How much should an event planner charge?
Planners charge in four main ways: a flat fee, a percentage of the event budget, an hourly rate or a custom package. The right model depends on the event and how predictable the work is.
In short: Event planners usually charge a flat fee, a percentage of the total event budget (typically 5% to 20%), or an hourly rate. Percentage pricing is common for large weddings, corporate events and fundraisers; flat fees and packages suit repeat, predictable events.
The four pricing models
| Model | How it works | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat fee | One price for a defined package of services | Events you run often and can scope well | Scope creep; write down what is included |
| Percentage of budget | Typically 5% to 20% of the total event budget | Large weddings, corporate events, fundraisers | Clients may question the fee as the budget grows |
| Hourly rate | Billed for time spent | Consulting, day-of coordination, partial planning | Tracking hours; clients dislike open-ended bills |
| Custom package | A tailored flat fee for specialist work | High-end or unusual events | Needs a very clear scope |
Source: Event Smart, How much do event planners charge?.
How to set your price
- Estimate the hours a typical event takes you and your team, including site visits and the day itself.
- Decide what an hour of your time is worth, and multiply.
- Add your costs: transport, data, tools and assistants.
- Check the result against the event budget. If it is far below 5% of a large budget, you are probably undercharging.
- Package it: a clear list of what is and isn't included.
Show your value with numbers
Clients pay more readily when they can see what you saved and delivered. A budget tracked by category and a post-event report make that easy to show.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage do event planners charge?
Many planners charge between 5% and 20% of the total event budget, usually for large events such as weddings, corporate events and fundraisers.
Should I charge a flat fee or a percentage?
Flat fees suit events you can scope well and run often. Percentages suit large events where the work grows with the budget.
Do event planners charge by the hour?
Some do, often between $25 and $100 an hour in the US depending on experience, especially for consulting or day-of coordination.