Let’s be real—there’s a lot of confusion about what full-service wedding planners actually do. Some people think we just “organize logistics.” Others assume we show up the day before the wedding to magically make it all happen. But full service planners do so much more than that (and that’s what we are going to talk about today).
Before we dive in though, hi, I’m Candice Coppola—wedding business coach, mentor, and your no-BS guide to building a wedding business with purpose (and profit). With over a decade of experience in the wedding industry, I know firsthand how overwhelming this space can be. I launched my own planning business from scratch back in 2009 (right after the recession), made all the mistakes, and eventually found my footing.
Now, I help wedding pros like you skip the messy middle and focus on what truly matters: running a sustainable, profitable business without sacrificing your sanity (because spoiler alert: wedding planning is one of the most stressful jobs in the world).
In this post, I’ll break down what it means to be a full service wedding planner, why offering this service can transform your business, and how you can position yourself as the go-to full-service wedding planner for your dream clients. Let’s dive in!
What Does “Full Service” Mean?
Let’s start with the basics. A full service wedding planner is so much more than just an organizer. They provide end-to-end support for the wedding planning process, often including things like: venue hunting, full and detailed wedding design, hiring vendors, managing timelines, triple-checking contracts, and joining you for the cake tasting (this should be required imo). Unlike day-of or partial planners, full service planners are deeply involved in every detail, creating a cohesive, stress-free experience for their clients.
What Does a Full Service Wedding Planner Do?
Breaking it down even further, a full service wedding planner takes on the roles of strategist, designer, organizer, and problem-solver to make sure that every detail of the couple’s big day is executed exactly as they planned. Their expertise allows couples to enjoy a seamless and stress-free planning process, knowing that every element of their big day is in more than capable hands. If you do this for your couples, just know that this is priceless.
While every wedding is unique (and as a full-service wedding planner, you do need to adapt your service based on a wedding’s needs), the majority of your tasks will fall under the following buckets.
1. Initial Planning and Budget Management
First up—the budget. One of your first (and most important) jobs as a full-service wedding planner is helping couples define their vision and set realistic expectations. Whether they’re dreaming of an intimate backyard wedding or planning a ultra-luxe destination wedding, your role is to make sure their event aligns with their style, priorities, and, yes—their budget.
That means breaking down costs, tracking expenses, and giving expert guidance on where to splurge and where to save so they get the most impact from their investment. Budgeting might not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but it is the foundation that makes everything else possible!
If the thought of talking about a wedding budget makes you squirm a little, make sure to check out my Wedding Planner Budget Guide where I share exactly what you need to do (and walk you through some pretty common “what if” scenarios.
2. Vendor Research and Booking
This is one of the most time-consuming parts of wedding planning. As a full-service planner, you’re not just scrolling through vendor lists; you’re leveraging your industry connections to recommend trusted pros who match the couple’s vision, style, and budget. But it doesn’t stop there.
Once the team is assembled, you’re the one securing contracts, coordinating timelines, and handling all the back-and-forth communication (so your couple doesn’t have to). And like it or not, it’s on you to make sure every vendor delivers exactly as promised (or at the very least, make sure everyone has exactly what they need to make the event successful.
3. Design and Styling
Let’s be honest—one of the most exciting parts of being a full-service wedding planner is the design and styling. There’s something so fun about taking a couple’s Pinterest board (or their totally scattered ideas) and turning it into a cohesive wedding aesthetic that feels uniquely them. It’s often during the design process when we get to dream big, obsess over every little detail, and pull together colors, textures, and florals in a way that tells a story.
Nervous about calling yourself a designer? Grab my Ultimate Guide to Wedding Design.
4. Timeline Creation and Coordination
Every moment—from the couple’s first look to the last dance—needs to flow, and that doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because as a full-service wedding planner, you’ve created a detailed, minute-by-minute timeline that accounts for every transition, every vendor, and every possible delay.
As a full-service wedding planner, your job isn’t just to build that timeline—it’s to make sure everyone follows it. That means coordinating with vendors so they arrive and set up on time, cueing the wedding party so they know exactly where to be, and keeping the couple informed without overwhelming them.
You’ll oversee the rehearsal to make sure the ceremony runs smoothly, step in to solve any unexpected hiccups (because there’s always something), and quietly handle issues before anyone even notices there’s a problem.
5. Problem-Solving and Day-Of Execution
Even the most meticulously planned weddings can hit a snag—that’s just the nature of live events. Maybe a vendor runs late, the weather decides not to cooperate, or a key decor piece mysteriously breaks right before the reception.
At the end of the day, your ability to problem-solve under pressure and keep your clients stress-free is one of the most valuable services you offer. Because no matter what happens behind the scenes, your couple deserves to experience their day as nothing short of perfect.
Why Wedding Planners Should Offer Full Service Planning
If you're ready to level up your wedding planning business, adding full-service planning (and charging accordingly) can be one of the best things you can do. Here’s why:
- Higher Profit, Fewer Clients – Full-service planning gives you the chance to charge premium pricing, which means you can earn more while working with fewer clients. Instead of juggling tons of partial planning weddings, you get to focus on a high-touch, exclusive experience that truly justifies the investment.
- More Control – When you’re involved in every step of the planning process, you get to ensure the wedding meets your standards. No more dealing with last-minute surprises or fixing DIY disasters—that’s why I stopped offering day of coordination when I was a wedding planner. Half of the time, it was a hot mess. Full service planning makes sure you know what you’re getting into before the wedding day.
- Attract Dream Clients – Full-service planning naturally attracts couples who value expertise and are willing to invest in that stress-free, elevated experience. These are (usually!) the clients who trust your vision, respect your process, and give you the creative freedom to do your best work.
- Industry Credibility – Last but not least, positioning yourself as a full-service planner instantly elevates your brand. You’ll be seen as a sought-after expert, opening doors to higher-profile weddings, luxury events, and collaborations that take your business to the next level.
To sum up? If you're ready to book higher-end clients, build a more profitable business, and take creative control over your weddings—full-service planning is the way to go.
Myths About Full Service Wedding Planners
With all the perks of offering full-service planning, you’d think every planner would be jumping at the chance to offer it, right? But here’s the thing—misconceptions about full-service planners can hold planners (and even couples) back from seeing the true value of this service. Let’s clear up a few of the biggest myths:
Myth 1: Full Service Planners Are Only for Luxury Weddings
Nope! While full-service planners often work high-end events, that doesn’t mean your services are only for multi-six-figure budgets. Full-service planning is about offering a stress-free, fully supported experience—and that’s valuable for weddings of all sizes and budgets.
Myth 2: They Take Over and Remove the Client’s Vision
Definitely not (although sometimes that would be nice). Your job isn’t to take over—it’s to bring their vision to life. Full-service planning is about collaboration, not control. Instead of dictating decisions, you’re there to refine ideas, streamline logistics, and use your expertise to create a wedding that truly reflects your couple, but without all the stress and overwhelm.
Myth 3: It’s Too Expensive for Clients
Yes, full-service planning is an investment, but here’s what most couples don’t realize—hiring a planner can actually save them money. With your industry connections, budgeting expertise, and ability to avoid costly mistakes, couples often get more value than they ever could on their own. The key is educating potential clients about what they gain (not just what they spend), so they can see the true ROI of working with you.
Becoming a Full Service Wedding Planner
If you’ve been thinking about offering full-service planning (or refining the way you sell it), now is the time. Not only does it allow you to charge premium prices and work with fewer clients, but it also attracts couples who value your expertise and trust you to create something incredible. More control, more impact, and a more profitable business—it’s a win all around.
If you’re ready to grow your business, I’d love to invite you to join me inside The Planner’s Playbook to learn how to refine your offerings, attract ideal clients, and stand out in the wedding industry. It’s truly what I wish I had when I first became a full service wedding planner so many years ago. I’d love to see you inside!
Explore More Wedding Industry Resources
- How to Start a Wedding Planning Business
- Full-Service Design vs. Design Lite: Which Should Wedding Planners Offer?
- Here’s What Every Wedding Planner Needs To Include In Their Wedding Design Proposals
- What Does A Wedding Coordinator Do? Here’s Everything They’re Responsible For
- Is Month-of Wedding Coordinator A Niche? The Truth About This Wedding Planning Service
- Are You a Disorganized Wedding Planner? Let’s Fix That With These Organized Wedding Planner Tips!
- A Complete List of Wedding Planner Expenses
- Wedding Planner Problems: Here Are Some Of The BIGGEST Problems Wedding Planner's Deal With
- How Much Should You Charge As A Wedding Planner? Learn How To Figure Out Your Wedding Planner Pricing
- What Are The Best Resources For Wedding Planners?
- The Ultimate Wedding Planner Templates
- What to Include in Your Wedding Day Binder (The Ultimate Guide!
- 2025 Wedding Trends (For Wedding Planners!)
For More Wedding Industry Business Secrets, Follow Me on Instagram
Raise your hand if you’ve ever gotten a message so long, you needed a snack halfway through reading it. 🙃
This week, we’re talking about THAT kind of client (or inquiry).
The one with 67 questions.
And unlimited access expectations.
And zero boundaries.
In this week’s podcast episode, I’m giving you the tools and scripts you need to protect your time, your energy, and your business (while still showing up like a professional).
Comment 184 and I’ll send you the link to listen (and let you know the threads post that stopped me in my tracks last week).
#candicecoppola #weddingindustry #weddingpros #weddingpro #weddingindustryexperts #weddingpodcast #weddingbusiness #weddingindustryeducation #weddingplanner
I love living here—but every now and then, a sunset like this one stops me in my tracks!
The kind of moment that makes you pause and remember:
*This* is the whole point.
Not just building a business.
Not just hitting the next milestone.
But building a life that feels like this.
Next week, I get to share this place—my home—with 11 incredible women I have the honor of coaching. And I hope this sunset gives them what it gives me:
Perspective. Peace. Possibility.
🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
#ialmostforgot #chasingsunsets #barbadoslife #caribbean #coachingretreat #lifeonpurpose #weddingproinsiders
Tariffs. Rising costs. Vendor pricing shifts. 😬
This week’s episode of The Power in Purpose is unlike anything I’ve done before because honestly? This feels like an emergency.
With new tariffs being applied across nearly all imported goods, the impact on the wedding industry is hitting everyone. Florists, planners, rental companies, caterers, DJs… no one is untouched.
So I called in someone who really knows what’s going on behind the scenes: my husband Jason (yes, his very first appearance on the pod 🎙️), who has deep expertise in logistics, shipping, and global trade.
Together, we’re breaking down:
👉🏻 Why these new tariffs are happening (in plain English)
👉🏻 How they’re driving up pricing for vendors + clients alike
👉🏻 What you should be saying to your clients right now
👉🏻 How to advocate, advise, and guide through economic uncertainty
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to have all the answers. What matters most is transparency, honesty, and your ability to help clients adjust and adapt.
Comment “183” and I’ll DM you the link to listen.
#candicecoppola #weddingindustry #tariff #tariffs #weddingindustry #weddingbuzz #weddingpros #weddingpro #weddingindustryexperts #weddingpodcast #weddingbusiness #thepowerinpurposepodcast #weddingindustryeducation #weddingplanner
Does the “wedding tax” really exist - and have weddings gotten too expensive? 😳
As an industry, let’s have an open and transparent conversation about costs… and trust. I’m breaking this down on this week’s episode of my podcast, The Power in Purpose, and I’m inviting you to join.
I’m asking/answering questions like:
👉🏻 Have costs risen too high?
👉🏻 Why are so many couples “venue poor”?
👉🏻 Have we lost trust with couples - and what can we do to gain it back?
👉🏻 Do vendors really charge more when they hear the word “wedding?”
👉🏻 Are we losing our hospitality as an industry?
👉🏻 How can we be more transparent?
And a whole lot more.
Comment 182 below and I’ll send you the link to this week’s episode.
#candicecoppola #weddingindustry #weddingpros #weddingpro #weddingindustryexperts #weddingpodcast #weddingbusiness #weddingtax #thepowerinpurposepodcast #weddingindustryeducation
Some of the links used in this blog post are affiliate links. When you purchase something, our company receives a small compensation at no cost to you. This compensation helps to maintain the cost of creating helpful content, like our podcast, so you can build a profitable business with purpose.
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