The Untold Truth About Wedding Planning: Why You Need a Pittsburgh Wedding Planner in Your Corner
Photo Credit: Talia Nelson Photography
Planning a Wedding? Here’s Why a Wedding Planner Is Your Secret Superpower
Planning your wedding is an exciting milestone — but let’s be real, it’s also a massive undertaking. Between juggling countless decisions, managing your budget, and coordinating every detail, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where a wedding planner comes in.
Hi, I'm Angela from Eco + Ivory — a sustainable wedding planner based in Pittsburgh, PA, with experience in creating unforgettable and earth-friendly celebrations. My passion? Bringing your wedding vision to life in a seamless, stress-free way while also ensuring that it’s true to your values and easy on the earth. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand affair or an intimate gathering, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
In this blog, I’ll pull back the curtain on what wedding planners actually do, bust common myths, and help you decide if hiring one is the right move for you. Plus, I’ll take things one step further by discussing some of the ways in which hiring a sustainable wedding planner can be an even better decision.
Myth Busting: Wedding Planners Are Just for Decor
One of the biggest misconceptions about wedding planners is that we’re just focused on aesthetics. While we do love a well-designed event, our role goes far beyond selecting color palettes or arranging table settings. Think of us as your strategic partner, logistics expert, and stress reliever all rolled into one.
Furthermore, hiring a sustainable wedding planner (like Eco + Ivory!) helps couples reduce waste and make mindful choices.
Related Post: Why You Should Work with an Eco-Friendly Wedding Planner
So… What Do Wedding Planners Actually Do Behind the Scenes?
1. Vendor Coordination
Finding the right vendors for your wedding is no small task. From photographers to florists, we use our connections and expertise to recommend trusted professionals who align with your vision and budget. Once booked, we handle communication, contracts, and scheduling, so you don’t have to.
Working with Sustainable Vendors – As an eco-friendly wedding planner, I also help you choose vendors that align with your eco-conscious values, such as caterers who source local and organic ingredients or florists who use in-season, pesticide-free blooms.
2. Budget Management
Weddings can come with hidden costs and unexpected expenses. Wedding planners help you create a realistic budget, prioritize your spending, and ensure you get the most value for your money.
Prioritizing Sustainable Choices – I help you invest in quality, eco-friendly options that align with your budget, like renting décor instead of buying new or choosing digital invitations or RSVP’s over paper ones. (Related post: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Wedding Decor)
3. Timeline Creation and Management
Think of us as the conductors of your wedding day. We create detailed timelines for vendors, your wedding party, and family members to ensure everything runs smoothly. If there’s a hiccup (like a late delivery or a missing boutonnière), we handle it without skipping a beat.
Minimizing Transportation Emissions – I also help optimize your timeline to reduce unnecessary travel for vendors and guests, ensuring a more sustainable event footprint.
4. Day-Of Coordination
On your wedding day, you deserve to be fully present. We’re there to oversee every detail, from vendor arrivals to the timing of your first dance. If something goes awry, you’ll never know about it because we’ve already solved it.
Reducing Single-Use Waste – I can coordinate with you, your caterer, and rental company to eliminate disposables and opt for compostable or reusable alternatives for the wedding day.
Related Post: What to Expect from a “Day of” Wedding Coordinator?
5. Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving
Rain on your outdoor ceremony? A last-minute guest list change? These are just a few of the surprises we’re prepared to handle. Our job is to make sure your day feels effortless, no matter what challenges arise.
Planning for a Sustainable Clean Up – I ensure that there is a clean-up and waste management plan for the wedding day with as many eco-friendly operations as possible, such as floral donation, recycling, and a plan for leftover food.
6. Give Peace of Mind and Help You Enjoy the Day
More important than all of the technical features of a wedding planner listed above, what we ultimately do is take the stress off your plate and help you enjoy the day! Instead of you being the point person between 10+ vendors, you’ll have someone else to handle things for you so that you can sit back and relax with your loved ones instead of feeling like you’re running the show.
Feeling Good About Making an Impact - As a sustainable wedding planner, I also help you feel good about lowering the environmental footprint that your event is having on the earth, which is an added dose of peace of mind!
For more details about What a Wedding Planner Actually Does, read here!
Do I Really Need a Wedding Planner? Or How Do I Decide If I Need One?
While every couple’s needs are different, here are a few factors to consider:
1. Your Schedule
If you’re juggling a busy career or other commitments, finding time to research vendors, attend meetings, and coordinate details can feel impossible. A Pittsburgh wedding planner takes this off your plate so you can focus on what matters.
2. Your Budget
Hiring a planner might seem like an added expense, but it can actually save you money in the long run. We help you avoid costly mistakes and are knowledgeable of the vendor options out there to help you get the best deals.
3. Your Vision
If you have a clear idea of what you want but don’t know how to execute it, a planner can bring your vision to life while ensuring all the details align perfectly.
4. Your Stress Levels
Planning a wedding is stressful! A planner’s expertise allows you to enjoy the process without the anxiety of managing every little detail.
If Sustainability Matters to You – A planner with eco-friendly expertise can help you make sustainable swaps without sacrificing style, like choosing repurposed décor, reducing food waste, or donating leftover flowers. (Learn more about my services here!)
Other Common Frequently Asked Questions About Pittsburgh Wedding Planners
How much does a Pittsburgh wedding planner cost?
Wedding planning prices can vary based on the planner’s level of experience and the amenities they offer, as well as how they prefer to package their services.
For Wedding Management (also known as day of coordination), most planners tend to charge around $1,500 to $2,000.
Full Service wedding planning, in which the planner begins guiding you through all stages of the planning process from the very beginning, can tend to range from $3,000 to $10,000, with most being somewhere in the middle. In general, plan to set aside 10-20% of your budget for a planner. Some planners, especially luxury wedding planners, may use percentage-based pricing in which they charge a certain percentage, such as 18%, of the total wedding budget, rather than a packaged fee.
Don’t forget about Partial Planning or Custom Planning packages! Many planners have Partial Planning packages or will create a customized package to fit your needs if you or your budget fall somewhere in between Wedding Management and Full Service.
What’s the difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding planner?
A venue coordinator and a wedding planner may seem similar, but their roles are quite different.
Venue Coordinator: Works for the venue and ensures the venue's logistics run smoothly. They manage/oversee the setup (but might not set up the space beyond their tables and chairs), oversee venue staff, and enforce venue policies. Their primary focus is on the venue itself, not the overall wedding experience.
Wedding Planner: Works for you and handles every aspect of your wedding, from vendor coordination and timeline management to design and troubleshooting. A wedding planner ensures that every detail aligns with your vision and that your day runs seamlessly, regardless of location.
In short, a venue coordinator ensures the venue is ready, while a wedding planner ensures your entire wedding experience is stress-free and beautifully executed. Having both can be helpful, but a wedding planner is your true advocate throughout the entire process!
The Bottom Line: Wedding Planners Are an Investment in Peace of Mind
When you hire a wedding planner, you’re investing in more than just a service — you’re investing in your peace of mind. From the first consultation to the final send-off, we’re by your side to ensure every detail is executed flawlessly. Our goal is simple: to help you enjoy your engagement and wedding day without the stress.
Ready to plan a wedding that’s stress-free and sustainable?
I love helping couples create earth-friendlier events and would be so excited to hear about your wedding vision!
Schedule a free consultation today to see how Eco & Ivory can help bring your dream wedding to life—without compromising on your eco-friendly values.
Hi, I’m Angela!
As a sustainable wedding planner, I love helping couples plan their wedding in a way that is easy on the earth and true to their values. When I’m not planning events, you can find me hanging out with my kids and family, doing yoga or meditation, or eating my way through Pittsburgh!
Get in touch to learn more!