There’s no doubt that hiring a wedding planner is a big decision. After all, they’re the vendor who will work most closely with you in the months to come, enhancing your vision, and making the process as stress-free as possible. The right wedding planner is your right hand, your advocate, and your creative partner. And it’s important you feel comfortable and confident in your choice.
The first step in determining whether someone is a good fit for you and your wedding is to do some research. Check the planner’s website, social media, and online reviews. Look at their previous work to get a feel for who they are. Then it’s time to meet – either in person or virtually (as many couples are doing at the moment). Before signing on the dotted line, it’s important to ask the right questions. But what ARE the right questions to ask when hiring a wedding planner? Here are ten that I suggest.
What is your approach to planning weddings? From looking at a wedding planner’s website, you should get a good idea of their basic philosophy and the weddings that they specialize in. However, it’s still a good idea to ask. What are they passionate about? Do they have areas of particular expertise? What makes their weddings different?
What exactly do your services cover? The services provided can vary greatly from one wedding planner to another. For example, some include design and styling while others focus on logistics. It’s important to know exactly what your planner will do – and what they won’t. Will they come along to dress fittings, help with RSVP management, help plan pre- and post-wedding events?
How do you prefer to work? When hiring a wedding planner, it’s a good idea to know what you can expect in the months to come. For example, do they prefer to communicate via email or phone? How much will you be involved in the process? What is their availability to discuss planning details?
What is your experience as a wedding planner? It’s a good idea to know how long your potential wedding planner has been in business, and what their experience has been in general. This will give you a good idea of what they bring to the table in terms of contacts as well as the ability to handle the unexpected. Have they dealt with both larger and smaller events? Destination weddings? Depending on your needs, their level of expertise can be a deciding factor.
Have you ever worked at a similar venue in terms of style, layout, etc.? Couples are sometimes advised to ask whether a potential wedding planner has worked at their exact venue before. This isn’t necessarily relevant. However, you do want to find out if they have worked at similar venues in terms of location and scale. If you’re getting married in another country at a private home or museum, do they understand the logistics that come with that?
Do you have a minimum budget that you work with? Most planners have an average wedding budget they are used to working with, and some have a required minimum. This question will also help you figure out if the looks you love from their portfolio are achievable with the budget you have available. While a good planner will always give you different options and help you manage your budget effectively, you should be on the same page from the start.
Do you work only with preferred vendors? One of the best things about working with a wedding planner is that you have access to their little black book of contacts. A good planner has established relationships with a range of vendors and will know exactly which are suited to your wedding. However, if you already have your heart set on a specific florist or photographer, for example, it’s a good idea to clarify that your planner is willing to work with them with an open mind.
How many weddings do you take on each year and how many do you have for the weekend of our wedding? Depending on the size of your planner’s team, less is definitely better. You want to ensure that your wedding will receive the focus and commitment it deserves when the time comes.
Who will be on-site on the wedding day? If your wedding planner does work with a team, it’s a good idea to know how many people you can expect to be on-site on the day of your wedding. Will this include the planner you are meeting? The size of the staff is typically based on the guest count, but be sure they have the team in place to service your celebration!
Can you provide references for us to contact? It’s so important to check the references of any potential wedding planner. A reputable professional will be happy to provide you with contacts and testimonials.
Finally, remember that hiring a wedding planner isn’t a one-way street. Your potential planner will also ask you a number of questions so that they can understand your vision, and ensure that you are a good fit for one another!
Still not sure if you need a wedding planner? Here are nine signs that you might!
xoxo,
Mindy
