130+ Questions to Ask a Wedding Planner Before You Book

Weddings are exciting, but let’s not kid ourselves—planning one is no walk in the park. It’s basically a full-time job of juggling between guest lists, budgeting, and the Pinterest rabbit hole of “perfect wedding ideas.”

Luckily, wedding planners exist to take the weight off your shoulders. They’re the pros who keep everything running smoothly, making sure you actually enjoy the journey to “I do.”

But wait—before you hire the first planner you meet, take a beat. Choosing the right person for the job is a big deal (they’ll be your go-to for everything!). To help you out, I’ve rounded up the ultimate list of questions you should ask to find someone who’ll make your day everything you’ve dreamed of—and more.

Planner’s Background and Experience

  1. How many years have you been working as a wedding planner?
  2. What inspired you to become a wedding planner?
  3. How many weddings do you typically plan each year?
  4. Can you share examples of weddings similar to what we’re envisioning?
  5. Have you worked with venues or vendors in our preferred area before?
  6. Do you specialize in any specific types of weddings (e.g., cultural, destination, large-scale)?
  7. What’s the largest wedding you’ve planned? The smallest?
  8. How do you stay updated on the latest wedding trends?
  9. Do you have any certifications or professional affiliations in event planning?
  10. Have you encountered any significant challenges while planning a wedding? How did you resolve them?
  11. Do you work independently, or do you have a team?
  12. What do you enjoy most about wedding planning?
  13. Can you provide references from past clients?
  14. Have you received any awards or recognition for your work?
  15. What sets you apart from other wedding planners?

Style and Personalization

  1. How would you describe your signature style as a wedding planner?
  2. Are you comfortable working with a theme or aesthetic we’ve chosen?
  3. How do you ensure the wedding reflects our personalities and preferences?
  4. Do you have experience incorporating cultural or religious traditions into weddings?
  5. Are you open to helping with creative DIY projects or unique ideas?
  6. How do you manage situations where a couple has differing style preferences?
  7. Can you suggest ways to make our wedding feel more personal for us and our guests?
  8. Do you assist with designing a cohesive look for the ceremony and reception?
  9. Can you share examples of weddings where you’ve customized details for the couple?
  10. How do you incorporate seasonal or local elements into a wedding’s design?
  11. Do you work with specific vendors or designers for custom decorations?
  12. How much creative freedom do you encourage couples to have in the planning process?
  13. Can you help us decide on a color palette or overall theme?
  14. Do you have experience creating unique experiences, such as surprise performances or interactive stations?
  15. How do you balance practicality with the couple’s vision when planning?

Services Offered and Packages

  1. Do you offer full-service planning, partial planning, or day-of coordination?
  2. What’s included in your standard packages?
  3. Are your packages customizable based on our needs?
  4. Do you help with guest list management or seating arrangements?
  5. Can you assist with finding and booking a venue?
  6. Do your services include helping with wedding invitations and stationery?
  7. Will you attend vendor meetings with us?
  8. Do you handle RSVPs and communication with guests?
  9. Are you available to plan pre-wedding events, such as rehearsals or welcome parties?
  10. Do you assist with post-wedding tasks, like returning rentals or final payments?
  11. What tools or software do you use to keep the planning process organized?
  12. Do you help create a detailed wedding checklist or timeline?
  13. Are travel expenses included if we’re planning a destination wedding?
  14. Do you provide recommendations for accommodations for out-of-town guests?
  15. What services do you typically not handle that we may need to consider?

Budget and Fees

  1. How do you structure your fees (e.g., flat fee, percentage, hourly)?
  2. Are there additional charges we should know about?
  3. Can you work within our specific budget range?
  4. Do you offer payment plans or require a full upfront payment?
  5. How do you help us prioritize our budget for the most important aspects?
  6. Are there discounts for off-season or weekday weddings?
  7. Do you charge separately for travel or lodging if needed?
  8. What happens if our wedding date changes or gets postponed?
  9. Are there any hidden fees we might not be aware of?
  10. Do you have experience managing tight budgets effectively?
  11. How do you ensure we don’t go over budget during the planning process?
  12. Do you handle vendor negotiations to help us save money?
  13. Can you suggest creative ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality?
  14. Do you provide a breakdown of all expenses in your final invoices?
  15. How do you manage refunds or cancellations with vendors if needed?

Communication and Collaboration

  1. How do you typically communicate with couples (email, calls, in-person)?
  2. How often will we meet or check in throughout the planning process?
  3. Do you provide regular updates or progress reports?
  4. Are you available on weekends and evenings if needed?
  5. How quickly do you usually respond to messages or emails?
  6. Do you prefer a single point of contact, or can multiple people (e.g., parents) reach out?
  7. What’s your process for gathering and organizing our ideas?
  8. How involved do you expect us to be in the decision-making process?
  9. Can you share examples of how you’ve collaborated successfully with other couples?
  10. How do you handle disagreements or differing opinions among family members?
  11. Are you open to working with a wedding planner app or a shared folder for collaboration?
  12. Will you provide us with a detailed planning timeline?
  13. How do you handle urgent or last-minute requests?
  14. Are you comfortable coordinating with out-of-town couples?
  15. Can we expect follow-ups after major milestones, like booking the venue or finalizing the guest list?

Timeline and Logistics

  1. How do you create a detailed timeline for the wedding day?
  2. Do you coordinate with vendors to ensure they stick to the schedule?
  3. How far in advance do you typically start the planning process?
  4. Do you have experience managing multiple events in one day?
  5. How do you ensure everything runs smoothly on the wedding day?
  6. Can you help us plan for backup options in case of weather issues?
  7. Do you assist with arranging transportation for guests or the wedding party?
  8. How do you handle setting up and breaking down the event?
  9. Can you coordinate deliveries and pickups for rentals?
  10. Do you manage any permit requirements for the venue or special setups?
  11. How do you manage timing for cultural or religious ceremonies?
  12. What’s your plan if an event or vendor runs behind schedule?
  13. How far in advance do you recommend booking major vendors?
  14. Can you handle logistics for multiple locations (e.g., ceremony and reception)?
  15. How do you ensure the day stays stress-free for us?

Vendor Management and Recommendations

  1. Do you have a preferred list of vendors you work with?
  2. Are we required to use specific vendors, or can we choose our own?
  3. How do you vet new vendors to ensure quality?
  4. Will you handle all communication with vendors on our behalf?
  5. Can you help us negotiate contracts with vendors?
  6. Do you have experience working with our preferred vendors?
  7. How do you coordinate between multiple vendors on the wedding day?
  8. What’s your process for resolving disputes with vendors?
  9. Can you recommend budget-friendly vendors?
  10. Will you attend vendor appointments or tastings with us?
  11. How do you manage deposits and payments for vendors?
  12. Do you have backup vendors in case of emergencies?
  13. Will you oversee vendor setup on the wedding day?
  14. Can you provide vendor recommendations based on our style or preferences?
  15. How do you ensure all vendors are on the same page leading up to the event?

Day-of Coordination and Problem-Solving

  1. What specific responsibilities will you handle on the wedding day?
  2. Will you be on-site the entire day?
  3. How do you manage the wedding party to ensure they follow the timeline?
  4. Do you handle emergencies, like wardrobe malfunctions or last-minute changes?
  5. How do you ensure the ceremony and reception start on time?
  6. Will you act as the main point of contact for vendors on the wedding day?
  7. What’s your process for resolving seating or guest-related issues?
  8. Do you assist with coordinating speeches, performances, or special moments?
  9. Can you manage unexpected weather changes on the wedding day?
  10. How do you handle guests who don’t RSVP but show up?
  11. Will you oversee the cleanup process after the event?
  12. How do you ensure the couple is stress-free throughout the day?
  13. What’s your plan for resolving technical issues, like sound system failures?
  14. Do you coordinate the timing of meal service and cake cutting?
  15. How do you keep the day running smoothly if unexpected delays occur?

Post-Wedding Support

  1. Will you assist with returning rented items or decor?
  2. Do you handle the final payments or gratuities for vendors?
  3. Can you help us review vendor contracts for post-wedding obligations?
  4. Do you collect feedback from vendors on our behalf?
  5. How do you assist with resolving disputes or issues after the wedding?
  6. Can you help us create thank-you notes for guests and vendors?
  7. Do you provide a detailed financial summary after the wedding?
  8. Will you share photos or videos from the wedding day once available?
  9. Do you assist with preserving keepsakes, like bouquets or dresses?
  10. How do you handle final inventory checks for rented items?
  11. Can you provide a recap of lessons learned or things to consider for future events?
  12. Will you coordinate with vendors for donations of leftover food, flowers, or decor?
  13. Do you offer assistance with honeymoon planning?
  14. How do you stay in touch with couples after their wedding?
  15. Can you help us create a timeline for post-wedding follow-ups, like photo albums?

Final Thoughts

Take your time asking questions and getting to know your planner. It’s important to find someone who understands your vision, works well with your budget, and makes you feel confident about the process.

Remember, this is your day, and it should reflect you and your partner in every way. The right wedding planner will help bring your dream to life and make sure your wedding is everything you’ve hoped for—and more.

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Bea is an editor and writer with a passion for literature and self-improvement. Her ability to combine these two interests enables her to write informative and thought-provoking articles that positively impact society. She enjoys reading stories and listening to music in her spare time.