Planning your wedding should be exciting, not stressful. A great wedding planner can help make that happen, taking your ideas and turning them into a dream come true. But how do you choose the right one? It’s all about finding someone who understands your vision and is the perfect fit for you. Here are seven tips to guide you.
1. Make Sure You Get Along
Your planner is going to be by your side through the entire process, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with them. You’ll be spending a lot of time together—meeting, messaging, and making decisions—so a positive relationship can really make a difference.
“When I work with clients, I always look for that connection. Planning a wedding is a big job, but it’s a lot more enjoyable when we get along well,” says Destinee, our lead planner.
Trust your instincts when you meet potential planners. If it feels like a good fit, that’s a great sign!
2. Look for Experience
Every wedding is different, and you’ll want someone who knows how to handle your style of event. Check out their portfolio to see if they’ve worked on weddings similar to yours. Are you planning a large luxury event? Or maybe a smaller, outdoor celebration? Make sure their experience aligns with your vision.
Experienced planners can spot potential challenges before they become problems and come up with solutions to keep everything running smoothly.
3. Check Reviews and Ask for References
Don’t just rely on pretty Instagram photos. Take the time to read reviews and, if possible, talk to past clients. They can give you insight into what it’s really like to work with the planner. Were they organized? Easy to communicate with? How did they handle any unexpected hiccups?
Hearing real feedback will give you a much better idea of what to expect.
4. Understand Their Services and Fees
Not all wedding planners offer the same services. Some provide full-service planning, while others specialize in day-of coordination or partial planning. It’s important to know exactly what’s included in each package, so there are no surprises later.
Also, make sure you understand how the fees are structured. You want to feel confident that you’re getting the right services for your budget.
5. Pay Attention to Their Communication Style
Communication is everything when it comes to wedding planning. You’ll want a planner who’s responsive, listens to your ideas, and keeps you in the loop. If they’re hard to reach or slow to respond during the early stages, that’s probably not going to change once you’ve hired them.
“You want someone who makes you feel heard and supported,” says a WedPlan Madison expert.
Ask about their preferred communication style—do they mainly use email, phone calls, or in-person meetings? Make sure their approach works for you.
6. Ask About Their Vendor Network
An experienced planner usually has a list of trusted vendors they work with regularly. This can be a huge benefit because they’ve already built those relationships and can recommend reliable florists, photographers, caterers, and more. They might even be able to help you secure better rates.
Ask potential planners how they choose their vendors and if they’ll provide recommendations based on your needs.
7. Trust Your Instincts
At the end of the day, you need to go with your gut. After meeting with a few planners, think about which one left you feeling the most comfortable and confident. This is someone who’s going to guide you through one of the most important days of your life—you want to feel like you’re in good hands.
A great planner will bring calm to any chaos and make you excited for every step of the process.
Ready to Find the Perfect Planner?
Choosing the right wedding planner is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these tips, you’ll find someone who gets your vision, communicates well, and makes the entire process feel effortless.
For more tips and inspiration, check out our other blog posts—or reach out to us today to chat about your wedding plans!
FAQs
1. How far in advance should I book a wedding planner?
We recommend booking your planner 12-18 months before your wedding to ensure they’re available and have plenty of time to plan with you.
2. What questions should I ask when meeting a planner?
Ask about their experience, the services they offer, their fee structure, and how they communicate. You should also share your vision to see how well they understand it.
3. Do I need a full-service planner or just a day-of coordinator?
It depends on your needs. A full-service planner handles everything from start to finish, while a day-of coordinator focuses on making sure the actual wedding day runs smoothly.
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