How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost for a Lake Tahoe Wedding?

Dreaming of a magical wedding in Lake Tahoe but feeling overwhelmed at the thought of making it all happen? You’re not alone! Wedding planning takes a lot of time, energy, and organization, which is why hiring a wedding planner is often the smartest investment you can make to ensure your day is flawless. But naturally, you probably have that million-dollar question on your mind… What's the cost of a wedding planner? Don’t worry — we’re here to break it all down for you.

Not only will we share insights on the average wedding planner cost for a Lake Tahoe luxury wedding, but we’ll also explain what’s included in full-service planning and why it’s worth every penny. After all, your wedding isn’t just an event — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebration!

Types of Wedding Planners and What They Offer

Before we jump into the numbers, it’s important to understand that wedding planner services come in different tiers. If you’ve done a little research, you’ve probably come across terms like “full-service wedding planning,” “partial planning,” and “day-of coordination.” Each brings a different level of involvement, and the cost of a wedding planner varies based on the type of service you choose.

At Epic Thyme, we believe every couple deserves full-service planning. Why? Because it’s the ultimate way to ensure your wedding is seamless, stress-free, and absolutely magical. While partial planning and day-of coordination can be budget-friendly alternatives, they don’t offer the same depth of expertise and hands-on support. We’ll explain more about these options later, but for now, know that full-service planning is designed to handle every detail of your wedding from start to finish!

How Long Does It Take To Plan a Wedding?

Here’s something that might surprise you — planning a wedding can take 380 to 500 hours! That’s a lot of time, right? But here’s the good news. When you hire a wedding planner, they take on the bulk of the work, allowing you to focus on the fun parts (like cake tasting!).

A full-service Lake Tahoe wedding planner like Epic Thyme typically handles around 65% of the planning duties, leaving you to dedicate about 35% of your time to the more personal aspects of your celebration. That means you’ll spend roughly 150 hours on planning, while we’ll take care of at least 230 hours. This partnership ensures every detail gets the attention it deserves while keeping your stress levels low.

What Does Full-Service Wedding Planning Include?

Not all full-service planners are created equal. That’s why it’s so important to ask what’s included when comparing wedding planner cost estimates. At Epic Thyme, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond to ensure everything about your wedding is picture-perfect, without hidden fees for “extras.” Here’s a glimpse into what’s included in our full-service wedding planning package:

• Personalized budget creation and management so you’re always in control.

• Custom floor plans and layouts to ensure seamless logistics.

• Detailed review and editing of your wedding website.

• Vendor negotiations to score amazing deals and stay on budget.

• Styling, design, and decor concept development to bring your vision to life.

• Timeline creation and coordination with vendors for a stress-free experience.

• Full support on your wedding day, from setup to teardown.

Think of us as your wedding fairy godmother. We don’t just organize details; we style, curate, and manage every aspect of your big day. It’s like having a planner, designer, budget manager, and logistics expert rolled into one! And trust us, it’s worth every cent.

A Closer Look at Our Full-Service Lake Tahoe Wedding Planning Services

We don't believe you can do some things and not ALL of them. We want each event to be perfect, so our team does everything to guarantee it is. To give you an idea of what we mean by “full service,” click through each element to learn about our scope of services.

Budget

• Initial consultation

• Budget conversation

• Budget advice and allocation

Venue

• Venue inspiration

• Venue consultation

• Curating options

• Sourcing quotes & performing negotiations

• 1 day of touring with the client

• Venue walkthrough

• Overlooking contract

• Venue management

• Layout and/or floor plan creation

• Crosscheck onsite rentals

• Crosscheck linen

• Final venue walkthrough

• Pre-wedding meeting with the venue

Vendors Overall

• Vendor referral based on desires

• Vendor management

• Planning vendor meals

• Planning vendor rentals

Catering

• Catering consultation

• Sourcing quotes

• Contract review

• Banquet event order review

• Tasting (optional)

• Beverage and menu revisions

• RSVP updates

• Rental meeting with the caterer

• Crosscheck any print materials (menu) with the caterer

• Final details meeting

Bar

• Bar consultation

• Curating options

• Bar services meeting

• Overlooking contract

• Tasting (optional)

• Menu revisions

• Curating signature drink recipes

• Ordering sheet (how much booze to buy)

• RSVP updates (pricing updates)

• Rental meeting with bar (glassware)

• Ordering of glassware

• Final details meeting

Cake

• Cake consultation

• Curating options

• Overlooking contract

• Tasting (optional)

• Menu revisions

• RSVP updates

• Rental meeting with cake lady (risers, cake stand, plates)

• Final details meeting (arrival and exit strategy)

Photography

• Curate options for client

• Sourcing quotes & performing negotiations

• Curating shot list with client

• Overlooking contract

• Timeline overview with photographer

Videography

• Source inspiration video from clients

• Curate options for client

• Sourcing quotes & performing negotiations

• Overlooking contract

• Curating shot list and vibe of video with client

• Timeline overview with videographer

DJ

• Source music inspiration from clients

• Curate options for clients

• Sourcing quotes & performing negotiations

• Overlooking contract

• Curating song list and vibe with client

• Rental conversation with the vendor

• Timeline overview with DJ

Band

• Source music inspiration from clients

• Curate band options for client

• Sourcing quotes & performing negotiations

• Overlooking contract

• Curating song list and vibe with client

• Rental conversation with vendor (stage, AV equipment, lighting)

• Planning vendor menu choices, dietary restrictions

• Sourcing greenroom for band

• Meeting with Band Manager

• Timeline overview (set breaks, set times)

Transportation Management

• Sourcing transportation company

• Locating amounts of guests and transportation pick up and drop off locations

• Creating a transportation schedule

• Updating website with transportation details

Rentals/Design

• Collection of “must-haves” and inspiration

• Source inspiration photos from clients

• Comprehensive design concept and direction

• Creating Decor Board

• Design meeting

• Rental curation and ordering lists

• Overlooking contract

• Schedule site tours for rental companies (if they need to measure space)

• Rental coordination (arrival and exit strategy)

• Oversee of Rentals Set-up and Strike (by the rental company)

• Final details coordination

Florals

• Source inspiration photos from clients

• Collection of “must-haves” and inspiration

• Curate options for client

• Sourcing quotes & performing reevaluations

• Overlooking contract

• Flower design meeting

• Creating Floral Board

• Floral meeting

• Final floral sheet 30 days prior with updated (list)

• Schedule timeline and personal drop-offs

Favors

• Assisting with items such as welcome bags, guests favors, family gifts, and hospitality gifts

• Sourcing artisans

• Sourcing samples

• Coordinating distribution or location of favor

Officiant

• Curate options for clients

• Sourcing quotes

• Overlooking contract

• Meeting with officiant

• Final meeting with the officiant

Beauty

• Curate options for clients

• Sourcing quotes

• Meeting with hair and makeup vendors

• Overlooking contract

• Scheduling trial sessions

• Scheduling hair and makeup into the timeline

• Coordinating floral for hair (if necessary)

• Final meeting with hair and makeup

Stationary

• Stationery consultation/advice

• Approving any print material with client and venue

• Curating or assisting with literature for save the dates and invitations

• Revising or curating seating chart

• Bar menu approval based on the final menu

• Signage curating

Wedding Website

• Website consultation/advice

• Proofing website for grammar and punctuation

• Curating RSVP section

• Curating “Things to Do”

• Final proof prior to the event

Brides Fashion

• Attire advice

• Scheduling dress shopping (if necessary)

• Scheduling dress fittings (if necessary)

Grooms Attire

• Attire advice

• Schedule fittings (if necessary)

Travel and Accommodations

• Curate options for clients

• Sourcing quotes and doing negotiations

• Curate a list of hotels based on needs

• Site tours (only if necessary)

• Create hotel rooms blocks

• Add codes and instructions to websites

Production Staff

• Putting together a detailed list of tasks per person for wedding day

• Scheduling staff member hours

Communication

Unlimited email support

Aisle Planner

Full access to our wedding planning software (subscription ends after the event)

Meetings

• Planning meetings every 6 weeks

• Weekly meeting starting 6 weeks prior to the event

• Timeline meeting/detailed timeline creation

• Design meeting

• Styling and decorating

• Final details meeting(s) RSVP management

Day Prior to Event

• Coordinate and conduct the rehearsal of all aspects of the ceremony

• Make sure everyone is comfortable with all ceremony details, including procession and recession

• Recommendations for rehearsal dinner (note we can decorate the rehearsal dinner space for an additional fee)

Day of Event - Ceremony

• Reserve seats for family and any special requests if needed

• Set up all personal ceremony items (candles, sand ceremony)

• Organize all wedding parties and family for processional

• Cue the musicians and all attendants for the ceremony

Day of Event - Reception

• Oversee load-in and vendor setup

• Troubleshoot any issues, keep the event flowing and on-time

• Oversee set up and make sure tables, chairs, floral, and all other décor is set according to the diagrams and floor plans

• Set up all of your personal items such as place cards, guest book, and favors

• Styling and decorating

• Oversee the wedding timeline and make sure all creative partners are on schedule

• Cue bride, groom, wedding party, and parents for grand entrances, toasts, dances, cake-cutting, garter toss, bouquet toss, and the grand exit

• Cue lasers

• Coordinate all vendor breaks and meals with the catering provider and venue

• Pack up of your personal items

The Cost of a Wedding Planner in Lake Tahoe

Now, onto the big question — how much does a wedding planner cost in Lake Tahoe? The price tag varies depending on the type of services offered, the size and complexity of your wedding, and the planner’s level of experience.

At Epic Thyme, our full-service planning packages typically range from $11,000 to $15,000, depending on the scope of your wedding and whether we’re helping with additional events like rehearsal dinners or brunches. Why the range? Because some couples may need planning for multiple wedding-related events, while others may focus solely on their big day.

For other full-service planners in Lake Tahoe, costs usually start around $7,500 and can go up to $30,000. The difference often comes down to the level of customization, the hours dedicated to your wedding, and the quality of the planner’s offerings.

If you’re exploring more basic options, here’s what you can expect:

• Partial Planning: $3,000-$6,000. These planners start working with you a few months before the wedding to finalize details and create a day-of timeline.

• Day-of Coordination: $1,500-$4,000. Unlike other planners, day-of coordinators focus solely on the logistics of your wedding day. They don’t assist much with planning but ensure everything runs smoothly on your big day.

For couples dreaming of a luxury Lake Tahoe wedding, investing in full-service planning ensures a completely cohesive and stress-free experience.

Why Full-Service Planning Is Worth the Cost

Here’s the thing about full-service planning: It’s not just about convenience; it’s about maximizing your budget, creating unforgettable moments, and enjoying the planning process. When you hire Epic Thyme, we don’t just help you spend money; we also help you save it. Couples who book our services save an average of $10,000 because we know all the local vendors and the best deals in Lake Tahoe. Need a better rate on a floral arrangement? We know who to call. Not sure if the venue’s quote is reasonable? We’ll negotiate on your behalf.

And while financial savings are amazing, our value goes far beyond that. We triple-check contracts, spot potential issues, and handle every logistical challenge to avoid hiccups. That way, your wedding day truly feels effortless.

Partial vs. Day-Of Planning vs. Full Service

Does this mean partial and day-of planning aren’t great options? Not at all! They’re simply different. Partial planners step in a few months before your wedding to help finalize details. They might develop a day-of schedule and confirm vendors, but they leave most of the design, styling, and organizing to you. Day-of planners focus only on the big day itself, helping to manage the logistics.

If you’re a couple with a lot of free time and don’t mind handling the bulk of planning yourself, these options might work for you. But if you want a full-time ally who lives and breathes weddings (and doesn’t miss a single detail), full-service planning is your best choice.

Make Your Tahoe Wedding Dreams Come True

When you invest in a wedding planner, you’re not just paying for convenience. You’re investing in peace of mind, expert guidance, and the joy of enjoying every step of your wedding process.

At Epic Thyme, we focus on making your Lake Tahoe wedding not only beautiful but also meaningful and completely stress-free. From big-picture planning to tiny details, we’re here to ensure your dream day is exactly how you envision it. Curious about how we can help? Contact us today, and let’s talk about what it’ll take to make your vision a reality!