The 7 Best Wedding Planners in Vancouver
So you said yes, hugged, cried, kissed and now comes the.. “OMG - How do we plan a wedding??”
HAVE. NO. FEAR. I’ve got you.
The more things/people you’ve got in place ahead of time, the more likely that you’ll actually enjoy and be emotionally present for your wedding day (and trust me, it goes by way too FAST).
And unless you’re good to call in all those friendship favours you’ve been accumulating throughout the years, it may be time to consider some wedding planners (or at least a day of co-ordinator).
As a wedding makeup artist, I’ve gotten to work with some of these amazing planners over the years, plus I’ve scoured the reddit threads, the facebook groups, the google reviews, and the in-betweens for the research!
*Really quickly before we get started - always check with your desired venue (here are some Vancouver venue ideas too) first to see if they have a preferred planner partner, sometimes there will be better package prices :)
Now let’s get to it!
Award-Winning Wedding Planner Vancouver: Alicia Keats
If you’re looking for an award-winning, super well-connected, experienced planner then I would definitely recommend checking out Alicia Keats. Featured in Vogue as one of the Best Wedding Planners, they have also received spotlights in other editorials including WedLuxe Magazine and Junebug weddings, as well as a number of awards and online mentions.
Alicia Keats has been an active company in the wedding planning scene, and continues working to be number one. The owner and face: Alicia Keats has over 16 years of experience, and she works closely with her experienced team of 6.
They are dedicated to showcasing your own style through personalized, creative, and innovative designs. Plus, working with such an experienced team also comes in handy when choosing external venues and vendors.
With wedding planning services including:
Complete Wedding Planning Services, Wedding Design, and Wedding Day Management Services, the team assures to cater a variety of needs for your wedding. The Wedding Day Management Services is a great option for those who need day-of coordination, which is always helpful to avoid any distractions from taking away from your memorable day.
DreamGroup Wedding and Events
With an established team of 11 professionals, Dream Group is one of Vancouver’s OG wedding and planning companies. Their early presence in the planning scene has given them a lead in reputation and capabilities. Great connections to vendors and venues across British Columbia, numerous awards, stellar reviews, and editorial and online features on magazines such as WedLuxe and Real Weddings.
Their website’s “Meet the Planner” section will let you see all 11 planners, with highlights for each of their specializations. If you already have in mind what aesthetic and vibe you want, this section is great in deciding who you may want to work with. Some highlights include: Ballroom, Outdoor, Cultural, Destination, and Multi-Day Weddings. They are also happy to schedule a consultation to discuss your plans, inspiration and vision for the wedding and to suggest which planner may work best for you. Even though you work with 1 out of the 11, you will still reap the benefits of having a team of knowledgeable, well-connected planners behind you.
Their packages include:
Full Planning/Design, Wedding Day Essentials, and “A Little Bit More”, for specific task-based requests or upgraded support.
Overall, if you are in need of guidance, or already have a plan in mind but not sure how to make it a reality, DreamGroup may be a great option as their planning and expertise will assure your day goes above and beyond your initial vision.
Sweetheart Events
Since 2013, Sweetheart Events has accumulated an impressive 300 and counting weddings under their organized belt. With great reviews across the board this team of 8 is more than happy to work alongside you or to take the reins, as long as jaw-dropping beauty is on your I-Do list!
Their team page is full of fun-facts and summaries of each planner, which seems to be a great option when deciding what exactly you’re looking for in a planner. However, their overall goal is to plan a wedding that shares your love story through the details that reflect you and your partner.
They have three packages highlighted on their page with starting prices if you’re unsure on how to budget for a planner and based on your needs.
The starting prices range from $2750 to $9500, and the packages include full top to bottom planning, especially if you’re strapped for time, wedding aesthetic and guest experience management for those stuck on the Pinterest board, and day-of services for those who are planned and ready but would like to enjoy the big day headache-free. Additionally, they offer custom ceremonies with an officiator which is a fun option!
If you’re looking to turn the West-Coast scenery into your wedding backdrop, Sweetheart Events may be your ideal planner.
Filosophi Event Planning & Design
Since 2010, Filosophi makes it their mission to null out stereotypes and to make your day uniquely yours. They avoid falling into one styling category because they are well aware that your wedding will be representative of you, and it seems to be working because these planners have great reviews, been featured in a variety of editorials and won Best Wedding Planning at the BC Wedding Awards (2013 - 2020).
What I really liked about them is that they focus on the planning through the guest experience, making sure it’s a win-win-win wedding and they enjoy celebrating their client’s heritage, finding unique and stunning ways into tying traditions and cultural influences within their planning.
Their services include:
Elopement planning for those wanting to skip the big wedding but needing assistance with the planning, including location, photographers, officiant, etc,
Full wedding planning for both micro and full-size events, takeover wedding coordination, custom wedding planning, and a-la-carte planning for when you may need help in one specific area.
If you check out their portfolio you will notice that their planning has an aesthetic of an entirely different category, and so if you’re looking for a planner that can take you and your partner’s unique personalities and turn it into something that your guests will both totally get and love, then definitely check out Filosophi.
Power of Threee
When it came to adding a fifth planner I got stuck, but I gave the spot to Power of Threee for a few reasons. One: I loved the story behind the name and company. Power of Threee is representative of three close-knit sisters, best-friends, and business-partners that work together in making your wedding as special as you. Two: The e’s in Threee actually stand for events, exposure, and entertainment and well that’s just fun and clever common! Three: Their portfolio highlights both traditional and cultural weddings, and each photograph highlights an amazing moment.
When it comes to their services their website simply highlights Proposal Planning and Weddings. While there doesn’t seem to be a variety of packages highlighted, they do mention contacting them for a consultation and they will build your quote out based on your needs.
If you’re looking for a three-person planner, dedicated to giving you an unforgettable wedding or to lend a hand this may be an awesome option!
Shing Weddings
Established in 2009, Shing Weddings is definitely a force in the planning scene. Of course, with them excellence is key (which makes sense based on the rates), and that is evident in their customer services, support, and knowledge.
Published, with great reviews, Shing Weddings definitely deserves a spot on the list with 3 of 4 planners having more than 14 years of experience in the wedding field, you will be hiring award-winning, planning veterans.
Their three services include:
Full Wedding Planning Experience (starting at $10,800)
Partial Wedding Planning Experience ($7,800)
Wedding Management ($4,280)
If you visit the service page of the website, each service will have a detailed area of what to expect and where their responsibilities lie. If luxurious and glamorous are in your wedding vows, and you’re willing to splurge on your day, then definitely give Shing Weddings an online visit!
Umbrella Events
Umbrella Events is comprised of a quirky, imaginative team with a common belief: every project they touch becomes a passion project. Their values include having fun, and making an enjoyable planning process each step of the way for everyone involved. They are also very big on inclusivity and are considered the trusted company for planning LGBTQ+ weddings.
While they note that there is not much difference between planning a gay or straight wedding, they assure that Umbrella Events is able to shield you from any homophobia within the industry to make a safe and inclusive wedding that you will fondly remember.
Their wedding packages include Full Service Planning (from $5000), Mid-Way Planning (from $4000), Decor Assistance and Month of Coordination (from $3000), Month of Coordination (from $2000), and Proposal Planning (contact for pricing).
If inclusivity is at the forefront of your special day, or if you’re simply looking for professionals who will focus on creating a fun-filled, enjoyable event, Umbrella Events is definitely an awesome option!
Choosing the best wedding planner for YOUR wedding
Picking a planner is actually very personal, and you may be jumping around the “should I / should I not”, and that’s totally fair.
Here are some notes that may help you with deciding:
Wedding venues also provide planners and package deals, so if you’re looking for a deal or already have a venue in mind it may be worth looking at their preferred options before choosing your own planner.
Make sure to budget properly and plan for an overage (it happens), but this way you are prepared and knowledgeable on what you are working with and your realm of possibilities when discussing with vendors / planners.
If you’re still iffy on a planner, and you’re an organized individual (or a virgo) and you’d like to have more control over your day, there is always the option to hire a day-of coordinator to make sure your day goes smoothly while you enjoy each moment.
Hiring a planner may also come with its benefits, the planners mentioned above have years of experience and therefore by hiring them you will be hiring an insider that may benefit you when it comes to the rest of the planning. They will be able to provide really great advice and possibly better rates for vendors that they generally work with.
Overall, the final decision is you and your partner’s and what you ultimately want in your planning process, and on the wedding day.
I hope this list has helped you, and if you know any other great planners in Vancouver give them a shout-out below!
Cheers,
Tiana