Who David Tutera is and what he does
David Tutera is a wedding and event planner based in Los Angeles who has worked on high-budget celebrations for celebrities, athletes, and wealthy clients. He is known for elaborate, multi-day events with custom décor, entertainment, and logistics that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. His work has appeared on television shows including "Platinum Weddings" and "Million Dollar Weddings," and he has planned events for clients in the entertainment industry.
If you are researching wedding planners in the luxury market, you may encounter his name or portfolio. Understanding his background, business model, and what clients typically pay for his services can help you decide whether his approach matches your budget and vision.
Key Takeaways
- David Tutera specializes in high-budget events for wealthy clients, typically handling weddings that cost well into six figures.
- His services include full event design, vendor coordination, and on-site management for multi-day celebrations.
- He has appeared on television shows about luxury weddings and has worked with entertainment industry clients.
- Hiring a planner of his caliber involves a significant upfront investment and requires clear communication about your total budget before initial meetings.
- Luxury wedding planners typically charge either a percentage of the total event budget or a flat fee, and those fees are negotiable based on scope.
What luxury wedding planners charge and how fees work
High-end wedding planners do not publish standard rates because every event is custom. Planners who work at Tutera's level typically charge either a percentage of the total budget (often 10 to 20 percent) or a flat fee that reflects the complexity and timeline of the event. A wedding that costs $500,000 might involve a planner fee of $50,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the arrangement.
Some planners also charge an initial consultation fee to cover the time spent understanding your vision before committing to a contract. This fee may be credited toward the final bill if you hire them, or it may be non-refundable. Always ask about this upfront so there are no surprises.
Beyond the planner's fee, you pay separately for every vendor, venue, catering, flowers, music, transportation, and décor. The planner does not pocket that money — they coordinate it and may receive discounts from vendors that they pass along or keep, depending on the contract. Read any agreement carefully to understand what is included in the planner's fee and what costs are passed directly to you.
What to expect from a full-service luxury planner
A planner working at the luxury level typically handles the entire event from concept through the day itself. This includes site selection, vendor vetting and negotiation, design and styling, budget management, timeline creation, guest communication, and on-site coordination during the event. For multi-day celebrations, the planner may oversee welcome dinners, rehearsal events, the main wedding, and farewell brunches.
The planner acts as the single point of contact between you and dozens of vendors. If the florist has a question, the caterer needs a headcount, or the venue needs to confirm setup times, the planner handles those conversations so you do not have to. This coordination is what justifies the high fee — it saves you time and reduces the risk of miscommunication on the day.
Expect the planner to present design concepts, mood boards, and vendor options for your approval before anything is booked. You should have input on every major decision. A good planner listens to your vision and translates it into a realistic plan within your budget, not the other way around.
Questions to ask before hiring any luxury planner
Before you meet with a planner, be clear about your total budget — the number you are actually willing to spend, not a number you hope to spend. Planners at this level work with large budgets regularly and will not waste time on a mismatch. If your budget is $200,000 and a planner typically works on $500,000+ events, they may refer you elsewhere or decline the project.
Ask how they charge: percentage, flat fee, or hourly? What is included in that fee, and what costs are billed separately? Do they have a minimum budget or project size? How much of their time will you get during planning, and how many events do they take on per year? Can they provide references from recent clients with similar event sizes and styles?
Ask about their vendor relationships. Do they have preferred vendors they work with regularly, and do those relationships result in discounts? Are you required to use their vendors, or can you bring your own? What happens if you want to hire someone outside their network?
Clarify the timeline. When do they need to be hired relative to your wedding date? How much notice do they need for major decisions? What is their cancellation or rescheduling policy if your plans change?
How to find and vet luxury wedding planners
Luxury planners often do not advertise widely because most of their business comes from referrals and reputation. If you know someone who had a high-end wedding you admired, ask them who planned it. Word-of-mouth from people in your social or professional circle is the most reliable way to find someone who understands your expectations.
You can also search for planners by location and style on wedding planning websites, though these sites vary in how thoroughly they vet planners. Look at portfolios and past events. Do their aesthetic match yours? Do they work in your city or are they willing to travel? How recent are the photos — are they from the last few years or much older?
Check whether they have been featured in wedding publications or media. Television appearances and magazine features do not may provide quality, but they do indicate that the planner has experience managing large, complex events and working with media.
Red flags and common pitfalls with luxury planners
Be cautious if a planner pressures you to decide quickly, claims they can may provide a specific outcome, or seems more interested in their vision than yours. A good planner is confident in their work but remains flexible and client-focused.
Avoid planners who are vague about costs or who bundle vendor fees into their own fee without breaking down what you are actually paying for. You should always know exactly where your money is going. If a planner cannot or will not provide an itemized budget, that is a sign to look elsewhere.
Do not assume that a planner's high price tag or media presence means they are the right fit for you. Some planners are excellent at certain styles (modern minimalist, traditional formal, bohemian) and less skilled at others. Look at their actual portfolio, not just their reputation.
Alternatives if a luxury planner is outside your budget
If you want professional planning but cannot afford a full-service luxury planner, consider a day-of coordinator. This person handles logistics and vendor management on the wedding day itself, but you do the planning beforehand. Day-of coordinators typically charge $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the event size and location.
Another option is a partial planning package. Some planners offer services à la carte — design consultation only, vendor negotiation only, or timeline and budget planning without full coordination. This lets you hire professional help for the parts you need most and handle the rest yourself.
You can also work with a planner who specializes in mid-range events rather than ultra-luxury ones. Many skilled, experienced planners charge 8 to 12 percent of budget or a flat fee of $5,000 to $15,000 and produce beautiful, well-coordinated events without the celebrity-level price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I hire a luxury wedding planner?
Planners who work on high-budget events often book 12 to 18 months ahead, especially if your wedding is during peak season (May through October). If you are planning a wedding less than a year away, contact planners early to see if they have availability. Some may take rush projects at a higher fee.
Can I hire a luxury planner for a smaller budget wedding?
Possibly, but it depends on the planner. Some have a minimum budget requirement because their time is valuable and they focus on a certain market. Others may take smaller projects if they have availability. Always state your budget upfront so there is no wasted time on either side.
What if I disagree with my planner's recommendations?
A good planner listens to your concerns and explains their reasoning, but ultimately you make the final decision. If you consistently disagree on major choices, that is a sign the relationship may not be the right fit. Discuss concerns early rather than letting frustration build.
Do luxury planners travel for destination weddings?
Many do, but they typically charge additional fees for travel time, accommodation, and the logistics of coordinating vendors in an unfamiliar location. Ask about destination wedding experience and costs before assuming they can take on an out-of-state event.
What should I look for in a planner's portfolio?
Look for events similar in size, style, and budget to what you envision. Check whether the photos are recent and whether the planner's aesthetic aligns with yours. Ask for references from clients with comparable events, not just their most famous or elaborate weddings.