Real Brides Reveal: Are Wedding Planners Worth It And What They Actually Do!

If you’ve ever been part of planning an Indian wedding, you already know - it’s not just one big event, it’s ten smaller ones rolled into three chaotic days with at least 200 people asking questions at the same time. So, where do wedding planners come in? Are they really worth the money, or is it something you can DIY with a few Excel sheets and an enthusiastic cousin?

We asked real brides to spill the beans on their experiences with wedding planners - and trust us, they did not hold back. Whether you're on the fence or haven't even considered hiring one, here’s what you really need to know.

Image via Mansi and Karan

Ria says

Totally worth every single penny – as long as you have the right one! My destination wedding recently had to be overhauled due to the war-like situation and it was only because of my wedding planner that I am still alive. They take control of the situation at such times and manage all the chaos. While you will be stressed in such a situation, it really helps matters when such a crisis hits.

Mihira says

Wedding planners help you plan the wedding and take care of all the small detailing and co-ordination that you will get lost in, if you try to do it yourself. I had a 1000+ guestlist and when we started, it was chaotic. My sister hired a wedding planner for me as a wedding gift and it truly helped. From co-ordination of RSVPs, outstation guests travel, venue negotiations, vendor management, the team took care of everything. That way I got to focus on my own shopping and bachelorette.  

Image via Gala Events★ 4.7

Shraddha says

I thought hiring a planner was only for big-budget weddings, but I was wrong. I had a mid-size wedding in Jaipur, and my planner actually helped me save money! They knew the right vendors, helped me cut out the unnecessary fluff, and ensured I stayed within budget. Plus, having someone to talk to when you're overwhelmed was priceless.

Aarushi says

My wedding was in my hometown, so initially we thought we could manage on our own with the help of family. But by the time we hit the mehendi, everyone was exhausted and stressed. Our planner came in for just the last month and honestly, saved the whole experience. From final vendor follow-ups to creating an hour-by-hour plan, it was the best decision we made.

Rekha says

If you have the budget, please do hire one. What we have to understand is that our weddings come with layers - traditions, multiple events, extended families, and logistics spread across cities. A planner helps keep the emotional, financial and physical chaos under control so you can focus on the stuff that really matters like marrying the love of your life. It’s not like your wedding won’t be a success if you don’t hire one, its just that it will be easier for you.

Image via Kulvin and Dilip

Tanvi says

The best part of having a planner? They acted as a buffer between us and our families. There were a few conflicting opinions on the décor and timelines, but our planner handled it all so smoothly that no one’s feelings got hurt. It really helped maintain peace during a very emotional time.

Zara says

My planner made my Pinterest board dreams come true. I had a very clear vision in mind and she helped translate that into reality - without overspending. Every event had a different vibe and she made it all feel cohesive. Even the smallest elements, like the mehendi favours and the signage, were so thoughtfully done. And they handled all the co-ordination with vendor teams, which made all event days hassle free.

What All Does A Wedding Planner Do?

Basic Services Most Indian Wedding Planners Provide

These are the must-haves included in almost every package

• Budget Planning & Management
• Venue Scouting & Booking
• Vendor Coordination (photographer, caterer, decorator, DJ, etc.)
• Design & Décor Planning
• Event Flow Management (timeline, rituals, ceremonies)
• Guest Management (RSVPs, seating, hospitality desk)
• Logistics Coordination (transport, accommodation for guests)
• On-Ground Event Execution (coordinating on wedding days)
• Legal & License Assistance (permits, sound licenses if needed)
• Contingency Planning (backup for weather, last-minute vendor issues)

Detailed / Extra Services A Wedding Planner Can Provide

Usually add-ons or premium offerings, depending on budget & scale.

Pre-Wedding & Planning Phase

• Engagement & Roka Ceremony Planning
• Save-the-Date & Invitation Design + Coordination
• Wedding Website / App creation
• Social Media Planning (hashtags, reels, announcement videos)
• Pre-wedding shoot concept, styling & execution
• Personal shopper services for bride/groom & families
• Styling consultation (outfits, jewellery, makeup trials)
• Guest welcome hampers & personalized gifting curation

Décor & Design Add-ons

• 3D Decor Mock-ups / Virtual walkthroughs
• Bespoke stage & mandap design
• Sustainable wedding décor options (eco-friendly setups, reusable material)
• Custom installations (neon signs, photo booths, thematic props)
• Moodboard creation for each function (colour palette, vibe setting)

Guest Experience

• Luxury hospitality desk with multilingual staff
• Airport pick-up & welcome teams
• Customized itineraries for outstation guests
• Tourist experiences (city tours, temple visits, adventure activities for destinations like Rishikesh, Goa, Jaipur etc.)
• Kids’ engagement activities (babysitting corners, puppet shows, gaming zones)
• Elderly assistance (wheelchair support, medical aid on standby)

Entertainment & Experiences

• Artist / Celebrity / Influencer Management (singers, DJs, stand-up comics, etc.)
• Choreography & dance troupe management for sangeet
• Fireworks, cold pyros, drone shows
• Live music (sufi nights, folk artists, instrumentalists)
• Baraat entries with unique elements (vintage cars, decorated boats, etc.)
• Thematic bridal/groom entries (smoke bombs, phoolon ki chadar, etc.)

Food & Beverage Add-ons

• Curated menu planning with chefs & mixologists
• Food stalls with regional specialities (chaat, South Indian counters, etc.)
• Molecular gastronomy bars / live counters
• Wine & cocktail tastings before finalizing
• Midnight snack counters for after-parties

Specialized Services

• Destination wedding legal & travel documentation
• Visa / passport assistance for international weddings
• Insurance for wedding events
• Crisis management team (weather, political unrest, etc.)
• Vendor contract negotiations to optimize cost

Luxury / High-End Extras

• Celebrity showstoppers for sangeet or reception
• International décor designers flown in
• Drone videography + same-day edit screening
• Customized perfume bars / aroma branding at venues
• Outfit coordination & wardrobe management for bridal party
• Personalized return gifts (monogrammed hampers, artisanal goods)
• Full concierge desk for guests (like in hotels)

Are Wedding Planners Expensive?

Image via Shivani and Kerman

Wedding planner costs vary based on:

• Location
• Number of events
• Guest count
• Level of involvement (full planning vs. month-of coordination)

You’ll find planners charging from ₹1.5 - 3L for intimate weddings to ₹8 - 15L+ for full-scale destination affairs. Some also charge a percentage of the total budget (typically 10 - 15%). But many couples find that what they spend on the planner, they save through better vendor deals and smarter planning.

A wedding planner is not a luxury anymore - it’s a sanity investment. Whether you’re having a two-event shaadi or a three-day carnival with 1000 guests, they’re the ones making sure the baraat starts on time and the phoolon ki chadar doesn’t go missing.

Want to find the best wedding planner suited to your needs? Check out our exclusive wedding planners gallery that you can filter by city, fees, reviews and even WMG awards!