196 | Wedding Planner Fees: What’s the Difference Between Percentage Pricing and Flat Fee Models?

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineHey there, loverves! Welcome to the finale of Season 5 — I can’t believe we’re already here. Whether you’ve been tuning in all season or this is your first time listening, I’m so glad you’re here.Today we’re diving into a topic that comes up a lot — especially among newer planners figuring out how to price themselves and couples trying to understand what they’re actually paying for: percentage-based vs. flat-fee pricing. We’re going to break down what each one really means, who each one is best suited for, and how to decide what works best — whether you’re building your planning business or hiring a planner for your wedding.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeFind the Full Shownotes HereGrab Our Day of Master OrganizerGrab Our Wedding Budget BundleGrab our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist Book a 90-minute Clarity Call to get wedding planning help specific to your unique situationVisit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: [email protected]

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineToday, we’re diving into the art and strategy behind planning and designing weddings that feel effortlessly beautiful, highly personalized, and truly unforgettable.Whether you’re a couple navigating the wedding planning process or a wedding pro who wants to elevate your services, this conversation covers so much ground—from understanding the difference between a planner and a designer, to what actually sets luxury weddings apart from ultra-luxury ones, and how to build a wedding day team that runs like a well-oiled machine.We’re also tackling some timely topics like how the economy might shape 2025 weddings, what it’s like leading a wedding planning business that operates in both Europe and the US, and what it takes to stay energized through 15-hour event days.If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on behind the scenes at beautifully executed weddings—or how top planners are adapting and growing in today’s market—you’re in for a treat.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeFind the Full Shownotes HereLearn More About Apricity Event CoFollow Rachel on InstagramGrab Our Day of Master OrganizerGrab Our Wedding Budget BundleGrab our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist Book a 90-minute Clarity Call to get wedding planning help specific to your unique situationVisit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: [email protected]

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineToday we’re talking about a few wedding day essentials you might not find on a standard checklist — but trust me, you’re going to want to know about them.Because yes, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the flowers, the seating charts, and the perfect playlist. But what about things like cash tips for vendors? Extra money for welcome bag deliveries? Or travel costs you might not have budgeted for yet?These are the tiny, easy-to-overlook things that can catch couples by surprise — and today, I’m making sure that doesn’t happen to you.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeFind the Full Shownotes HereGrab Our Day of Master OrganizerGrab Our Wedding Budget BundleGrab our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist Book a 90-minute Clarity Call to get wedding planning help specific to your unique situationVisit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: [email protected]

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineToday we’re diving deep into the wedding gown shopping experience. From timelines and fittings to budgets, emotions, and expectations, we’re breaking it all down so you feel informed, confident, and excited about saying yes to the dress.I’m joined by Erica Smith, owner of Lovely Bride NYC, one of the most beloved bridal boutiques in the country. She’s here to walk us through what really goes into shopping for a wedding dress during these modern times —from timelines and fittings to budgets, expectations, and everything in between.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeFind the Full Shownotes HereLearn More About Lovely BrideFollow Erica on InstagramGrab Our Day of Master OrganizerGrab Our Wedding Budget BundleGrab our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist Book a 90-minute Clarity Call to get wedding planning help specific to your unique situationVisit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: [email protected]

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineToday we’re diving into one of those unglamorous but oh-so-necessary parts of wedding planning that no one really tells you about… post-wedding paperwork.I know, I know — after months of planning every little detail, the last thing you want to think about is documents and insurance and name changes. But hear me out. Getting everything sorted now is going to save you so much time and stress down the road — and your future self is going to thank you.We’re talking about everything from applying for your marriage license and understanding what documents you need before the big day, to name changes, updating your accounts, protecting your rings with jewelry insurance, and even covering your celebration with event insurance. And don’t worry — I’m going to make this easy and dare I say… kind of satisfying? So whether you’re a couple who just got engaged and want to get ahead of the curve, or you’ve already tied the knot and are wondering what comes next — this episode is your ultimate checklist of wedding paperwork.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeFind the Full Shownotes HereGrab Our Day of Master OrganizerGrab Our Wedding Budget BundleGrab our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist Book a 90-minute Clarity Call to get wedding planning help specific to your unique situationVisit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: [email protected]

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineInclusivity in weddings goes way beyond using the right language on your invitations. It’s about representation, intention, and creating a space where every couple—and every guest—feels seen, celebrated, and respected.To help us dig into what that really looks like in today’s wedding industry, we’re talking to Brittny Drye, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Love Inc., a leading equality-minded wedding publication. In this episode, Brittny shares practical tips for planning inclusive celebrations, insights on Gen Z’s impact on the wedding world, and the trends that are here to stay (and the ones we’re ready to retire).Whether you're a couple planning your wedding or a wedding pro looking to grow with intention, this conversation is full of thoughtful takeaways you won’t want to miss.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeFind the Full Shownotes HereLearn More About Love IncFollow Brittny on InstagramGrab Our Day of Master OrganizerGrab Our Wedding Budget BundleGrab our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist Book a 90-minute Clarity Call to get wedding planning help specific to your unique situationVisit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: [email protected]

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineToday we’re talking about something that comes up all the time when I’m working with couples—and honestly, it’s one of the biggest sources of confusion when you’re planning a wedding: the difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeFind the Full Shownotes HereGrab Our Day of Master OrganizerGrab Our Wedding Budget BundleGrab our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist Book a 90-minute Clarity Call to get wedding planning help specific to your unique situationVisit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: [email protected]

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineWedding insurance isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about making sure that if something unexpected happens, you’re covered. Because let’s face it—wedding planning is already stressful enough without worrying about losing thousands of dollars over something out of your control.To help us break it all down, today we’re talking to Dustin Lemick from BriteCo to answer all of our wedding and event insurance questions. Thank you also to today’s podcast sponsor, BriteCo insurance. As a planner, you all know how much we stress the importance of having a back-up plan and having insurance is similar in giving you that peace of mind and knowing your investement is protected. Visit BriteCo for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing you're covered: https://brite.co/asktheplanner/ Links Mentioned in the EpisodeFind the Full Shownotes HereGet a FREE quote from Brite CoGrab Our Day of Master OrganizerGrab Our Wedding Budget BundleGrab our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist Book a 90-minute Clarity Call to get wedding planning help specific to your unique situationVisit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: [email protected]

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineEngagement rings and bands are something that never go out of style. Yet the styles themselves? They’re always evolving.Whether you're newly engaged, deep into wedding planning, or helping a client pick the perfect piece, this episode is for anyone who believes that your rings should be just as unique as your relationship. Because yes, it’s about the sparkle—but it’s also about the sentiment behind it.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeFind the Full Shownotes HereGrab Our Day of Master OrganizerGrab Our Wedding Budget BundleGrab our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist Book a 90-minute Clarity Call to get wedding planning help specific to your unique situationVisit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: [email protected]

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineFinding your wedding venue should feel exciting, not stressful—but let’s be honest, not every venue is as perfect as it seems on Instagram. Hidden fees, slow responses, and vague contracts can turn what looks like your dream location into a logistical nightmare.If you’re in the middle of your venue search, this episode is for you. Today, we’re talking about the red flags you need to watch for when touring venues, reading contracts, and communicating with venue staff. Because the right venue will make your wedding planning experience easier—not more complicated.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeFind the Full Shownotes HereGrab Our Day of Master OrganizerGrab Our Wedding Budget BundleGrab our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist Book a 90-minute Clarity Call to get wedding planning help specific to your unique situationVisit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: [email protected]