A.I. Do: How Artificial Intelligence Is Reshaping Wedding Planning- But Not Replacing Planners

With tools like ChatGPT changing how couples research, budget, and envision their big day, industry experts explain the pros, cons, and where the human touch still shines.

Artificial intelligence has entered the wedding chat.

According to Shane McMurray, CEO of The Wedding Report, over 50% of engaged couples in 2024 reported using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude to assist with their planning. From building timelines and managing guest lists to writing vows and researching vendors, AI has quickly become part of the modern couple’s wedding toolkit.

“AI is changing expectations, not eliminating your value,” McMurray emphasizes to planners.

While this shift may sound like a threat to traditional wedding planning roles, it’s actually opening new opportunities for professionals willing to embrace the technology.

How Couples Are Using AI

New Orleans-based planner Kristen Rauch of PK Events says AI tools have become a popular supplement to the traditional wedding search process. “I often find couples have found incredible venues or planning services using ChatGPT,” she notes.

AI isn’t just assisting with logistics – it’s helping couples articulate their vision. “ChatGPT is definitely popular for assisting and writing vows,” Rauch explains. “But more importantly, it helps communicate the vision a couple has of how they want their wedding day to look.”

That said, these tools work best when used in tandem with real-world knowledge. “Relying on just AI may create missed opportunities. Using AI as a tool along with other great resources can make for a well-informed decision,” she adds.

The Pros: Inspiration and Efficiency

McMurray points to AI’s benefits in efficiency and personalization. Couples can now generate mood boards, seating charts, timelines, and vendor inquiries within minutes. AI can even suggest color palettes or create packing checklists based on destination and season.

Planners can leverage these tools too. Rauch says her team uses AI to explore new ways to communicate ideas with vendors and brainstorm design inspiration. “It’s helpful in exploring new ideas and ways of communicating the details of a wedding day,” she says.

The Cons: Unrealistic Expectations and Missing Context

Still, there are limitations.

One major challenge is expectation inflation. AI-generated images and descriptions often lean toward editorial perfection, which may not align with real-world budgets or venue availability. “It’s similar to Pinterest in a sense that it can create a hyper-visual expectation that may not exactly fit the budget of a client,” says Rauch.

Another concern: the quality of AI recommendations. “Sometimes couples will search venues using keywords, and it’s interesting how very different venues may show up in their results that truly have nothing in common,” Rauch shares.

McMurray also notes that AI lacks emotional intelligence. It can’t mediate family tension, navigate cultural nuances, or create a timeline that accounts for the human element. “AI-generated recommendations often overlook real-world budget, vendor fit, or emotional needs,” he says.

Why Planners Still Matter

Despite the rise of AI, both experts agree: real wedding planners are more essential than ever.

“Everything requires a human touch,” says Rauch. “Even the traditional ways of utilizing Google require the human touch, face-to-face meetings, and talking through expectations.”

AI can create a checklist – but it can’t replace a planner’s ability to problem-solve under pressure, negotiate with vendors, or bring a calming presence when nerves are high. “One-on-one communication, relationships, and real-time solutions are things AI cannot replicate,” she adds.

McMurray echoes this sentiment, encouraging planners to position themselves as the bridge between AI and real life: “AI handles the checklist. I handle the experience.”

Looking Forward: A Collaborative Future

The future of wedding planning likely involves both technology and human expertise. As platforms like ChatGPT become more sophisticated, they may help planners and couples streamline the early stages of planning, freeing up more time for creativity and personal connection.

“It’s a great tool. It just requires more than the tool to truly provide real-life results,” Rauch says. She encourages couples to use AI for inspiration but trust their planner for implementation.

Her best advice for couples? Don’t let a chatbot plan your wedding solo. “The human element in planning a wedding deserves discussion, compassion, and the human touch.”

In other words: A.I. might help say “I do”  –  but it takes a person to make it truly unforgettable.

About the Contributors

Kristen Rauch launched PK Events in 2017 after more than 25 years of planning corporate and social events with Marriott International. A New Orleans native, she brings a calming presence and passionate attention to detail to each celebration. With strong relationships among the city’s top vendors, Kristen is known for creating flawless, unforgettable wedding experiences. Learn more about Kristen and PK Events at idobypkeventsnola.com 

The Wedding Report is the number 1 source of realistic, independent, unbiased wedding statistics and wedding market research for the wedding industry. Learn more at wedding.report