/aesthetic that you are reaching for. Read through their reviews and informative web pages, as this will help you get to know them and their work ethic. Find out the exact services they offer, and make sure that aligns with your expectations. At this point if you’re still interested, they will most likely have a contact form on their website for you to fill out and get started!
While Lily & Caitlin popped bottles in front of the Seattle skyline, Luxe Productions was at their venue, coordinator vendors and decorating.
As a professional wedding photographer, it’s really important to work with vendors that are trustworthy and professional with their work. I’ve worked with all of the below Seattle wedding planners, and can honestly say I’d recommend any one of them for your event!
Still not sure where you want to get married? Check out the best Seattle Wedding Venues & Washington Wedding Venues here!
EMETT JOSEPH, SEATTLE, WA | HELLO@EMETTJOSEPH.COM
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