When Janet got engaged, her excitement quickly turned to anxiety. Between her full-time job and family obligations, planning a wedding felt like a mountain she could not climb. That is when a friend recommended a wedding planner. What followed was a journey of calm, creativity, and a celebration that exceeded her expectations. Janet is just one of many Ugandan brides discovering the value of hiring someone to handle the behind-the-scenes work of planning a wedding.
In the past, weddings in Uganda were largely organised by family and friends. Aunties took charge of food, cousins managed the sound system, and neighbours helped pitch tents. Today, the scene is shifting. In urban centres such as Kampala, Jinja, and Mbarara, professional wedding planners are becoming a staple of the modern wedding. Their job is simple yet crucial: to take the chaos out of planning and ensure that the day runs smoothly.
Uganda has seen a significant rise in event planners offering wedding services. Companies such as Biggie Events, Kemi the Bespoke Planner, 360 Events, Spur Events, and Lian Event Planning are among the key players. These professionals offer a wide range of services depending on the couple’s needs and budget.
Some planners take on the entire process, from budgeting and venue selection to styling and vendor coordination, as well as logistics, while others offer assistance only on the wedding day. Many also handle the introduction ceremony, honeymoon bookings, and even planning for bachelor or bachelorette parties.
What it costs, and what you get in return
The cost of hiring a wedding planner in Uganda varies. Some planners charge a flat fee, usually between Shs1.5m and Shs3m, while others take a percentage of the total wedding budget. Factors such as the number of guests, the complexity of the event, and the location all influence the final cost. For couples working with limited funds, a planner might seem like an unnecessary expense. However, many find that the money they save through a planner’s vendor connections and negotiation skills often offsets the planning fee. More importantly, they gain peace of mind.
For Moses and his wife, who planned a wedding in Entebbe, hiring a planner was a lifesaver. When their decorator cancelled at the last minute, the planner had a backup ready within hours. The couple did not even find out about the crisis until after the honeymoon. It is these kinds of interventions that make wedding planners invaluable.
Finding the right one
Finding the right planner starts with research. Couples are encouraged to check social media, wedding websites, and referrals from friends. Instagram and Facebook have become essential platforms where planners showcase their past work. It is important to meet with a planner in person to understand their style, professionalism, and whether your personalities click.
A good planner will ask about your vision, budget, and priorities, and will offer creative ideas to bring your dream to life. It is essential to get everything in writing, from services offered to payment terms and cancellation policies.
While most planners in Uganda are professional and reliable, couples should still tread carefully. Warning signs include vague service descriptions, no contract, poor communication, or promises that sound too good to be true. If a planner seems unorganised or struggles to answer basic questions, it may be best to keep looking.
Is a wedding planner right for you?
That said, not every couple needs a full-service planner. For smaller, simpler weddings, hiring someone just for coordination on the wedding day may be enough. Some couples rely on close friends or family members to play that role. Others use free tools such as Google Sheets, Pinterest boards, and wedding planning apps to stay on top of things. But as weddings become more elaborate and expectations grow, even the most hands-on couple might appreciate having a professional by their side.
In Uganda today, weddings are more than just ceremonies; they are curated experiences. From rustic garden receptions to ballroom glam, every couple wants their celebration to reflect their personality and love story. A wedding planner helps turn that vision into reality, ensuring that while the guests are enjoying the day, the couple can too.
So if you are planning to say “I do,” consider sitting down with a planner. Ask the right questions, check their work, and find someone who understands what your dream day looks like. Whether they guide you through the whole journey or just step in on the wedding day, the right planner can turn your stress into celebration and your vision into something unforgettable.
Some questions to ask a wedding planner
•How many weddings have you planned?
•Can I see photos or videos from past events?
•What is your fee structure?
•Do you work with specific vendors?
•What happens if something goes wrong?
•Will you be there on the wedding day?
