7 Questions to Ask a Wedding Planner
Planning a wedding is a complex journey that often requires more time and effort than you might expect. That’s where a wedding planner comes in handy. Your wedding planner acts as your guide, making sure your vision becomes a reality by simplifying the process and helping you navigate countless choices and decisions. Asking a potential wedding planner questions gives you insight into what this guidance will look like.
Like any other vendor in the wedding planning process, there’s no shortage of wedding planners to choose from. So, how do you find the right one for you? It’s as crucial as picking the perfect wedding attire or venue. Weddings are personal, reflecting your unique style. A wedding planner who understands your personality ensures a smoother planning process and helps create a day that genuinely feels like you. It’s essential to find someone you can easily communicate with and share ideas and expectations.
Your wedding planner isn’t just a logistical coordinator. They’re a partner in crafting a celebration that mirrors your love and personalities. Take the time to find a planner with expertise and a genuine connection with you—it makes all the difference in bringing your dream wedding to life.
Before sealing the deal with your wedding planner, make sure you’re on the same page and set for success. Here are the top 7 questions to ask during your consultation (beyond the obvious). Here we go!
Potential Wedding Planner Questions
Will the design process be collaborative?
Planners who offer design may have different approaches to the design process. If you want to be more hands-on and still make decisions, make sure their approach aligns with that! It’s also a good idea to ask your wedding planner questions about their best and favorite kinds of designs.
How many people from your team will be onsite during our event?
A larger team doesn’t automatically mean a “better” experience, but it is helpful for a planner to have at least one additional team member at most weddings. Large guest counts and wedding parties, room flips, and intricate decor and logistical details are all reasons to bring on additional team members.
Who will we work with if we secure your services? Will they be our point person during the entire planning process?
Some planners are solo acts, so you’ll work directly with the owner from start to finish. Or you may have your consult with one person and plan alongside another. Sometimes with wedding management packages, you may have one point person for the bulk of your planning process and be assigned a wedding manager 6 weeks out. Be sure to ask so you know what to expect!
How do you handle a rain plan and who makes the final call?
A good wedding planner will always have a plan for inclement weather, whether that be rain, snow, or excessive heat. Knowing how that plan is made and who is responsible for making the final call will give you peace of mind if any aspect of your wedding is outside.
How do you handle vendor selection?
Similarly to design, planners may be more or less hands-on with vendor selection. If you get overwhelmed easily, you’ll want a planner who limits you to 1-3 options per vendor. Conversely, if you want to weigh all the options, make sure you get 3-5 or more recommendations each.
Have you planned other events at our venue?
I believe that a vendor does not need to have worked at your venue to do an incredible job on your wedding day. However, if they have worked at your venue, it’s nice to hear about their experience and see examples of how they styled the space.
Are you licensed and insured?
This one is so important. Because wedding planning has a low barrier to entry, some planners may be treating your wedding as a hobby, which is not what you want. While formal licensure may vary from state to state, insurance is the absolute bare minimum for a legitimate business.
A note on certification: There are currently no regulations for wedding planners, so there is no standard across certification platforms. Being a Certified Wedding Planner means someone took the time and effort to take a course, but it does not guarantee they are a great planner or a great fit for you. Not being certified also does not mean they aren’t well-educated or a fantastic planner. TLDR: don’t put too much weight into certifications.
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