Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Wedding Planner
Photography Kelly Kang
Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Wedding Planner
Planning a wedding is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also be overwhelming. That’s where a great wedding planner comes in. But how do you know if you’ve found the one (besides your fiancé, of course)?
Here are essential questions to ask when meeting with a potential wedding planner, so you can feel confident and stress-free throughout your planning journey.
1. What services do you offer, and what’s included in your packages?
Not all planners offer the same level of service. Some specialize in full-service planning (from venue scouting to day-of coordination), while others focus on partial planning or month-of coordination.
➡️ Why this matters: You want to be clear on what you're getting (and not getting) before you sign anything.
2. How many weddings do you take on per year (or per weekend)?
You deserve their full attention.
➡️ Why this matters: If they’re juggling too many weddings, your big day might not get the care it deserves.
3. What’s your planning and communication style?
Do they prefer emails, calls, texts? Are they hands-on with every little detail or more big-picture focused?
➡️ Why this matters: You’ll be working closely for months—it's important you vibe well and feel heard.
4. Can you work within our budget?
A good planner knows how to maximize your budget without compromising the experience.
➡️ Why this matters: Transparency is key. You want someone realistic and resourceful, not someone who’ll push you to overspend.
5. Do you have a preferred vendor list? Can we bring in our own vendors?
Many planners have trusted relationships with vendors, which can be a huge plus. But you should also know if you have flexibility.
➡️ Why this matters: Their network can save you time (and sometimes money), but your preferences should come first.
6. How do you handle wedding-day emergencies?
From sudden rain to missing floral arrangements, things can go wrong.
➡️ Why this matters: You want a planner who stays calm under pressure and has backup plans ready to go.
7. Can you share examples of weddings you’ve planned that are similar to our vision?
A good fit isn’t just about personality—it’s also about style and experience.
➡️ Why this matters: Seeing their past work gives you confidence they can bring your dream wedding to life.
8. What happens after we book you?
What are the next steps? How often will you meet? What should you expect?
➡️ Why this matters: Clear expectations now will prevent miscommunication later.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a wedding planner is a big decision, but asking the right questions makes it easier. Don’t be afraid to interview a few planners until you find someone who feels like the perfect match.
After all, you’re not just hiring someone to organize a party—you’re trusting them with one of the most important days of your life.
