For more than a decade, Phuket has been one of the world’s favorite spots for destination weddings, and it’s easy to see why. As more couples chose our beautiful island for their special day, the wedding industry grew to match their needs. Now, Phuket is home to some of Thailand’s finest wedding professionals – from talented photographers and flower designers to skilled hair and makeup artists, and of course, amazing wedding planners.
Some couples are lucky enough to get a personal recommendation for a wedding planner from friends or family who tied the knot in Phuket. But most need to do their own research online, which can be a frustrating experience, since information is often scattered and outdated. We wrote this article to help guide your search.
The Market for Wedding Planning in Phuket
Based on our research through Google and social media, we found 23 established wedding planning agencies in Phuket that maintain active websites and social media accounts. This number is likely conservative, since it doesn’t include smaller agencies with limited online presence, or planners from other parts of Thailand who occasionally work in Phuket.
When it comes to pricing, there’s quite a range in the market. Full wedding planning services in Phuket can cost anywhere from 1,700 USD to 6,000 USD, with the median value at around 3,200 USD. For wedding management with on-the-day coordination, you might spend between 800 USD and 1,500 USD – though not every agency offers this service.
It’s worth noting that bigger agencies tend to have dedicated team members for different roles (planning, design, inspections) while in smaller agencies the wedding planner often manages multiple aspects at once, which can be both a strength and a limitation.
Most agencies require a 50% deposit upfront, with the balance due one to two weeks before the wedding. Some others may offer the option to divide payments into three or four installments tied to specific milestones.
Choosing the Wedding Planner That Is Right for You
Selecting your wedding planner is probably the most important decision you’ll make for your destination wedding. It’s essential to speak with several planners before making your choice.
Our advice is straightforward. First and most importantly, make sure your planner is based in Phuket. Having someone on the ground who can handle any issues that arise with venues or vendors is invaluable. Even if a planner from elsewhere is excellent at their job, not being local creates unnecessary risk.
Next, set up video calls with the planners you’re considering. You want to find someone who feels right from your first conversation – a planner who truly listens and understands your vision for your wedding day.
Finally, take time to review their work. Read their blog posts, check out their social media, and browse photos from their previous weddings. You can learn a lot about planners by seeing how they present themselves and their ideas, and how they showcase their past events.
