What to Ask a Wedding Planner?

Asking the right questions is the key to finding the perfect planner for your wedding. Knowing a planner's background, planning process, and visions will land you with efficient planners. We've gathered a comprehensive list of what to ask a wedding planner to address your priorities and find the perfect planner.

What to Ask a Wedding Planner?

You should ask wedding planners questions about their availability, planning process, budgeting, pre-wedding logistics, day-of logistics, and ability to personalize your visions. It's crucial that you get answers about their wedding planning services, area of expertise, and how you will collaborate for the design process.

If you hire a wedding planner, you will work closely with them for the whole wedding preparation. Thus, it's vital that you're on the same page about various aspects. These questions can help you achieve this.

Basic Questions for a Wedding Planner

Starting with the basics will give you a clear idea of whether you should pursue booking a certain planner or it's time to find a different one.

• Are you available on my wedding date?: If you have a flexible date, can they accommodate you?
• Does your area of service cover our target location?: Be clear about your potential venues since some planners may only serve specific locations. Meanwhile, others may require out-of-town fees.
• What kind of wedding planning services do you offer?: If you need a full-service planner, ensure that the planner doesn't only provide partial or day-of coordination. Knowing their service packages will also give you an idea of your potential expenses.

Background and Experience Questions for a Wedding Planner

These questions will help you get a sense of a planner's expertise and knowledge and learn why there are worth the money. It's also crucial that their vision aligns with your wedding day goals.

• Can you tell me more about your experience in the industry?: This helps you see what they've been doing for the past years and how they established relationships with the top wedding vendors.
• What's your area of expertise?: Some planners specialize in full-blown luxurious weddings, while others have a more laid-back style. There are planners that only focus on elopement, whereas others can also cater to destination weddings.
• How experienced is your staff?: Determine how many coordinators, assistants, and stylists will work on your wedding day. How will the staff handle wedding day emergencies? Do you have backup plans or solutions if things don't go as planned? 

Pre-wedding and Day-of Logistics Questions for a Wedding Planner

Wedding planning involves a lot of pre-wedding and on-the-day logistics, which is why wedding planners are necessary for a smooth event. These questions will help you see how a planner will prepare everything while staying within your budget and schedule.

What Is Your Typical Planning Process?

This question answers how many meetings you will have, along with your level of involvement. Moreover, you'll discover how a planner creates an outline and task list for wedding preparations.

How Do You Select Vendors?

Some planners already have partner vendors, while others allow you to choose outside suppliers. On the other hand, there are planners who may share a list of their recommended vendors.

Will You Manage the Vendor Communication and Payments?

This helps you see how much time you can save in planning since the planner can oversee the significant task of dealing with the vendors.

Will You Handle the Guest List Coordination and Invitations?

Some planners don't oversee these tasks. Find out if they require an additional fee or if it's part of their standard service package.

Can You Create a Day-of Timeline?

Some couples are unsure of how the on-the-day program for weddings should work. Know if the planner can do it for you or see how you can collaborate with the ideas.

Budget and Payment Questions for a Wedding Planner 

Money talk may feel uncomfortable at first. However, it's vital that you leave with a complete understanding of your budget plans and how much you'll need to pay the planner according to the services you need. These are some questions to get started.

• Can you work within our approximate budget?: When a planner knows your budget, they can discuss the kind of services that would fit your budget well. From here, they can also figure out how much you can allot for specific vendors.
• How should you pay?: Ask if you need to pay a flat fee, hourly rate, or a percentage. Additionally, know if they require final payment weeks prior to your wedding.
• Will there be additional expenses?: Forgetting to budget for miscellaneous expenses is a common wedding budget mistake couples commit. Don't be shy to ask about potential additional fees for travel, optional services, overtime, and vendor gratuities.

Designing and Aesthetics Questions for a Wedding Planner

These questions will give you a clear idea about the planner's creative approach to personalizing your wedding day.

• Can we check some of your past works related to our desired theme?
• Can you help us pick designs for wedding floral palettes, invitations, or stage setups?
• Can you share ideas about how you're going to execute our vision?

Related Questions

What Do You Say to Your Wedding Planner?

When talking to wedding planners, you should talk about important details such as the wedding date and potential venue, realistic guest count, and an approximate budget. Likewise, share your story as a couple, your preferences, and the kind of experience you want for the wedding day to help in personalization.

How Do I Prepare for My First Wedding Planning Meeting?

To prepare for your first wedding planning meeting, bring your vision board and a list of ideas. It would be best to be specific with your likes and dislikes, along with other preferences, so that you can discuss your ideas completely. You can also use the questions listed above for discussion.

How Do You Approach Wedding Planners?

You may either call, email, or directly visit a wedding planner's office to discuss. Keep your inquiry brief, focusing on the key points, such as your wedding date, target location, and the kind of planner you need. You can further discuss your needs and ideas after booking the planner.

Conclusion

Knowing the right questions to ask can help you find the right planner for your wedding. Be sure to ask questions about availability, the creative planning process, logistics, budgeting, and the planner's various services. With Thomas Bui Lifestyle wedding planners, you can get these questions answered and start planning your big day.