How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost for a Lake Tahoe Wedding?
- Lydia Mattern
- Dec 3, 2021
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 18

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
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!
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