Wedding planner regrets hit harder than you expect when the survey results land. You're getting bombarded with advice post-engagement. Everyone says make the day about you, do it how you want to do it. Sounds helpful until you realize you have absolutely no idea what you're doing, absolutely no clue how to plan a wedding. Just under 30% of couples hire professional wedding planners costing $3,500 to $10,000 in Alberta. You're deciding whether to join them. Then Novi Financial survey of 1,000 adults married in the last decade reveals nearly half said wedding planners are not worth the money, making it the biggest regret for both men and women. Bigger regret than videography at 36.7%. Bigger than wedding favors.

The alternative costs $1,500. Wedding coordinator handles day-of chaos, makes sure food is where it needs to be, operates as disaster manager so problems don't reach bride and groom. Not the same as planner who designs the whole thing. Coordinator is Australian shepherd cat herder getting everybody in the right spot. Survey shows what was worth the money: dress topped at almost 57%, then photography, then cake. Meanwhile couples without coordinators end up as bride and groom running around talking to serving staff. That's not about you. That's operational failure.

The advice to make it about you only works when you know the specific dollar amount where help becomes regret. Nearly half learned that threshold the expensive way. The coordinator price point sits below it.

Topics: wedding planning costs, planner regrets, coordinator benefits, budget decisions, marriage expense mistakes, day-of operations

Originally aired on 2026-02-04

Wedding planner regrets hit harder than you expect when the survey results land. You're getting bombarded with advice post-engagement. Everyone says make the day about you, do it how you want to do it. Sounds helpful until you realize you have absolutely no idea what you're doing, absolutely no clue how to plan a wedding. Just under 30% of couples hire professional wedding planners costing $3,500 to $10,000 in Alberta. You're deciding whether to join them. Then Novi Financial survey of 1,000 adults married in the last decade reveals nearly half said wedding planners are not worth the money, making it the biggest regret for both men and women. Bigger regret than videography at 36.7%. Bigger than wedding favors.
The alternative costs $1,500. Wedding coordinator handles day-of chaos, makes sure food is where it needs to be, operates as disaster manager so problems don't reach bride and groom. Not the same as planner who designs the whole thing. Coordinator is Australian shepherd cat herder getting everybody in the right spot. Survey shows what was worth the money: dress topped at almost 57%, then photography, then cake. Meanwhile couples without coordinators end up as bride and groom running around talking to serving staff. That's not about you. That's operational failure.
The advice to make it about you only works when you know the specific dollar amount where help becomes regret. Nearly half learned that threshold the expensive way. The coordinator price point sits below it.
Topics: wedding planning costs, planner regrets, coordinator benefits, budget decisions, marriage expense mistakes, day-of operations
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-04

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.