Do I Need a Wedding Planner?

Hiring a wedding planner sounds like a dream — but it’s not always necessary. For some brides, it’s an essential investment. For others, it’s an expense they’d rather skip (especially with tools that can replicate what planners do).

So how do you know which one you are?

Here’s how to decide if you actually need a wedding planner — and what to do if you don’t.

What Does a Wedding Planner Actually Do?

A full-service wedding planner handles your wedding from start to finish:

• Finds and vets vendors

• Manages your timeline and budget

• Coordinates contracts and payments

• Answers etiquette questions

• Provides design guidance

• Oversees setup and takedown

They’re like a professional best friend who knows weddings inside and out.

💡 But most brides don’t need full-service planning. Instead, many hire a day-of coordinator to manage the final logistics, or DIY it with solid planning tools.

When You Should Hire a Wedding Planner

• You’re planning a large or complex wedding (multi-day, cultural fusion, or destination)

• You have a demanding job or very little free time

• You don’t enjoy event planning or decision-making

• You’re getting married in a location you don’t live in

• You want someone else to handle vendor communication and contracts

When You Can Confidently Plan Without One

• You love checklists, spreadsheets, and timelines

• You enjoy being in control of the details

• You have a clear vision and strong opinions (👋 Type A brides!)

• You’re using proven planning tools (more on that in a second)

• You’re willing to delegate day-of tasks to your wedding party or family

💡 Pro Tip: If this sounds like you, a wedding planner might just get in your way. You can absolutely plan your own wedding if you’re equipped with the right system.

What to Use Instead of a Wedding Planner

Thousands of brides plan weddings without a coordinator by using the following:

📝 The Wedding Planner

• Includes a 12-month timeline, budget tracker, checklist, vendor contact log, dress trackers, and more

• Editable and printable for DIY brides

📂 The Wedding Day Binder

• Keeps your day-of timeline, vendor info, tasks, song choices, decor setup, and emergency plans all in one place

• Ideal for handing off to your MOH, venue coordinator, or trusted family member

🎨 The Wedding Decor Planner

• Helps you plan your theme, signage, centerpieces, rentals, and visual layout without hiring a stylist or designer

The Hybrid Option: Use Tools + Hire a Day-Of Coordinator

This is the most popular choice for brides who want control and peace of mind:

• Plan everything yourself using digital tools

• Hire someone to run the timeline, manage vendors, and handle emergencies on the day itself

Our Wedding Day Binder is designed to make that hand-off easy — just fill it out and give it to your coordinator the week before.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering whether you need a wedding planner, the real question is: Do you want one? Do you want someone else to take the lead — or do you feel confident managing the process yourself?

There’s no right or wrong answer. But if you’re the organized, checklist-loving type, you can absolutely do this yourself with a system that’s already been tested by thousands of brides.

Explore our planning tools right here, and plan a wedding you actually enjoy.